Chris continued to delve into the various functions I was already familiar with. His steady voice filled the room yet drifted in my ears as my mind considered other things. Wasting time wouldn't be good, would it? The same as when waiting for the bus to come, I would read something on my Helios rather than letting time pass unnecessarily.

But, indeed, this interlocutor of mine shouldn't be underestimated. He suddenly asked, "Do you understand what is in the Daily or Weekly in Vaughan?"

'This isn't good.'

If I didn't reply, he would realize I wasn't listening from the start. Hence, I said, "Daily is a task that can be done every day, as, so, advisable to finish it before tomorrow. By contrast, Weekly has a weekend deadline. Though, it is up to us whether we want to do it or not."

Hearing my explanation, Chris laughed. Although his laughter wasn't as intense as Daniel's, I could feel it was genuine, not as contrived as his usual fake smile. Possibly, this was because my answer sounded general.

"Let's delve deeper into your journey here in Vaughan."

Oh?

From his response—a brief pause in his talk, eyes narrowing slightly, laughing, and changing the subject—it was clear Chris recognized I wasn't listening to him.

And he didn't seem to mind? Maybe the system required him to keep explaining to the player even if he didn't want to? But that reaction was what surprised me. Like... he knew my behavior. He was okay with it. While the question was just a medium to get me to refocus on him as he wanted to discuss something important.

What I tried to say was this NPC used "social navigation."

Social navigation in this context referred to his ability to navigate social interactions in a way that considered human attention, engagement, and responses. I couldn't help but ask myself: why did Noir, a far higher-ranking NPC than him, not act this way?

That was weird. Noir, unlike Chris and Daniel, seemed detached. Was she designed that way (as her personality)? Could it be that Noir did possess social navigation but chose not to use it? Maybe that was her way of asserting control: watching, assessing, but withholding the kind of engagement that Chris demonstrated so effortlessly. She was the "leader," anyway, and it was understandable that some were cold to the point of expressionless.

I became quite curious. I started listening to Chris when he said, "To truly integrate into our community, it is crucial to align with one of our Departments; Gear, Dragonic, Consultation, or Execution. Each path you choose affects the missions you will receive. It would be better to research each before deciding on any. You can come to me again after that."

Then, a pop-up window appeared in front of me.

Would you like to receive detailed explanations about each Department?

Hmmm. Knowing such information was readily available through reading and considering Chris' advice to research, I felt no need for a verbal explanation. I reached out to select [No] on the virtual display. And the window disappeared.

Nodded; Chris seemed to respect my choice to explore autonomously. "Very well. If you have any questions or assistance, reach out."

Ding!

Main Story updated!

The screen in front of me, however, displayed red text rather than the regular Quest list description.

Level Requirement! Your progression in Main Story is currently paused. To continue, you must reach Level 15 Current Level: 5

Ah, yes, the usual balancing system. An effort to prevent players from rushing everything immediately—especially the [Main Story]. It was also an attempt to encourage players to explore and check out other available features rather than constantly focus on one thing.

'Putting that aside, something bothered me...'

"...you hid one, huh?"

You know, like I said, I got curious. Other than the four mentioned, what about the one led by Noir? As I remember, she was the leader of the Discipline Department, which Chris didn't say. I also remember how the system prevented me from being her friend. If I got the chance to meet her, and that was to be in the same Department, I could dig deeper into how to get close to the leaders.

But as Chris heard my question, his eyes sharpened, and a smirk appeared on his lips. This expression of his, to say the least, felt quite gripping. "Hm? Can something like you be a system?"

He understood what I meant but chose to be ambiguous. Ah. Typical AI.

So be it, interpret it myself.

From a broader perspective, this question served as a meta-commentary on the nature of gaming itself—suggesting that players... while believing in their autonomy to make choices within the game, were ultimately still following a set of pre-defined systems and rules. Thus, this questioned the illusion of freedom.

Or maybe he meant that the Discipline Department was specialized by NPCs only, as the security personnel of this game. That was why they were categorized as a system.

Still, I would reply to his words.

"Can't."

And Chris responded with only a slight smile.

With his silence, I realized that our conversation had ended. So I gave a brief nod to him and left his room.

While on my way out of the building, specifically in the elevator (thankfully less packed), I moved my hand forward to access the main menu. In [Quest Log], the array of available Quests sprawled before me was extensive. Yet, amidst the standard, one shone with a golden hue—discussing [Hobbies]. Its unique coloration indicated a [Special Quest], likely unlocking the game's casual features that I have ignored thus far.

Despite the allure of this varied list, my sights were set on one.

Description Cecil is on the brink of a breakthrough in her latest research project. However, she finds herself needing materials to conduct her experiments. With her dedication to advancing, Cecil seeks help to gather these essential components. Objectives Purchase 5 bottles of Enchanted Water Collect 2 Solvent Flower stems

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Indeed, I planned to stick with Quests that had the potential to provide good clues—perhaps something related to the NPC (like befriending them), so I could understand what was happening in the game from the perspective of its inhabitants. Or something close to how the system worked, like exploring their lore.

