The HyperTech Incident.

The fusion of players' souls with the virtual reality game's neural network undoubtedly had profound implications and triggered a global crisis. The world was thrust into a state of panic and confusion.

It was something that sounded unreal, fictional, impossible...

And yet it happened.

Country leaders were faced with an unprecedented scenario, as the lives of their citizens were now dependent on a virtual world. Emergency meetings and international conferences were convened to discuss strategies and potential solutions. Leaders aimed to coordinate efforts, share information, and allocate resources to address the crisis. The priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens trapped in the game.

The scientific community, particularly experts in fields such as neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and quantum physics were called upon to analyze and understand the nature of the fusion between the neural network and human consciousness. Intense research was conducted to devise methods of separating the players from the game and establish safeguards to prevent further catastrophes.

The tech industry were under scrutiny.

Most especially the ones invested in FIVR (Fully Immersive Virtual Reality).

Questions arose about the safety and ethical implications of virtual reality games. Developers, engineers, and designers collaborated to find a solution to reverse the fusion and restore the boundary between virtual and physical worlds.

Additionally, discussions around regulations and safety standards for future immersive technologies gained prominence.

The general public was gripped by fear.

They were deeply concerned for the lives of those trapped within the game. Support groups and hotlines were established to provide emotional support to affected families. Public demonstrations and movements emerged, demanding answers, solutions, and accountability from both HyperTech Industries and government authorities.

Given the global nature of the crisis, were forced pool their resources and expertise to tackle the situation collectively. Joint research projects, sharing of knowledge and technological advancements, and the establishment of task forces were prioritized.

There were also diplomatic negotiations to address legal and ethical dilemmas arising from the incident.

Meanwhile,

In the "other" world.

Shin sat leisurely on the cold, hard ground, his legs crossed in a meditative position. Despite his relaxed posture, his face displayed a calm and contemplative expression. He turned towards Aqua, the blue-haired elven girl standing beside him, and listened intently to her words.

"So, what you're saying is that you think we're trapped in this game? Stuck here?"

Aqua nodded, her short, vibrant blue hair cascading down to one side as she tilted her head. "Yes, that's what I think... For now at least. We can't log out of the game world."

A nod came from Shin.

He had already tried to log out, all to no avail. It wasn't that there was no log out button available; there was— but pushing on it didn't do anything.

Gently rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Shin spoke.

"I suppose it's a possibility. However, for now, we should focus on finding a way to get out of this dungeon and head outside."

Perplexed, Aqua furrowed her brows in confusion. "Hm?"

"You see, if we're actually stuck in this game, surely other players have figured it out as well. They must already be talking about strategies and solutions already; you know, a way to get out of here."

"I suppose you're right," Aqua conceded with a soft voice.

Rising from his seated position, Shin stood up with grace. He swiftly dusted off his buttocks.

Then, he looked at Aqua.

"What about Kazuto and the others? Are they dead as well?"

Aqua was taken aback by the suggestion, almost horrified. "What? No! Why would you even think that?" Her voice was sharp and her response, quick.

"I was just making an assumption, considering we were all together during whatever incident that caused this. I assumed we'd have been teleported to the same location." Shin shrugged nonchalantly.

Aqua rubbed her chin thoughtfully and realization dawned on her.

"Oh, you're right... But we were way closer to each other when it happened. That might explain why we ended up here while they're elsewhere."

Yawning lazily, Shin stretched his lithe body before sliding his hands into his pockets. Shin walked towards the towering door that kept them within the 10th floor (final floor). His keen eyes darted around, surveying their surroundings before he turned back to Aqua.

"I think it's best if we make our way out of here for now," he suggested.

Aqua hesitated for a moment, her blue eyes fixated on a headless corpse that lay strewn across the ground.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

She turned to Shin, a request on her lips.

"Wait, can we just... wait a moment? There's something I'd like to do first."

Shin raised an eyebrow. "Alright, do you need my help?" he asked, his tone gentle yet firm.

"No, it's fine."

"Okay?" he was still in the dark.

Aqua took a deep breath, steadying herself before revealing her intention. "I want to pay my respects to Serix."

"Serix?" Shin repeated.

"He's one of the high-level players we were teleported with?"

"I'm guessing he's dead now?" he asked, his indifference apparent.

Aqua nodded, her expression somber. "Yes."

Understanding her perspective, Shin nodded in agreement. "Alright then, I'll focus on the door," he assured her. "Take your time," he added, his hand resting on the cool surface of the ancient obstacle before him.

