Chapter 3.0 - Sea Labyrinth
Dinner with Reina and Ayaka in the hospital room was quieter than usual. The smell of disinfectant lingered faintly in the air, blending with the warm aroma of the takeout meals we shared. Even though our schedules were chaotic, we made a promise—no matter how hectic life became, we would always eat dinner together. After all, we had to take care of ourselves, especially for Ayaka.
Reina looked more exhausted than I’d realized, her movements sluggish as she settled Ayaka down on the hospital bed. Their soft, rhythmic breathing soon filled the room as they drifted into sleep. I pulled a blanket over them gently, the fabric rustling softly as I tucked them in. The cool hum of the air conditioner was the only other sound breaking the stillness. I made sure to adjust the temperature just right before turning toward my own preparations.
It had been a long day. My limbs felt heavy, the weight of everything pressing down on me. But time wouldn’t wait. And neither would Ayaka.
I logged back into SOLA VR Online, the world welcoming me in with its familiar loading hum.
When I opened my eyes, the stark contrast of the virtual world greeted me. I stood at the outskirts of the city again. The dark sky overhead was littered with stars, while a silver moon hung high, casting a soft glow on the cobbled streets. A cool breeze washed over me, raising goosebumps along my skin. The distant chatter of NPCs mixed with the soft rustling of wind through the trees, making the world feel alive despite its virtual nature.
Traveling in SOLA Online had always been a bit of a grind—this world was vast and endless, and without a mount, it could take forever to get from one place to another. I wasted no time and headed straight for the nearby stables, the sound of my footsteps echoing softly as I approached.
The wooden stable creaked faintly as I entered, the scent of hay and leather saddles filling the air. The flickering lanterns cast warm shadows along the walls, adding a rustic charm to the place.
"Good evening," I greeted the stable’s NPC merchant, a woman dressed in simple, functional attire. Her eyes gleamed in the dim light as she turned to me.
"Good evening, sir. How may I assist you?" she asked, her voice calm, polite, and rehearsed—like any well-programmed NPC.
"I'm looking for a Terravernis," I replied, the name feeling oddly nostalgic on my tongue.
"A Terravernis? Certainly," she nodded before disappearing into the back of the stables. The soft clatter of hooves and metal echoed faintly from the other room before she returned, holding a medallion in her hands.
"Here, a Terravernis," she said as she handed it to me. The metal was cool to the touch, and its familiar design brought back memories of countless hours spent in the PC version of the game. It felt right in my hands.
I confirmed the medallion with a glance, a small thrill running through me. It was exactly as I remembered. Without hesitation, I paid the merchant and left the shop, the heavy wooden doors creaking shut behind me as I stepped back into the night.
"Come out," I muttered, channeling mana into the medallion. A bright light surged from the medallion, forming a thin glowing line on the ground. Slowly, the light expanded and solidified, molding into the shape of a large lizard. With a soft crack, the light dissipated, and the creature stood before me—a Terravernis, its scales shimmering faintly under the moonlight.
[ Terravernis Mount
Rarity: Rare
Level: 1
HP: 100/100
Max. Movement Speed: 40kph
Terrain: Land and Water ]
"Same stats as before," I noted quietly, more to myself than anyone else. Its large amber eyes blinked at me, and I could feel the weight of its presence as it stared back. The saddle was already neatly strapped to its broad back, so I climbed up without hesitation, the leather creaking beneath me as I settled in.
Now, how did these mounts move again? I scratched my head, momentarily thrown off by the immersion of VR. In the PC version, it was as simple as clicking a destination on the map, and the mount would take off automatically.
"Whoa!" I yelped as the Terravernis began moving on its own, as if it could sense my intention. With a smooth, almost graceful stride, the lizard-like creature set off in the direction of Covewood Beach, the wind picking up as we gained speed.
The rhythmic motion beneath me felt surreal, the cool night air rushing past as the Terravernis carried me effortlessly over the grassy plains. Its feet pounded softly against the ground, and I could hear the faint swishing sound as its tail cut through the air.
I relaxed into the saddle, letting the mount guide me, feeling the adrenaline slowly start to replace my fatigue. There was something strangely peaceful about it, this quiet journey through SOLA's vast world. But as much as I wanted to savor the moment, I knew this was just the beginning of what lay ahead.
