The young girl sprinted through a dense forest, her heart pounding with each step. She crossed a digital sign without looking, ">Lv100 only," moving horizontally in a loop. With enthusiasm etched across her face, she checked a message on her device, containing a riddle that hinted at a meeting point in a small village and a hidden silhouette of her destination.
As she ventured further into the forest, there was no one in sight. Suddenly, the battle music intensified—a mix between rock and dubstep—forcing the hasty girl to halt in her tracks. Trails on the ground appeared, seemingly surrounding her and limiting her movements.
A grin formed on her face. "Well, I guess they're part of the surprise? New types of enemies... Dark type, perhaps?" Her voice carried a murderous intent. She looked around, searching for a strategic position to deal with the situation and checking on her status and health reading
Hellena
LP: 967/1000
Status icons:
Quickstep
LV: 104
MP: 200/200
Weapons:
Bloody Ring of Erezis (up)
Lightning spear of Zurius (left)
Canon Macabre (right)
Damocles (down)
Armor:
Swiftwind Garb (up)
Tactical Shadowmail (down)
"Thank you, world, for that sweet, sweet melody," she said, tensing up a bit. Suddenly, one of her unseen foes lunged at her.
But at that moment, she heard a loud noise as one of them jumped at her from the left. As the sound approached her neck, she leaned back neatly, dodging its attack. With a swift motion, she glided her finger up, summoning squares of pixels that formed a shiny disk—a large circular Chakram with a diameter slightly exceeding half of her height. Using the disk-like blade, she made the creature pass through the void, particles of undissolved pixels from the invocation sticking to its fur, while she struck an enthusiastic salesperson-like pose, exposing the creature’s relatively small size and wolf like physique.
A little message popped out below her eyesight, "Bloody Ring of Erezis activate"
"Ouhhhh," she melodiously exclaimed. "I really should plan something about becoming a beast tamer. Unfortunately for you doggies, I'm a cat person for life." She then spun around and dug up the dirt on the ground, dirtying the beasts around her. She counted a pack of six canine-shaped creatures. Using her circular blade, she attacked two shadow beasts that jumped at her, attempting to slice them from top to bottom. However, just before the blade made contact, their bodies disjointed and opened like a gaping jaw, trying to swallow her weapon and hand. Reacting swiftly, she twirled and rotated with her weapon, defending herself as she sought a safe spot. But before she could react further, something pierced through her chest with a visceral racket, lifting her up. Along viscous matter coming from the open jaw of the one further posted
Hellena
LP: 653/1000
Status icons:
Pierced
LV: 104
MP: 198/200
Outburst
Slowed down
Weapons:
Bloody Ring of Erezis (up)
Lightning spear of Zurius (left)
Canon Macabre (right)
Damocles (down)
Armor:
Swiftwind Garb (up) (damaged)
Tactical Shadowmail (down)
"What the fuck...?!" Eruptions of blue pixels burst out of her body from the pierced area
“Shit! Oh no, Oh no, Oh no! how?!”
She was suspended in the air, struggling to move due to the debuff affecting her and the appendage passing through her stomach. Despite being agitated around like a rag doll, she maintained control. Forming an "L" shape with her fingers, Hellena hurled her Chakram towards another beast with an opened mouth, lurking below and attempting to reach her but falling short. As anticipated, the creature beneath her transformed back into its invisible, wolf-like form to evade the blade, which vanished into thin air. However, in a swift motion, a sleek shotgun materialized in Hellena's grip.
"Canon Macabre 2/24 activate"
She emptied two cartridges at the part of the creature holding her, causing it to explode upon contact with the burning shells, but only inflicting a minor damage to its LP. The opponent quickly regenerated as it returned to its invisible state. The attack, however, allowed her to get back on ground level.
She then searched for an opportunity to reposition herself. But to her dismay, the other creatures began circling around her. "Figures," she scoffed, swiftly and mechanically reloading the gun.
Before the ejected cartridge even hit the ground, her gaze then swiftly shifted to the sound of one of the approaching creatures. She attempted to kick, but its mouth opened to reveal a colossal unholy gap filled with sharp, moving teeth and a hideous tongue. With precision, she aimed just above her leg, pulled the trigger twice, showering all the surface the creature presented to her, obliterating her foe in a burst of dark explosive energy and a red vanishing cuboid.
