The sun was beginning to set behind the mountains, casting a golden hue over the streets of Rhotae as our group made its way back to the inn. The tournament had left us bruised and battered, but the victory had given everyone a sense of accomplishment. The recruits, especially, seemed to walk a little taller, their confidence bolstered by their performance in the arena. I could see the pride on their faces as they exchanged stories of their fights, each one embellishing their achievements just a little more.

I lagged, my thoughts drifting back to the fight. I had played my part, flanking the enemy when it counted, but there was a part of me that couldn’t shake the feeling that I had gotten too comfortable at the moment. The strategy had worked, and I knew it would. After all, I had played similar scenarios a thousand times in VR games back in my world. But here, in this world, it felt different—more real, more dangerous.

As we approached the inn, Mannes slowed his pace to walk beside me. His face was thoughtful, and I could tell there was something on his mind. We hadn’t spoken much after the tournament, but now that the excitement had died down, I figured he had questions.

“You did well today,” Mannes said after a moment, his voice low but sincere. “You’ve done well since the beginning. You’ve solved more problems than most would even know how to handle.”

I glanced at him, unsure where this was going. “It wasn’t just me. Cassius and the others—”

Mannes waved me off. “Cassius did his part, and so did the recruits, but I’m talking about you.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he was trying to figure me out. “You’ve handled everything we’ve come across with a level of skill I didn’t expect. From the bandits in that cave to the negotiations with the poachers, and even today with that flanking maneuver in the tournament. It’s clear you’ve got experience.”

I felt a slight tightening in my chest. Experience. That word weighed on me in a way that Mannes couldn’t possibly understand. Sure, I had experience—years of it. But none of it came from the world we were in now. All of my training, my tactics, my knowledge had come from VR games, simulations that felt real but were just lines of code at the end of the day. How was I supposed to explain that to him?

He must have noticed my hesitation because he gave me a sideways glance, his brow furrowed. “Look, Augustus, I’ve been in the army a long time. I’ve served under Tadeos and Garios. I’ve fought in more battles than I can count, and I’ve seen men come and go. But you’re different. You fight and lead like someone who’s been in the army for years. And yet…” He trailed off, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yet you said you have no previous experience with the army. How is that possible?”

I knew the question was coming, but it still caught me off guard. I quickly glanced away, pretending to focus on the cobblestone street beneath my feet as I thought about how to respond. What was I supposed to say? That I’d spent years mastering strategy and combat in a virtual world? That the skills he was praising were the product of countless hours spent in front of a VR console, not on a battlefield?

Of course, I couldn’t tell him that. Not only would it raise too many questions, but it would also reveal too much about where I came from. No one here would understand. This world had its own rules, its history. I had to play by those rules if I was going to survive.

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So, I did what anyone in my position would do: I lied.

“I’ve been part of a few mercenary groups before,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual. “I may not have served in the imperial army, but I’ve had my fair share of battles. Mercenary work can be just as brutal as the frontlines, and you learn quickly or you don’t survive.”

Mannes raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Mercenary groups, huh? I didn’t take you for the type. You seem… different from the usual cutthroats and sellswords I’ve come across.”

I shrugged, forcing a grin. “I suppose I’m not your typical mercenary.”

He chuckled at that, but I could see the curiosity still simmering in his eyes. Mannes wasn’t one to let things go easily, and I knew he would keep digging if I didn’t give him more. I needed to sell this story and make it convincing.

“I was young when I joined my first group,” I continued, weaving the lie as naturally as I could. “Didn’t know what I was getting myself into at first. But it paid, and I needed the money. The work was rough, and I saw some things I’d rather forget, but it taught me how to fight, and how to think on my feet. I guess that’s why I’m able to handle things the way I do.”

Mannes nodded slowly, taking in my words. “Makes sense,” he said. “Mercenary life is tough, no doubt about that. But still… most mercenaries don’t think strategically. They fight for the coin, not for honor or duty. You… you think like a soldier. You’ve got discipline, tactics. That’s rare.”

I swallowed hard, hoping he wouldn’t push further. “I’ve always preferred to think things through. Fighting without a plan is a good way to get yourself killed.”

Mannes grunted in agreement. “You’re right about that. And you’ve proven it more than once.” He glanced at me again, his expression softening. “I’m glad you’re with us, Augustus. Men like you are hard to come by. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed.”

There it was again—the praise that made me feel both proud and uncomfortable. Part of me wanted to accept it, to revel in the fact that I had done well. But another part of me—the part that knew the truth—felt like a fraud. I wasn’t some battle-hardened mercenary. I was just a guy who had played too many games and found himself stuck in a world where those skills somehow translated into survival.

But I couldn’t let that show. Mannes trusted me, and that trust was valuable. I needed him to believe in me, to keep relying on me. So, I forced a smile and nodded. “I’m just doing my part. We all are.”

We walked in silence for a while after that, the weight of the conversation hanging between us. Mannes seemed content with my explanation, but I could tell there was still a part of him that wasn’t entirely convinced. He was too seasoned not to notice when something didn’t add up. But for now, he let it go.

As we reached the inn, the sounds of laughter and conversation from the recruits filled the air. They were celebrating the victory, unaware of the deeper questions that had just been raised. I looked at them, at their smiling faces, and felt a strange sense of responsibility. They didn’t know me, not really. None of them did. But they followed me, and trusted me, and I had to live up to that trust, no matter what.

Mannes clapped me on the shoulder before heading inside. “Get some rest. We’ve got a long road ahead of us.”

I nodded, watching as he disappeared into the inn. I stood there for a moment, staring up at the sky, my mind racing. The lie I had just told felt heavier than I expected, but it was necessary. I had no choice.

Because in this world, the truth could get me killed.