As he adjusted to his new surroundings, a quiet voice called out to him, and a hand touched his shoulder.

"Lan? A-an… A-lan."

"That’s me…. Am I... Am I in The Novus?"

"Yes, Alan, we are."

"Are we... in Unus Town?"

"No, the system indicates we're in a place called The Renovatio Caves."

"Aww, man, did we return to the very beginning of the world? I suppose it's understandable..."

His partner remained silent as he sat there, squinting.

It will take us hours to reach Unus Town. Dammit, I really wanted to see her right—Wait, who am I talking to?

His eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat. Crouching in front of him was a brunette girl with emerald eyes, sporting two low pigtails in the front, her face expressionless.

"And... who are you?"

"I'm a copy of Isabella, here inside The Novus."

Alan shook his head. "Wait, hold on, why are you dressed like that?" He pointed at her sleeved white dress, the standard attire for every woman on their first day inside the system. "Are you pretending to be a User?"

"I'm practically a User now, Alan. We discussed this."

"I know! But when you told me you’d insert yourself into The Novus to assist me, I imagined something quite different!"

"Please elaborate," she requested, her tone emotionless.

I thought she might frown.

"Well, I envisioned you logging in as some sort of mascot, or following me everywhere as a spirit, or manifesting with god-like administrative powers!"

“I don’t possess any power here, Alan. The Developers made sure of that. They did not want me to interfere with their system.”

“I... Yes, I know... You mentioned that before."

He glanced at her, who waited patiently for him to stand and lead the way.

But why did you choose such a cute form?!

He leaned in to examine her face.

It’s okay, I’m not being creepy! This beautiful girl in front of me is just a cleverly disguised AI.

He poked her cheek, eliciting no reaction.

This is just a convincing disguise; she's not human, but that doesn’t matter... After all, I only have eyes for…

“Astrid!” he exclaimed, springing to his feet. “Even if I’m in the middle of nowhere, I should still be able to send her a message. Let’s see…” He gestured with his hand, conjuring a screen in front of him and began tapping.

The fake girl leaned over to peek at the floating window, though its contents were blank to her. “What’s that?” she inquired.

“It’s my User Interface. Don’t you have one too?”

“How do I access mine?”

“You’re seriously asking me that? You, a super-advanced AI?”

“Alan Warden,” she said flatly, though Alan imagined she was irked. “I assure you I am not joking."

"Joking?"

"Consider me like a newborn human in regards to The Novus and its complex workings."

Alan, struggling to keep a straight face, chuckled, causing the girl to stare blankly at him.

"Sorry, Isa! Alright, I'll show you everything I know. Here, make this gesture, as if you're trying to swipe something away with your fingers." He demonstrated, and she mimicked him. "You got it! Whatever information it shows you, it's private, so don’t worry about someone spying on you."

"Understood," she said, and began to tap her own screen.

"That's right. Now, about that message..."

He opened his friend list.

SOCIAL

FRIENDS

( 1 )

Astrid Bradford

(Online)

Oh, thank goodness! I don't know what I'd have done if her name had disappeared from my Friend List! Hmm... I wonder if she’s in the area. Okay, a message will have to do for now.

He began to type: ‘Long time no see, huh? Forgive me for being so…’

He stopped, erased it, and rewrote it three more times, finally settling on ‘Hi. I’m back’.

He closed the messenger window and checked his overall status.

STATUS

RENOVATIO CAVES

9:35 AM

ALAN WARDEN

LEVEL 5

GOLD

100,200

CLASS

NONE

STRENGTH

BRONZE ( D )

VITALITY

BRONZE ( D )

AGILITY

BRONZE ( E )

SPIRIT

BRONZE ( E )

POTENTIAL

BRONZE ( E )

Still level five, huh? Well, that makes sense. My old equipment is still here too, and what's this? 100,000 gold?! Why do I have such an absurd amount of money?! I'm pretty sure those 200 gold coins were there before I logged out.

He stood up and peered out of the rock chamber.