I couldn’t shake the strange feeling surging inside me since earlier today. It was this persistent, gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach. It wasn’t discomfort, though. If anything, it felt... exciting. But at the same time, guilt weighed heavy on my chest, souring the excitement. How could I feel this way when Ayaka was lying on her deathbed beside my VR pod at the hospital?
My mind was still reeling as I rode the Terravernis lizard toward Covewood Beach. It lay to the west of Covewood City, beyond a massive, dense forest crawling with monsters. The air was thick with the smell of earth and pine as the night breeze rustled through the leaves, and I could hear distant growls and the rustling of goblins skulking through the underbrush. But I wasn’t worried. The Terravernis was fast—its sleek, powerful body cut through the forest at a speed that left the goblins in the dust, their frustrated cries fading behind me. It was not that surprising. This mount, with its 100,000 kipo coin price tag, was definitely worth it.
Every now and then, I glimpsed players in the distance, their armor glinting under the moonlight. They moved in groups, hacking and slashing through the open-world monsters—most likely grinding for XP or loot. Their shouts and the clash of steel on monster flesh echoed faintly through the forest, blending with the ambient sounds of nature. Part of me wanted to stop and join them, feeling the thrill of battle again. But I couldn’t afford distractions.
After more than 30 minutes of riding, I finally reached Covewood Beach. The sight of it always left me breathless—the moon hung low, casting its silver glow over the vast, rolling ocean. The water shimmered, reflecting the night sky like a mirror. The familiar sound of the waves, soft and rhythmic, filled the silence, soothing in a way that made me forget the rest of the world. The salty tang of the sea air hit me, refreshing but heavy with nostalgia. No players were here, as usual. It felt as though the beach belonged to me alone tonight.
I nudged the Terravernis forward, experimentally mimicking the commands I used in the PC version of the game. The saddle shifted slightly under me as I galloped in place, signaling it to move. The lizard responded instantly, its muscular legs propelling us smoothly across the sandy shore. I pulled the reins left and right, testing its responsiveness, and as expected, it turned sharply with ease. The satisfaction of control surged through me. It even responded to voice commands: "Go faster," I whispered, and the Terravernis obeyed, picking up speed. "Slow down," I added, and the mount instantly adjusted, its pace slowing to a calm trot. With each passing minute, I grew more confident, my hands becoming steady as I guided the creature.
But I didn’t come here just to practice riding. There was one reason I’d bought the Terravernis in the first place—its amphibious ability.
"Go, boy," I said softly, and without hesitation, the Terravernis sprinted forward, its clawed feet splashing onto the water’s surface. The lizard didn’t sink; instead, it skimmed across the waves, its webbed feet gliding smoothly like skates on ice. The sensation was surreal—wind whipping past my face, the salt spray hitting my skin, cool and sharp. The sound of splashing water filled my ears, and I could feel the subtle tension in the lizard’s muscles as it moved, its body cutting effortlessly through the surface.
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After a few minutes, the beach disappeared behind us, swallowed by the horizon. Now, we were surrounded by water in every direction, the dark ocean stretching endlessly, broken only by the moon’s reflection. But I knew this place too well to feel lost. This was my guild's base for the past three years in SOLA PC Online. Every inch of these waters was etched in my memory.
"There you are," I muttered, spotting the familiar formation of rocks in the distance. Barely breaking the surface, the rocky columns jutted out of the water like jagged teeth. My heart quickened with recognition. These rocks, inconspicuous to most players, held significance to me and my guild. I directed the Terravernis toward them, and we slowed as we approached.
The lizard came to a stop at one of the rock columns, its body stilling beneath me as I dismounted. The saddle creaked slightly as I slid off, my boots landing on the slick, wet surface of the rock. I breathed in deeply—the fresh ocean air filled my lungs, mingling with the smell of seaweed and salt. I ran my fingers along the damp, rough surface of the rock, the cold stone grounding me, reminding me of why I was here.
"I thought you wouldn’t come."
A voice, low and familiar, came from nearby. My muscles tensed instinctively as I turned my head toward it. There, in the dim light, sat Ishigawa on a simple chair. His figure blended into the shadows of the night, making it easy to overlook him. The soft crackle of the waves against the rocky shore masked his presence until he spoke.
