“Miss Ava, there is still time to reconsider. Wait for other players to test it first. It's too risky.”

The woman in traditional maid attire wiped Ava's face and neck before pulling up the blankets once more.

“I've been training for months and I'm not missing this opportunity to be normal for once.”

“Miss, you are normal.”

“Stop. A normal person doesn't need a machine to talk. They don't spend their entire life in bed. Or require virtual reality to hang out with people their age. I want to do what everyone else does. To go on adventures. To make memories. To fall in love.”

“I understand… I will no longer oppose your decision,” whispered the maid in a motherly tone while placing a virtual reality helmet on Ava's head.

Ava's vision began displaying diagnostic tests ensuring each of her senses were correctly affected. Just before her consciousness entered the game, her maid dropped a bombshell.

“Your father arranged for an employee to assist you. He should already be waiting for your arrival. Good luck, Miss Ava.”

Her awareness blinked into a sea of light and darkness swirling all around. She appeared to be rocketing into the unknown. Players had been warned of this unorthodox loading screen. With immersion as their priority, the developers wanted to avoid anything that reminded the player that Fate was a game. Thus the lack of any user interface or lobbies.

Instead of a traditional character creator and server list, the game reads one's subconscious self image to manifest a form and choose a game setting. A slim, toned body rapidly generated with all the curves that society hails as attractive. Her facial proportions molded to perfection. Her skin and hair appeared manicured and professionally styled. A comfortable set of traveler's garb, a sword, and a dagger was the most she was able to choose before the game censored her wishes. Her beating heart matched her quickening anticipation for the unknown.

Stumbling forward, Ava opened her eyes to find herself standing in the middle of a mountainous plateau. Due to her condition, she had been continuously online since she was young. Countless pictures and videos displayed such scenes. Many games had tried to recreate it. But none had ever been able to seize the awe she felt at the sight. The view stretched farther into the horizon than would ever have been possible on Earth. Who knows just how massive this planet is in comparison, a feat that no other game had accomplished. And if they had, it was vacant and barebone with nothing to do. But what she saw made her throw away such thoughts.

A setting sun backlit gigantic mountains with forested rivers winding between them. Dots of flickering lights and lazy smoke decorated the landscape. The cool breeze briefly brushed across her cheeks, interrupting her awe.

That's right. I can't allow myself to squander this time.Valerie said that an employee was waiting for me, but I don't see anyone. Perhaps they are waiting outside this tutorial spot.

A quick warm up with her sword and dagger provided incredible results. This virtual body moved far better than the ones she had trained in. A certain level of resistance and loss of coordination normally hindered her progress. Forget basic survival. Her sword demands blood!

She struck off in the direction of civilization. Not fifteen minutes passed before hearing a basal roar that shook her to the core. Except the reason for the roar scared her far more. A swarm of badgers bit and scratched a massive bear with another replacing each that fell victim to the beast's retaliation. Every instinct screamed at her to run as fast as she could and she did just that.

Rushing back to the plateau, she hid among the rocks, expecting to hear scurrying hisses at her heels, but none ever came. Five minutes turned into an hour, which turned into four. She occupied her mind by gathering tinder and twigs into a bundle on her waist, listening closely for any approaching sounds. The rest of the night eventually passed with nothing but moonlight and the screams of victims to keep her company.

The rising sun on a sleepless night brought none of the joy she initially felt. Adventures in stories were full of action and triumph, but all she had seen so far was a brutal reality far away from her secure home.

The developers of Fate made players sign a waiver. It allowed unfiltered content and exposure of players to unpleasant circumstances. It also forced players to stay logged in for at least 24 hours or until they die. They said it was for ‘calibration’ but everyone knew it was just to avoid lawsuits. A leak from the studio stated the real reason was to make players feel desperate and rely only on themselves to grow. In an age of game guides and min-maxing, it was a truly genius idea. There was no better way to get players hooked on the authentic experience.

Or so she would have thought prior to the previous night. Cold, hungry, and alone on a mountainside was not what she had expected. It wouldn't surprise her if her guide was killed on the way here.

The crunch of gravel made her suddenly turn her head. Standing across the clearing from her was a man basking in the morning breeze. His unkempt beard and hair danced in the air. His clothes were clean but heavily worn. A smooth walking stick rested in his hand. He seemed utterly at peace.

