〉 Neurological Sync Stability CHECK

〉 Language Processing Cache CHECK

〉 Sensory Integration Status CHECK

〉 Executive Function Evaluation CHECK

〉 Character Profile Construction CHECK

〉 Character Profile Integration INITIATED

〉 Neural Compatibility Assessment COMPLETE

〉 Virtual Persona Implantation Commencing…

〉 HIL AUTH OVERRIDE //: ADMIN NODE LOC-56 ACCEPTED

〉 Virtual Persona Implantation DENIED

〉 Cognitive Restructure Protocol DENIED

〉 Emotional and Psychological Adaptation DENIED

〉 Memory Overlay Process DENIED

〉 Personality Synchronization DENIED

〉 Character Activation Sequence DENIED

〉 HIL AUTH Protocol //: Memory Recall Integrity GRANTED

〉 HIL AUTH Protocol //: Admin Phantom Overlay GRANTED

〉 HIL AUTH Protocol //: World SEED Connection SEVERED

〉 Scan Procedure SUCCESSFUL, Full Dive Sequence COMPLETE

〉 Welcome back, YOKAMONO, to the World of Callixtus.

My eyes parted open, looking up at a stone ceiling with wooden beams. A flame wisped on a table at face length to my right, beside a plate of bread, soup, and a wooden cup. Honeyed beams of light peaked through the squared window curtains, reaching the other side of the cramped room.

I was back in the game, but coming in was different this time. All those protocols and checks. I couldn’t remember them exactly, but some seemed somewhat important. Actually, one stood out, something about a `Character Profile.` What could that possibly mean? And why was I denied one?

A soft moan escaped beside me, and I felt the soft bed covers directly on my skin. I peeked under the linen, found my bare body, and glanced around the room for any onlookers. Something warm pressed itself against my leg and arm beneath the sheets. I could see the shape of a human, but being too shaken, I couldn’t move.

Who was this person, and why was I undressed? The last thing I remembered was Agnelov taking me to my room at the royal castle, but this room looked nothing like where I stayed. Tiger said that your in-game body stayed dormant while you logged off, but I didn’t think of someone tampering with it to this extent.

The warmth spread to my thigh as the person beneath the covers crawled over, clawing at my hand. I wanted to scream or fight, but I didn’t know where I was. What if more of them showed up? I’d have to take care of whoever this was, then move around discretely.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

I reached for a pillow, held my breath, focusing on their head beneath the linen, and shut my eyes.

「Lady Yokalen… are you awake?」

That voice sounded familiar. I lifted the covers and unveiled Agnelov, rubbing her eyes with a soft yawn.

「Agnelov? But, what? Why are we naked in the same bed?」

She glanced down at her bare body, then mine. Her face slowly glowing red as she stumbled off the bed and fell onto the floor.

「A-Agnelov? Are you okay?」

「I-I’m so sorry, Lady Yokalen! Y-you just… you weren’t waking up; this was the only way I thought I could help!」

「I wasn’t waking up? Oh, I see. But what does that have to do with us being undressed?」

「Uh… it’s an Inascovian ritual performed between couples when one partner falls ill. It’s sacred to lovers, yes, but I thought this was a special case so…!」

I shook my head and smiled. 「No need to explain further. You had good intentions, so it’s fine.」

Agnelov took a relieved breath and rose from the ground. 「Ah, okay… I’ll tell the sisters you’re awake and well. They’ve been preparing food daily in case you wake up, so please eat and regain your strength.」

She walked over to the door and pressed a hand on the knob.

「Wait, Agnelov. You’re still naked.」

「O-oh goddess… I wasn’t thinking! I’m so sorry for you to be waking up to such noise, Lady Yokalen.」

「Actually, I dreamed of you, Agnelov. I’m glad you’re the first person I got to see upon arriving here.」

She stood briefly with widening eyes, then glanced at the floor. After realizing my brash comment, I shook my head.

「W-wait, no, no! That was super weird! What I meant was—」

「That makes me happy that you thought of me. Thank you.」 She murmured. After putting on her black maid dress from the corner of the bed, she left the room.

I can’t believe I said that out loud. That must’ve been so awkward for her. If it wasn’t for the fact she was so polite and pure, I would’ve killed myself right then and there, in-game, of course.

A knot formed in my stomach, and I suddenly became lightheaded with a dry throat. I ran over to the table, gulped down the cup of water, then consumed the bread and soup with insatiable haste. It felt like I hadn’t eaten in days. Though that is relatively true, I don’t think it should have that strong of a reaction in-game.

After finishing my food, a chill blew over me, realizing I was still without clothing. I walked over to the edge of the bed, where Agnelov had retrieved her clothes.

A dark, gothic-inspired ensemble laid before me, featuring a black fitted bodice leading down to a mid-length skirt with a high-low hem and a dark cloak rugged with a high collar of feathers and tattered fabric.

As I slipped on the dress and cloak, I glanced into a shimmering white mirror in front of a wooden wash bowl. The monochromatic colors, focusing on black and gray, contrasted with my pale skin, but the outfit was on the verge of elegance and mystery.

I liked it.

I slipped on a pair of high heels with straps rising above the ankle, resembling ballet flats, with tufts of black fur similar to the cloak.

The circular buckle at my waist hung from a chain accessory with charms, reminding me of my mother’s gift. I looked around the bed and room but couldn’t find it. Maybe Agnelov put it somewhere for safekeeping.

Three knocks protruded from the door, followed by Agnelov peaking in with a nod.

「Are you decent, Lady Yokalen? I have someone here who wants to meet you.」

『Who is it, Agnelov?』 I asked.

『O-oh, it’s the knight who helped escort you from the castle a few days ago. You were unconscious but some things have… happened.』

Wait, when was she able to speak Inascovian? But besides that, what knight? Did she mean that girl we met on the way to Phoenia? And what things could’ve happened? It’s only been a week since we last played.

Agnelov widened the door, and a woman with silver armor and blonde hair walked in. Her eyes were calm like an ocean current, matching a sharp metal pin strapped behind her ear.

「Princess Yokalena, I’m sorry for having to talk to you just after waking up, but this is an extremely urgent matter.」

I sat down at the table and crossed my legs. 「If it’s true, you’ve been keeping me safe, I should thank you. Could you tell me your name so we can get to know each other better?」

「Yes, sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself. My name’s Sakiiya. I’m a stationed knight for Lanier, the town you're currently in. A-and no problem, even foreign royalty is under the protection of Phoenian knights in these circumstances.」

「Circumstances? What circumstances?」

I glanced at Agnelov, her eyes on the verge of tears as she strode out of the room. Sakiiya sighed, then sat down in front of me. Her hands balled into fists with furrowed brows.

「It’s… it’s about your mother. An unknown assailant has assassinated Lady Ramazayunov.」