He lazily reached for a medallion at his side, and with a flick of his wrist, light shimmered before him. Another Terravernis lizard materialized, its scaly form briefly glowing under the moonlight before solidifying into reality. Ishigawa got up and strode toward me, his long coat trailing behind him like a ghostly shroud in the wind.
"Yo. Ryuujin-kun."
I felt my jaw clench. Ever since I first met him at the hospital, something about Ishigawa grated on me. His smugness, the way he carried himself, like he was always two steps ahead of everyone else—it rubbed me the wrong way. But as much as I disliked him, I had no choice but to tolerate his presence.
After all, without Ishigawa, Ayaka would’ve never had a second chance at life.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice rougher than I intended. The cold sea air had dried my throat, making the words come out almost like a growl.
"How could I not be here on your first day?" He spread his arms wide, gesturing toward the vast ocean in front of us. His eyes gleamed with a manic excitement. "This is the legendary birthplace of an urban legend! The very spot where I spent countless nights perfecting the A.I. coding system. You, of all people, should know that."
A sudden gust of wind swept across the shore, fluttering his lab coat dramatically. The chill stung my skin, and I pulled my cloak tighter around my shoulders. The air was sharp with the scent of salt, reminding me of just how real this virtual world felt.
I gave him a curt nod. "I see. I understand."
But of course, that wasn’t enough for him.
"No, no, no! You *don’t* understand at all, Ryuujin-kun!" He wagged a finger at me, his face lighting up with a grin that bordered on madness. "Today will be another remarkable day, and I’m here to witness it firsthand! I missed seeing your brilliance three years ago, but not this time." His voice dripped with enthusiasm, and I could see the faintest glimmer of awe in his eyes.
I sighed internally. The more I talked to Ishigawa, the more I realized this world was full of eccentric people like him—people who seemed to live on the edge of reality and obsession. I watched as he pulled a folding chair out of thin air—straight from his dimensional pocket. Then, with a snap of his fingers, he pulled out chunks of wood and a staff, laying them out carefully in front of him.
"Ember," he whispered and chanted with his staff, and a small flame burst to life at the tip of the staff. The wood crackled as the fire caught, quickly growing into a cozy campfire. The warmth radiated outward, a welcome contrast to the biting sea air. I felt the tension ease from my shoulders as the heat began to seep through my armor. The scent of burning wood mingled with the salty breeze, and for a moment, the cold didn’t feel so harsh.
"Are you planning to spend the night grinding here?" he asked, his tone casual as if this was any other night.
"I’ll try to open the underwater labyrinth tonight, if I can." I responded, already preparing my gear. I checked the harpoon gun, its sleek metallic barrel glinting in the firelight, and loaded it with harpoon spears. The weight of a sturdy harpoon strapped to my back gave me a familiar sense of readiness.
The two Terravernis lizards settled near the fire, their bodies relaxed as they curled around each other, their thick, scaly tails thumping softly against the ground. The crackling of the fire and the distant lapping of waves set a strangely calming atmosphere, even though the tension of the upcoming mission loomed over me.
Ishigawa grinned widely, reclining back in his chair as if he were about to watch some grand spectacle unfold. "I see, I see! Finally, after a year of hiatus, I get to witness some real harpoon action again!" His voice was giddy, and he leaned back, folding his arms behind his head, looking as comfortable as if he were at home.
Ignoring him was probably the best course of action at this point. If he wanted to watch, fine. But I couldn’t shake the unease that settled in my gut. I glanced at the fire, the flames dancing in the wind, and then at Ishigawa’s relaxed figure.
Why was this developer so obsessed with my past? My so-called "legacy"?
"Let him watch," I muttered under my breath. Whatever his reasons were, I wasn’t about to get distracted now.
The water beneath me shimmered under the glow of the full moon, its glassy surface catching every glint of light.
I could see ripples spreading like delicate waves, a gentle whisper of something moving beneath the surface.
The air was cool, but I could feel the moisture hanging in it, thick and slightly salty, with the occasional breeze carrying the faint scent of wet stone.