A flash of fury ignited within her. She had just gone through the worst night of her life, and her guide just leisurely shows up a day late. Not caring the slightest about alerting any monsters, she stomped across the clearing, shouting the entire way.

“Look who decided to show up. I thought, ‘what a beautiful starting point with a wonderful sunset’ until I was stuck here for 8 freaking hours! No food. No water. No shelter.”

Taking a deep breath she squeezed out a demand, “If you provide proper compensation, I might just forget to tell my father about this.”

“You must be mistaking me for someone else. I am but a simple traveler.”

I am seriously not in the mood for this right now.

“Mysterious traveler? Really? I'd find a new persona if I was you. You don't seem nearly charismatic enough to pull that one off.”

The man slightly bowed before replying.

“Forgive me. I did not expect to meet such an interesting personage. I fear I will be of little use. I recommend continuing west to the capital. Fare thee well.”

Beautiful mockery erupted from Ava’s chest. It would seem she had hit a sore spot.

“I see. You were probably hoping for a cute, little 18 year old that you could ‘show the ropes,’ like some kind of virgin. Are you that bad with women?”

All shadow of kindness disappeared from the man's eyes, causing her to take a step back. Then the threat of violence vanished like a lie before he turned to leave. Parting words of caution danced on the wind as his back disappeared beneath the ridge, venturing the opposite direction of the capital.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“I hope your sword is as sharp as your tongue, for man and beast care little for status in this great wilderness.”

Way to go, Ava. He's probably just some poorly paid employee that was told the wrong time. I should have at least tried to play the role of the adventurer, but instead I scared him off.

Valerie always says I spend too much time online. Maybe I should take a week off after this to talk with people in real life.

I don't need him anyway. What's the worst that could happen? An excruciating death that gives me nightmares? Beats quitting and being mocked by everyone I know.

The tightness in her chest and her anxiously racing heart betrayed her true feelings. There was none of the grand music or build up of a scripted story. Just the soft impacts of steps to an inevitable end.

Yet there was a thrill that was missing from other games. A level of stakes that other companies avoided for fear of losing players and consequently profits. Words all but fail to do justice to the tremor in her hands.

Ava took a stance in the wide clearing and surveyed the terrain. Any cover would only serve to her opponent's advantage. Getting surrounded was inevitable, which meant that a reckless offense was her only choice. After taking a few deep breaths to try and calm her mind, she inhaled one more time and rang the metaphorical dinner bell.

“Come here you overgrown rats! Let’s get this over with so I can take a bath!”

Alarmed screeches rapidly raced towards her with three of the gross badgers barreling at her like zombies in a post apocalyptic movie. She held her stance until they were within three paces, then lunged at the centermost one and severed the thing’s throat with a swift reverse slash. Such a suicidal action gave her just enough time to pivot towards another and send its guts pouring out. The horrible smell made her retch, causing her third swing to only barely end the last one’s life in a terribly off balanced strike.

Just as she was regaining her footing, a jaw clamped onto her shoulder and threw her tumbling to the ground. The creature took a chunk of flesh with it as it fell head over heels forward. A flip of her sword and a plunge ended the badger’s life. A flicker of movement caught the corner of her eye. A tug on her sword proved futile. Her trained hand smoothly withdrew her dagger and thrust with all her might. In perhaps her most perfect act of dexterity thus far, she sank past the elbow deep down the monster’s throat, effectively sheathing it over her arm.

The adrenaline of the fight could no longer keep her standing as she slumped against a large stone. Her sense of satisfaction at her first victory almost made the overwhelming suffering worth it. But only almost. Black streaks were visibly climbing her veins from her shoulder and arm.

Hah. Of course they’re venomous. Why wouldn’t they be?

Blinking away the tears that escaped her eyes, she could barely make out a figure scrambling up the embankment. She didn’t need clear vision to know who it was. His awkward entrance was all she needed to figure it out.

“Come here to gloat? Maybe an ‘I told you so’ or two?”

“Must you be insufferable even in death?”

His somber teasing brought a radiant smirk to her face.

“What can I say, it’s part of my charm.”

A convulsion sent a hiss of pain through her bloodied lips. Black streaks had already crawled up her carcass-covered arm. She did not have much time left.