But looking at this list... nothing stood out; everything was too generic.

I had no choice but to choose this relatively straightforward one. And efficiency always wins everything, right? I quickly pressed [Accept].

Ding!

Side Quest taken!

New Quest!

The Essence of Research

Task Visit the Dragonic Department's Research Lab and talk to "Cecil" Location 962m Time limit 8hr Prize 150 Gold; 60 EXP

With my objectives clear, I made my way to the Dragonic Department's Research Lab as soon as I exited the building. I quickly opened the [Map] and prepared my Mount. From the screen before me alone, I could see that the long distance indicated a detour.

Once I started my ride, the gothic-styled academy gave the impression of well-preserved ancient structures, even though it had been mixed with technology. Like in a garden I passed through, there was a holographic four-legged dragon with giant wings spanning its gushing waters, which occasionally appeared to roar silently. And the longer I go around like this, the more I might memorize—Oh...

'Why didn't I memorize it instead of constantly opening the [Map]?'

Even though the [Map] display wasn't as detailed as when we passed the road directly, at least I would know its general route. Vaughan was huge, like a small city in itself. But just looking at the layout was enough for me to memorize it. Besides making things easier in the future, this could also become a distraction from the busy surroundings packed with activities. Players haggled with vendors. Some sat and gathered on park benches. Chatter. Footsteps. The distant drone of other Mounts filled the air.

Amidst this cacophony, I found myself busy examining the [Map]. Despite my attention, the sounds around me managed to break through, slightly disrupting my inspection of Vaughan's layout.

Entering Dragonic Department District

The flashing rectangular screen three seconds above my vision caused me to completely lose concentration. Thus, I switched the mode of the [Map] I used to view Vaughan's overall layout to point at the active Quest.

The screen indicated that I should turn left, so I followed it and saw a boxy white marble building in the distance; that building stood out for its simplicity and expansive width in contrast to the other multi-story structures in the area, giving the impression that it was much larger than it looked from a distance.

'This must be Research Lab.'

I dismounted from the hoverboard, returned it to Heart Core mode, and stored it in [Inventory] before approaching the building.

Linear pathways led me around the gardens (well-kept), demonstrating that the research conducted here was broad. The whole botanical section itself looked fascinating with its specimens, but through the glass walls, there was a hint of rows of machinery emitting a soft glow; observation rooms filled with holographic display globes showing star systems and researchers intently looking over their analysis. I even caught glimpses of cylindrical tanks of cloudy liquid containing floating organic shapes—no doubt part of some experiments in genetics.

But what really caught my eye was the botanical research section. Unlike the ornamental greenery scattered throughout Vaughan, these plants were different—vibrant and experimental. One had leaves of metallic sheen that folded and unfolded as if breathed. A bush nearby was heavy with small, orb-shaped fruits surrounded by crystal-like shells that flashed in the sun.

Though interested, I kept my eyes on the clock; there was still a time-limit Quest to be completed.

Welcome to the Dragonic Department's Research Lab!

When I entered, the Quest instruction didn't directly point to which room Cecil was in; instead, it pointed to the reception desk in the lobby. My assumption that this was a straightforward [Side Quest] instantly vanished... Urgh. Why did this game keep forcing me to adjust my approach?

While letting out a long sigh, I walked towards the reception desk, where an NPC assistant with her typical lab coat greeted me with a nod. "Welcome to our Lab. How may I assist you today?"

"I am here to see Cecil." Even though I was annoyed, I spontaneously went back into professional mode. "I have a Quest to assist with her research."

The AI assistant tapped on the holographic display. "Ah, yes, Cecil is currently in Lab 3B. Please follow the signs to the lab. Would you need guidance?"

"No. Thank you." I bowed my head out of politeness and excused myself, then began navigating the long hallways.

I moved, my footsteps lost amongst background murmurs of passing people: researchers in white coats, assistants hurrying with datapads, and the odd security officer monitoring the hall. The building was huge, with high ceilings supported by cross beams. The deeper I walked, the larger the facility's scale became apparent: row after row of rooms branching into specialized sections.

After a while, I began to see a marker. The letter [B] on the wall indicated that I was on the right track. I continued down this corridor, which felt even more specialized, with a floor that reflected subtle lighting strips embedded along the walls' bases.

'Now looking for room three... 1B... 2B... Ah, here.'

I tried to open the sliding door—

"Ah!"

—but the door was opened first by a girl who looked like she was in a hurry! Whoa! That sound of surprise startled me!

Thankfully, her reflexes were pretty good; she stepped back with a jolt, avoiding the cliche scene of "colliding with the opposite sex." She also seemed to ignore my presence? One glance and she was off running to the hallway behind. A brief view of her expression suggests she was worried...? Not sure. From the number of accessories like pins and hair ribbons she wore, she must be a player.