This place is barren and silent, as expected. Its only purpose is for users to 'reincarnate' here. The developers just wanted a narrative reason for fully grown humans to appear in this new world out of nowhere.

He turned back to see the girl, still engrossed with her screen.

"Let's get out of here, Isabella."

"Though your assessment is correct, please remember I am not the real Isabella."

"Okay. So, Isabella II?"

She stood up slowly. "If it's alright with you, I would prefer a different name. 'Isabella' is unique among The Santa María’s passengers, and it might raise suspicions." She glanced at her still-active menu screen.

"Fine, you're right." He shrugged. "What should I call you then?"

She met his gaze intently. "Ashley."

* * * * *

* * * *

* * *

* *

*

As they navigated the shadowy paths of the caves, a dense fog enveloped them, only pierced by the dim glow of luminescent mushrooms that dotted their route.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Just because we're in the beginners' zone doesn't mean we can let our guard down. There might be level-one monsters lurking around, so stay sharp. I've seen other Users get taken down by them, and they had to start over from the caves. Since I'm level five, I’ll take the lead in case we run into trouble, okay?"

"Understood," Ashley responded, her eyes cautiously scanning the ground.

"It's cool, isn't it?" He glanced at her, then down at her legs. "Being able to move in 3D."

"I've had some practice. I've operated some of the ship's automatons for maintenance tasks."

"Oh! I didn’t know that." He paused, wondering if he had ever crossed paths with her without realizing it. "Still, it’s bizarre, you know, being able to talk and look you in the eyes at the same time."

Even though she’s just a copy, she’s the copy of someone who's been interacting with me for eight months. She’s like a big sister to me. A fake big sister.

A soft squeaking noise then echoed from a nearby corner of the bare rock.

"Quiet," Alan whispered, peering around the corner to spot a typical green slime, endlessly searching for living beings to dissolve with its gelatinous body. "That’s exactly what I was talking about. Equip Set A," he commanded, and his gear instantly changed to a leather vest, leather boots, and a dull short blade. "Hey, Ashley. Since you kinda cheated your way into The Novus and all... Did you bring a weapon or, I don’t know, some kind of OP Unique Skill with you?"

"I have some items in my inventory. Do you want me to equip them now?"

"Yes, I don’t want us to risk having to start over from the Renovatio Caves."

"Understood. One moment, please. Equipping." She accessed her menu and, with a few swift movements of her wrist, materialized a shining silver breastplate, gauntlets, and steel boots. On her back, a quiver full of arrows appeared, a sheathed dagger was secured at her belt, and a bow materialized in front of her, which she grabbed after a couple of seconds.

"A marksman, huh," Alan noted approvingly. "Do you know how to use that?"

"To prepare for my arrival here, I analyzed thousands of data recordings on the use of various weapons."

“That sounds about right, but there’s not much space here and it could be tricky to shoot. For now, just stick with that dagger, okay?"

"Understood. Adjusting tactics."

It’s odd that she can equip silver gear right off the bat. And I can’t see her level. Could these irregularities be because she hacked herself into The Novus?

He shook his head. Focus, Alan.

"Stay close to me, and don’t attack unless absolutely necessary, got it?"

Alan raised his sword, ready to engage the first slime within reach, but he froze when he saw what was actually in front of him.

It was indeed a low-level creature, but on closer inspection, it resembled a boy crouching to pick a mushroom. The green child looked up at him, faceless yet somehow emitting a plea for help before running away.

"Why did you stop, Alan?" Ashley inquired from behind him.

Another figure came into view, this one clutching a bag with both gelatinous arms. Alan could see its info: 'Level 12, Advanced Slime.'

It was dressed in pants and a shirt, much like any farmer or worker. The child-like figure was pulling at its clothes and pointing towards the duo emerging from the shadows. The worker tilted its head to the right.

"Wait a minute," it spoke, its voice muffled as if underwater. "Are you two coming from the caves?"