As Aqua knelt beside the torn and lifeless body of Serix, her gaze met his pale face, blood staining his mouth. Memories flooded her mind, emotions welling up within her. She fought back the tears, her voice shaking as she expressed her heartfelt promise to the fallen warrior.

'When we got transported here... I didn't know anyone. I barely know anything about even you, Serix. But here I am, trying my best not to cry... I... I don't want to. All the same, I'm sure I'll cry at some point. Serix was experienced, and yet he prioritized the lives of other players over his own survival. He was different from the rest. Rather than abandoning fellow players, he fought alongside them with remarkable skill, displaying humility...'

A tear drop rolled down her cheek and touched Serixʼs cold forehead.

"Serix, I'll make sure your sacrifice wasn't in vain," she vowed.

Meanwhile,

Shin was standing before the huge door. He placed his hand on the surface.

'Hey, voice?'

He tried contacting the voice he heard from earlier.

[ Active. ]

The system responded.

[ What do you require? ]

'You said something about the dungeon belonging to me. If that's the case can you open this door?'

[ Negative. The level 10 dungeon - Sila Labyrinth, is still being processed. Estimated time till activation is 10 minutes... ]

Shin sighed heavily and placed one hand on the back of his neck, gently scratching it.

"Alright," he spoke orally. "I can wait."

Aqua rising from her knees caught Shinʼs attention. "Hm, you done?" he asked to which Aqua nodded gently, she sniffled a bit as she cleaned the small tear marks on her cheek.

"Yeah I am." She forced a cheerful smile.

Only a nod came from Shin.

"So, what about the door, figured out a way to open it yet?"

"Nah," Shin folded his arms and shook his head. "It'll take some minutes."

Aqua was confused. "Okay?" she replied nonetheless.

A thought came to Shinʼs mind. "Oh yeah..." he said. "While we're waiting, you mind telling me about what really happened after we got warped here?"

"Uh..." Aquaʼs grip on her staff tightened, she didn't want to relive the experience. "Sure, if you want to..."

5 hours ago,

After the blackout of all players across the entire world of Elden Online, Aqua abruptly opened her eyes and gasped loudly, her heart pounding in her chest. As she took in her surroundings, she realized she was in an unfamiliar and dimly lit place. Panic began to well up within her, and she called out the names of her friends, desperately hoping for a response. "Shin? Kazuto? Hiyori? Hiro?!" she shouted into the darkness, her voice echoing, but there was no answer. Just as anxiety threatened to overwhelm her, a hand gently landed on her shoulder, causing her to jump.

"Calm down," a soothing voice said.

Aqua targeted her staff for the direction of the voice, however, the owner of the voice intercepted her raised staff with ease.

Her eyes widened as she saw a figure step forward, gradually forming in the dim light.

"Woah, slow down," the person urged. "Give me a second, and I'll explain everything."

"..." no response from Aqua.

"Ragz, could you use the light crystal already?" Serix commanded.

A tall and muscular man, Ragz, grinned and responded confidently, "You got it, boss." With a swift motion, Ragz retrieved a yellow cube crystal from his pouch and held it high. Instantly, the dark place they were in was bathed in a soft, warm light, revealing the details of their surroundings.

「 «Light Crystal»

A common but essential item. By pouring mana into the crystal, it emits a radiant glow, illuminating the surrounding area. An important exploration tool that serves as light source in dark dungeons. 」

Aqua blinked as her vision adjusted to the light. She glanced at the person who had touched her shoulder earlier. It was Serix, a stunningly handsome male elf with vivid blue hair that flowed gracefully down his back. He stood tall and confident, his sword gleaming at his side.

Aqua hesitantly lowered her staff. "Who are you?" she asked.

"I'm Serix," he introduced himself with a charming smile, causing Aqua's cheeks to flush slightly.

However, she regained her composure and stood up, dusting off her robe. "I'm Aqua," she responded, eyeing Serix cautiously. "But that doesn't answer my question. What's going on here? Why are we all scattered like this?"

"I can't believe we have to explain this again." Ragz groaned.

Serix spoke softly. "Be nice, Ragz."

Ragz sighed and stepped forward. "We've all been scattered across this world... That's what we're going with at least. It looks like Elden Online had a massive system malfunction. It's as if the game crashed and rebooted itself," he explained, a little frustrated as he spoke. "And now we're left here, struggling to make sense of it all."