The sound of the water lapping against the rocky formations echoed softly in the still night. Out in the distance, the water stretched into a deep, dark blue abyss, but right below me, where the rocks broke the surface, it was crystal clear—so clear I could see right down to the school of orange koi fish swimming lazily in circles below.
But these weren’t just ordinary koi. I had to remind myself of that. They were beginner monsters—open-world mobs, level one to three, but dangerous in numbers. Their glistening scales might look harmless, but I knew better. If they decided to swarm me, I wouldn’t stand a chance, not with my pitiful stats.
If it comes to that, even with my skills, it will be hard to survive at my level one stats. Just looking at my status window is a witness that I'm still level one.
[ Ryuujin Mizushiro
Lvl: 1
Class: Merchant
Str: 1 (1+0+0)
Agi: 1 (1+0+0)
Int: 1 (1+0+0)
Vit: 1 (1+0+0)
Dex: 1 (1+0+0)
Luk: 1 (1+0+0)
WP: 1 (1+0+0) ]
I need to be careful or this will not end that favorably for me. Especially if I slipped down the water. There is a drowning mechanism of the game and if I'm not careful, I might die by that accident.
I readied a harpoon gun, a beginner's model suitable for a low level like me.
[ Novice Harpoon Gun
Lvl. Req: 1-5
Agi + 3
Dex + 3 ]
It was as expected for a beginners weapon. Agility increases my physical attack, movement speed and attack speed or reload speed and dexterity increases my range attack power and my accuracy. Main stats I needed for being a range shooter.
Retreat is not an option and this journey is just beginning.
As I hopped from one rocky platform to another, the soles of my boots scraping against the uneven stone, I felt a chill run down my spine. The night was eerily quiet, save for the distant crackling of Ishigawa’s bonfire. Every sound felt amplified—the flicker of flames, the whisper of water. But here, surrounded by the deep stillness, I could almost hear my own heartbeat.
I reached the middle of the formation and froze, my breath catching in my throat. The koi fish were nowhere to be seen now, but I couldn’t let my guard down. They were tricky, unpredictable. I could make out the faint flicker of orange scales beneath the water, but the moment I focused on them, they vanished—slipping away as if they knew I was watching.
The surface of the water stilled, creating an eerie calm. The silence was unsettling, broken only by the occasional splash of water against rock. My ears strained, and my senses heightened, as if the very air was warning me to be careful.
And then, I heard it.
A faint *swoosh*, followed by another. The water rippled again, small waves slapping against the rocks. The moon’s reflection shattered as the koi fish began to circle beneath me, their movements creating a sense of unease. I could feel their eyes on me, though I couldn’t see them directly. The tension was palpable, like standing on the edge of a precipice, waiting for something to snap.
They were waiting. I could feel it. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
“If you're not gonna attack, then don't mind if I do,” I muttered under my breath, my fingers already on the trigger. I never thought that my years of experience in the fishing business could be applied here as well.
I had been aiming for the koi at the front of the group, tracking its shadow beneath the water. My heart pounded as I took the shot.
*Click.* The trigger was smooth, almost too quiet.
*Swish!* The harpoon sliced through the air, piercing the water with a satisfying splash.
*Uwaaaak!!* The koi fish let out a sharp, guttural sound as the harpoon embedded itself in its head. It thrashed wildly, sending droplets of water into the air, but I watched its HP bar drain from green to red in seconds. When it hit zero, the fish dissolved into particles of light, vanishing into the night.
“One down..." I murmured, my breath steadying for a brief moment.
The water below me churned violently. The remaining koi fish rose to the surface, their calm, graceful appearance twisting into something monstrous. Their once-beautiful orange scales darkened, and their mouths widened, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. They leapt out of the water, their bodies no longer sleek but jagged, wings sprouting from their sides as they flapped toward me with a high-pitched screech.
I staggered back, my heart hammering in my chest. The koi had become airborne piranhas. My fingers fumbled to reload the harpoon gun, sweat slicking my palms as I braced myself for the next wave. The night air, once cool and still, now buzzed with the flapping of wings and the ominous hiss of the creatures surrounding me.
“As usual, its creepily ugly,” I muttered, forcing myself to steady my aim. "Flying piranhas... just my luck."