"Y-yes?" Alan replied, sheathing his sword. "And you... you're slimes, correct?"

"Oh, for the love of Viola. You really are coming from the caves..."

* * * * *

* * * *

* * *

* *

*

"Have you all evolved?" Alan asked as he followed the humanoid figures down the road.

"That’s a simple way to put it, yes. All thanks to Goddess Viola. Bless her."

"Alan," Ashley whispered close to his ear. "That’s the name of an administrator, Viola Lang."

Alan did not respond, his expression turning into a frown.

If that’s the case, this whole situation is really messed up.

"Just a heads-up before we get there," the slime man said. "As you can see, we mean no harm. The days of fighting new Users are long gone. So please..."

"We won't try anything strange, we promise."

He calls us ‘users’, huh?

The further they ventured through the tunnels, the more the sounds of people reached their ears. Alan remembered a large, spacious area inside the mountain where a subterranean river flowed.

If I recall correctly, Astrid and I spent our first whole day killing Slimes here, until a boss appeared.

What he discovered, however, was a fully functional town. Bridges crossed over cliffs, stone houses lined the streets, and there was even a structure resembling a church.

If they worship Viola Lang there, I might just puke.

Alan watched as a low-level familiar monster carried loads across the settlement. Workshops buzzed with activity, and materials for construction and furniture were everywhere.

As they walked, every translucent humanoid they passed stared at them, their faces blank but their body language revealing concern. Some in skirts whispered among themselves, while those in vests and jackets scratched their heads or crossed their arms.

When was the last time they saw a human walk through here?

"Smaio," one called out loudly. "Explain, now! Why are these Users here?"

"You know as much as I do. They just walked out of the Renovatio Caves," their guide turned its head towards Alan, expecting him to confirm.

Alan cleared his throat. "He’s telling the truth. And if you'll excuse us, we’d like to pass through your... lands, without issue."

"That doesn’t explain why you came from that direction!" As they were surrounded, a bulky slime blocked their path, a menacing number 20 clearly visible above its head.

"Oh, come on!" Alan exclaimed, his gaze challenging everyone. "Is it that crazy to think some of us might just be late to the party?"

"You’re level 5, and that's impossible since there’s no living creature left back there for you to level up. Unless..."

The huge slime flexed its knuckles, making no sound but suggesting a threat.

Crap, is he implying we killed some of their people?

"I’m ready, Alan," Ashley whispered at his back, causing the threatening slime to hesitate.

"N-no! We will not retaliate," he declared, gritting his teeth, pondering if they could escape through the crowd until another commanding voice intervened.

"Back off, Smollet. I would like to speak with them." The crowd parted to allow another slime person to approach Alan. Clad in pants and leather boots, its chest bare revealed a human rib cage. "Pardon the manners of my people, travelers, but you must understand, we haven’t seen humans in these lands in a long, long time. Follow me. Smaio, you too."

Alan nodded, feeling the piercing, invisible glares of everyone around them. "Thanks, man."

Um… Shouldn’t have said that.

“I’m Smudock, leader of this humble tribe," the older-looking slime-man introduced himself as they headed towards the town outskirts.

“I’m Alan, and she’s Ashley," he said, noticing Ashley was holding the slime child by the hand. "So, Smudock... Do you believe our story?"

“I only believe in facts. Your levels don’t match your story, which is suspicious, but I assume it has something to do with you having been logged out of The Novus, correct?"

The slime child ran off to play with other kids, including a pair of regular, limbless slimes hopping and running around.

Awww! Are those supposed to be babies? Wait, what did he say?

“Do you know about The Novus?" Alan frowned, stopping in his tracks.

“Are you asking if we are aware this is a virtual environment? Every NU that has spawned here in the System knows it."

"O-Okay, but what's a 'Nu'?"

"Non-User…” Smudock glanced around. “Smaio?"

"Yes, chief?" The slime-man they had first encountered stepped forward, showing reluctance.

"Ride them to Unus, will you?"

"Yes, chief. You two, come this way."