Serix and Ragz assumed they were scattered from various locations. This assumption was based on their investigation of the other players who were also dispersed in the labyrinth. It was discovered that some players came from different races, regions, or even continents.

Aqua scanned the area once more.

Her eyes landed on the six other players who stood around her. She realized that she didn't recognize a single one of them.

Apprehension and curiosity stirred within her.

She mustered the courage to speak up once more. "What about you guys?"

"They're the other players stuck in the game with us." Serix looked at her.

Aqua's eyes widened. "Stuck," she paused. "W... What're you trying to say?"

Serix crossed his arms. His gaze was focused on Aqua as he delivered the unsettling news. "What I'm trying to say," he paused, "is that we're trapped in this game world."

Aqua's eyes widened in disbelief and she retorted, "Stuck in the game? Are you kidding me? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

Normally, she wasn't like this. Everyone who knew her, knew her to be a polite and welcoming girl. However, frustration built from the mental stress of their current situation was getting to her. It made her act in the most unexpected manner.

"That's enough already!" Ragz shot back at her as he stepped forward. "The boss is just trying to help by making your dumbass understand!"

Anger still simmered within Aqua as she stared up at Ragz, a towering figure who seemed to dwarf her petite frame. His class was Warrior, subclass: Berserker, so it made sense he was this huge.

"Take it easy." Serix gave Ragz a pat on the back. "You always get so worked up," he said, trying to pacify the volatile situation.

Ragz huffed, his tone defensive as he replied to Serix, "Of course I'm worked up! I don't like the way she's talking to you."

With a serene smile, Serix gently assured Ragz, "It's fine, I'm not complaining. She's simply in a state of disbelief, and it's understandable. This whole situation is quite hard to wrap our heads around."

Ragz's anger began to subside as he apologized to Serix. "I'm sorry," he muttered, his eyes fixed on the ground.

"Don't worry about it," Serix responded, offering a comforting smile. Ragz shot a sharp, disdainful gaze in Aqua's direction before revealing his intentions. "Doesn't mean I'm apologizing to her. If you hadn't calmed me down, things would've ended differently," he stated firmly before storming off to join the other group of players.

Serix let out a sigh. He was exasperated. "He's always so angry," he muttered, shaking his head. Turning his attention back to Aqua, he promised, "You may not believe me, but I'll prove it to you."

"Good," Aqua replied sharply.

"Okay. Try logging out," Serix told Aqua, catching Aqua off guard.

"What?" she asked, perplexed.

"You heard me," Serix insisted, urging her to make the attempt.

Aqua reluctantly summoned her menu board by gliding her index finger gently through the air. It summoned a diaphanous blue board. There were several beeping sounds as she easily accessed the settings and found the log-out button.

She clicked on it.

Nothing happened...

She clicked again, and again, and again.

This went on for about one minute.

Panic consumed Aqua as the realization sunk in. "I... I can't log out...!" she exclaimed.

Serix let out a weary sigh. "I've been trying to tell you," he said. "We thought it was just a system lag at first, but it's much more than that. We've let the system cool down multiple times, but nothing happens."

Aqua was still shocked. "So... we really are stuck in the game?" she whispered, her voice quivering.

Serix nodded solemnly. "Unfortunately, yes. We've explored every available option, but it seems like there's no way out."

Her heart sank, and a sense of helplessness hit her.

That's when she heard Serix mumble something under his breath.

"What was that?" Aqua asked.

Serix hesitated for a moment before deciding to disclose the information. "Well," he started, his voice hesitant, "one of the players suggested that... what if we killed someone among us? Maybe it would wake said victim up and end their game."

It was too risky a move.

Aqua's eyes widened in horror. "We can't do that!" she protested vehemently.

Serix let out a soft chuckle, trying to alleviate the tension.

"No, no, of course not," he reassured her. "I wasn't planning on doing it either. It was just an idea that came up."

Relief flooded Aqua's being as she placed a trembling hand on her chest. "Phew," she breathed.

Serix's face softened as he looked at her. "You don't need to worry, Aqua," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "We're all going to make it out of here alive. All ten of us."

With furrowed brows, Aqua looked confused. "All ten? But... wait..." she trailed off, her fingers quickly counting everyone in the group. She pointed at each person and looked back at Serix. "But there's only nine of us."

Serix smiled as he nodded, pointing at a figure lying in the corner. "Oh, someone's still unconscious," he explained.

Looking at the fellow, Aqua saw Shin resting against the wall.

She was instantly relieved, at least it was someone she knew.

However, it was unsure whether Shin was unconscious or asleep.