Appeared on the lower left corner of her sight
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EXP +
400
Red shard
+ 100
Item acquired
Forest mimic Tooth +2
Fragment of Invisible skin +1
“1 less” she proudly muffled as she tossed a healing item on the ground emitting a gilded light on the spot she stood on while reloading as fast as usual
"Canon Macabre 2/20 activate"
Healing glass 11
-1
Hellena
LP: 675/1000
Status icons:
Fast heal
LV: 104
MP: 198/200
Status cleansing
Quickstep
“Oh oh… I’m getting out of item” she realized “You’re wasting my time” She hurled “And I didn’t find the spot my Duwu indicated yet”
But not giving her any time to rest, two creatures lunged at her simultaneously. Hellena's mind raced, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of her opponents. With a surge of confidence, her gaze sharpened “I have a plan”
With quick reflexes, Hellena switched between her slashing Chakram and shotgun, piercing through their defenses and finding a way to break free from their grasp. She swiftly dodged their attacks and countered with precise strikes, exploiting their weaknesses. As she fought, she kept a watchful eye on the long-range attacker, who was launching projectiles from a distance.
This time around she only got slightly wounded, but Hellena's determination never wavered. She moved with unwavering resolve, anticipating every single attack as she got accustomed to the patterns. With her buff back, she moved and swiftly maneuvered, evading any attempt to stab her again by watching closely for any disturbance in her surroundings while closing in on her enemies. She had only one thing in mind: neutralizing the ranged attacker.
With a calculated move, Hellena switched to her shotgun, ready to confront the long-range attacker. She timed her shots meticulously, firing bursts of destructive energy towards her target. But the creature was cunning, knowing when to defend and counterattack. Undeterred, Hellena smirked as her finger slid to the right, summoning a spear faster than the other weapons in the arsenal. She swiftly impaled the creature's tongue to the ground, dragging it forcefully with her hand. With her other hand, she charged the shotgun, slowly but steadily. As the creature struggled to break free, Hellena pulled the trigger right on it, unleashing a powerful blast of energy. The force of the explosion rippled through the air, creating a chaotic spectacle of dark energy and vanishing fragments.
"Canon Macabre 0/16 activate"
Hellena
LP: 525/1000
Status icons:
Quickstep
LV: 104
MP: 150/200
EXP +
450
Red shard
+ 200
Item acquired
Forest mimic Tooth +6
Whip of Forest Lurker
Fragment of Invisible skin +1
“Next time, suckers!!!” She yelled with a triumphant smile, Hellena took a moment to taunt the remaining monsters by raising her middle finger in defiance. But she knew she couldn't linger for long. With her adrenaline still pumping, she swiftly turned and dashed towards her destination, leaving the defeated creatures behind.
After some time, she finally reached the designated spot. Perched on the cliff overlooking the distant village, Hellena sat nervously, her heart pounding in her chest, not just from the adrenaline, but also from the anticipation of seeing him again. She meticulously adjusted her appearance, using a few fixing items to repair her clothes and applying healing items to herself. Once satisfied, she settled into her seat, her eyes occasionally glancing at her phone.
The gentle breeze carried the fragrant scent of blooming flowers, adding a touch of enchantment to the atmosphere. Hellena's hands trembled slightly as she put the finishing touches in place, her excitement and anticipation intensifying with each passing moment. She stole a glance at the notifications in the upper corner of her vision, checking the time and anxiously waiting for her partner to arrive. Every detail had to be perfect for this special moment.
And then, a notification chimed, breaking the silence. Hellena's heart sank as she saw a message "Sorry My Lulu, I know I'm late, but just give me a few more minutes, and I'll be there." She read the message with a mix of disappointment and understanding. Though she had been eagerly waiting, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of frustration. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "No worries, take your time. " She pressed send, hoping that he would arrive soon, and that their special moment wouldn't be spoiled by the delay.
Finally, as if on cue, Dean appeared behind her. He looked dashing in his light armor, with his hair slightly disheveled and his eyes shimmering with anticipation. A smile blossomed on Hellena's face, mirroring the joy she saw in his eyes. They were finally together.