"Do people from Unus know about you?" Alan asked Smudock before parting.

"Yes. Although, the closer you get to Londorus, the more Users you'll find who oppose our existence."

Oppose? That’s an interesting way to put it.

"It’d be good to keep quiet about this place then."

"Yes. We would appreciate that."

"Chief," Ashley stepped forward, causing Alan to halt. "We would equally appreciate it if our arrival could be kept a secret too."

"Understood."

* * * * *

* * * *

* * *

* *

*

"No one has to know that we just logged in, right?" Alan whispered to Ashley as they rode in a wooden cart pulled by a giant black insect, its frontal claws hissing silently as it moved.

"We mustn't cause panic among the other Users," Ashley replied, her expression unreadable. "The locals have already questioned you about your low level, so remember that when interacting with others."

Alan sighed and lay back. "Yeah, I’ll need to come up with a clever excuse or something."

They had left the cave entrance behind, and the mountains in the distance were tinged blue on the horizon. Alan estimated it would take at least half an hour to reach Unus.

"So much time has passed that even these creatures have established their own trade," he mused, glancing at the crates beside him filled with glowing mushrooms.

"Hey, Smaio, what are these used for?"

"Originally, Users used to craft low-ranking mana potions with them, but now they’ve become just an exotic ingredient."

"I see," Alan responded, stifling a yawn while opening his User Interface to explore it more thoroughly.

What's this? A Guild menu? Oh, right! I never checked this out since I logged out right after forming it with Astrid.

He tapped the tab, revealing a complete list of every member.

What?!

Alan sat up sharply.

100 members?! And they're all part of... Yes, I’m not misreading this! Shooting Stars! All 100 members are part of our guild! That's insane, Astrid! Did you manage all this by yourself?

A crack resounded nearby, then the ground trembled. Alan leaned toward Smaio’s seat, only to see a massive figure approaching. "What’s that?"

"Oh, my goddess!" Smaio exclaimed, commanding the insect to halt. "It's the Weasenox!"

‘The’, not ‘a Weasenox’? Alan wondered as he watched the red-furred mammal beast with an elongated body begin to salivate at the sight of their black insect, which trembled in fear. It seemed familiar.

Alan noticed the number 15 above the Weasenox.

Oh, shit.

"Smollet usually guards the cart every time we go to Unus!" Smaio cried, rushing to find his weapon, a wooden staff.

"Who, that bulky level 20 Advanced Slime?" Alan asked, noticing Smaio's terrified shakes.

But why is he so scared? If Smaio dies, he should be able to respawn back in his town, right?

Alan eyed the carnivorous beast, bracing for it to strike.

"Out of the cart, now!" The cart's roof was ripped apart by a swift tail swipe. Alan drew his rusty sword. “Come on! We have to--!”

Smaio stayed put, covering his head and crying: "I don’t want to devolve, I don’t want to devolve, I don’t..."

Devolve? Alan frowned, coming to a realization. So those ordinary-looking slimes back in town weren't babies?

He swallowed hard.

"Ashley!"

"Battle mode, Alan?"

"Full-on battle mode, girl!"

"Engaging."

"Listen, I'll try to—" Alan's words halted as he spotted a blur darting from his side. The next thing he saw was Ashley atop the Weasenox, plunging her dagger into its head.

The beast wailed in agony, trying to smash Ashley against a nearby boulder. Despite being slammed into the rock, she didn't let go. That final shove seemed to have knocked the creature out, and it collapsed lifelessly on the road, Ashley beside it, retrieving her weapon.

"Hey, Smaio," Alan muttered.

"Yes, User?"

"She’s the reason your Chief didn't send Smollet with us."

I just remembered why I couldn't see her level. The level gap between us must be enormous.

"Target eliminated," Ashley announced, returning to them seemingly unharmed.

"Yes, I noticed!" Alan beamed at her. "But why didn't you use your bow? You should be more proficient with it than your dagger."

Ashley stared blankly at him. "You told me to use only the dagger."