However, her first reaction was to quickly look away. Time seemed to stand still as she waited for him to move closer, and without her even needing to wait, he did. Their hands gently intertwined, creating a tender connection between them.
The scene unfolded like a dream, straight out of a fairytale. The city lights twinkled from afar, adding a touch of magic to their evening stroll.
"Please, my Lulu, look at me," Dean pleaded.
"No," Hellena replied stubbornly.
"Why?" he asked, curious and slightly amused.
"Because you made me come to a place without any fast traveling allowed, and then made me wait for so long."
"At least you had fun," he said, looking at a part of her clothing not perfectly fixed.
"I had to blow off some steam," she replied in a cute angry squeal.
"Let me guess? You had to fight something big and annoying? The ones in this region are pretty hard to deal with."
"And annoying too. But you know who's more annoying?" Hellena retorted.
He then imitated her face and said, "You! so annoyingly cute. But like those big meanies, you're tough."
She wanted to be annoyed by his first statement, but then she quickly blushed.
"Look at that tough cutie," he teased, playing with her cheek while their hands were still intertwined. His playful gesture made her crack a smile.
Their laughter echoed through the night as they shared stories about their day until they met, their voices creating a symphony of love. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the entire world belonged to them as they walked hand in hand towards the village, following Dean's plan.
Soon, they arrived at a charming café, its warm ambiance welcoming them with open arms. Candlelight flickered softly, casting a romantic glow upon their faces. Hellena couldn't help but adore the cottage ambiance mixed with high-tech props and holograms that surrounded them. It was a perfect blend of old-world charm and futuristic marvels.
But as she looked around, she noticed Dean staring at her with an amazed expression. Their eyes locked, and Hellena's heart raced in response. In that moment, she could almost hear the gentle flutter of butterflies in her stomach.
However, their perfect immersion was abruptly interrupted by a sudden crash that reverberated through the café. Startled, Hellena turned to see nothing unusual around her, but Dean's exasperated face spoke volumes. The illusion had shattered, and the world came rushing back to them.
They both remembered that they were not physically present in the cozy café setting; instead, they were sitting alone in front of their respective computers, wearing VR gears. The aroma of the carefully prepared dishes lingered in the air, untouched reminders of the physical distance that separated them.
Dean's voice filled the virtual space, breaking the silence. "If you're not fine playing from home, it's okay," he offered, his concern evident in his words. Hellena reassured him, "It's all fine. Mom will calm down soon after Dad leaves. He wasn't supposed to be here today anyway." Mixed emotions swirled within Dean, and he couldn't help but apologize again for his lateness. "Sorry again for being late. And Leny. I appreciate your understanding… and for always freeing some of your time for me."
Leny's voice carried warmth and affection as she replied, "Dean, it's not about the timing. It's about the moments we create together, no matter where or when. Your presence means everything to me, and I cherish every second we spend together, even if it's in this virtual world."
Dean's virtual avatar smiled, his gratitude shining through his eyes. " One day, we'll be able to experience these moments in person, without any limitations.".
Leny, with a bittersweet smile, understood the beauty of their unique situation. Determined to make the most of their virtual date, she took hold of Dean's hand, guiding him to sit beside her in the game.
In the real world, Leny picked up her plate and settled in, ready to savor the feast before her. With a playful command, she directed her avatar to mouth-feed Dean’s, and he eagerly reciprocated, their smiles growing wider as they cherished the moment.
They embraced the reality of their love, understanding that it transcended physical proximity. They found solace in knowing that their connection was stronger than any distance. With renewed determination, Leny immersed herself in the virtual world as Hellena, her Avatar, ready to create lasting memories with Dean and to demonstrate that their love could thrive, even in the face of challenges.
After their avatars and real-life counterparts were fully replenished, Dean's avatar suddenly stood up. "Well, the café wasn't our last destination, obviously," Dean remarked, igniting a spark of curiosity within Hellena. "I've heard that there's a spot in this place that allows players to experience a shared dream if they do it together."
From afar, a shadowy figure overheard their conversation, and looked at them.
"Is that for real?" exclaimed Hellena, skepticism lacing her words. "Isn't that just a troll or something?"
"Well, there's only one way to find out," replied Dean, determination gleaming in his eyes.