“To think I would be brought down by freaking badgers.”

The man gently shook his head, sincerely meeting her eyes.

“What you accomplished is no small feat. Even experienced adventurers fear fetid scratchers due to their potent venom. Your father must be honored to have such a brave daughter.”

His words elicited a scoff from her.

“I doubt he would even raise an eyebrow. My training, my studying, my passion for the sake of taking part in Fate. All of it was just a stupid fancy to him. Maybe I should have gone into the family business after all. They already thought of me as a family disappointment. Dying on my first day adventuring just finally proves it.”

Tears threatened to escape down her cheeks.

Why am I crying? It’s not like this isn’t something I’ve known my entire life. I should be past this by now.

An angry voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts, genuinely shocking her back to reality.

“Then they are fools. You followed your heart in the name of your dream. It is easy to take the path of least tribulation, but instead you fought against the wishes of those closest to you. That is already more than anyone else would have done in your shoes. That alone already makes you worthy of praise. Though, that is only the opinion of Adriel, a penniless failure himself.”

“Lame…but sweet.”

Resolve returned to her eyes and she took a deep breath. Gritting her teeth, she yanked her arm out of the creature’s body, leaving gashes in her flesh. At the same time, he called forth a healing light, easing the pain.

“Thank you. Dying is more painful than I thought it would be. Could you hold me for a bit? The ground is far too cold.”

He scooped up her slim form and his arms gently placed her on his lap. Grabbing the hem of his cloak, he wrapped it around them and gently embraced her. The man leaned back against a boulder to let her rest her head on his shoulder. There was no awkwardness in their movements, imminent death having washed away all pretenses. Several beats of her quivering heart passed, each one weaker and farther apart.

A playful idea came to mind at that moment and she couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease the socially awkward man.

“Hey Adriel, I haven’t told you my name yet. It’s…”

She moved her lips like she was saying her name, but acted like she didn’t have the strength left to say it. As the man moved the side of his head closer and closer in an attempt to hear her, she quickly leaned forward and kissed his cheek. The sheer bewilderment in his eyes was worth everything till this point.

“I guess you’ll just have to find me in my next life to learn mine.”

This time the last word really was choked out as the convulsions worsened and her consciousness quickly faded.

**

Moments after these events, Ava was watching the swirling sea of energy once more. The game automatically disconnected after a single death and required a long cooldown. Just another one of the annoying hardcore mechanics that the developers insisted on including.

I ought to apologize to that employee the next time I log in. The way he never broke character was impressive. I almost forgot that I was still inside of Fate.

Although, I’m not sure it was entirely acting. That haunting look in his eyes when he saw my condition seemed too real. It felt like he was looking at a ghost.

Has he lost someone before? I knew some people would be unable to separate the game from reality, but should a company really be employing someone with such traumas? I should see if father can get him help.

ERROR: Disconnection Sequence Interrupted

…

…

Attempting Reinitialization of Disconnection Sequence

Attempt Failed…

Attempting Reinitialization of Disconnection Sequence

Attempt Failed…

…

…

What in the world is going on? Don’t tell me I’ll be stuck here because of a bug. Something this blatant should have been caught by playtesters.

Unknown Entity Attempting Reconnection

Disengaging Safety Protocols

Initiating Emergency Soul Severing

Connection Seve…ERROR

Wait, what is this sensation?

The image of an unkempt, clumsy man tugged at her heart.

Why am I feeling this way all of a sudden? I guess he wasn’t so bad, but I didn’t think I was particularly attached.

Foreign emotions washed over her. Anguish. Loss. Indignation. Resolution.

Goodness. What a willful man. If he insists, I suppose I could play with him some more. He’ll need someone to help him get his act together after all.

Game, let him know that I’ll join him after the cooldown. I already planned anyway.

User Intent Accepted

Accepting Attempted Reconnection

Hey, game. You don’t mean what I think you mean, do you?

The swirling sea swiftly gave way to a peaceful warmth. Upon opening her eyes, she was met with Adriel’s flaming figure, his body slowly becoming covered with blackened burns. A holy aura filled the air around him. His unfocussed, golden eyes stared into an unknown place. In that moment, she could finally see past his poorly kept beard and tangled hair to the man beneath and only a single word came to mind. Beautiful.

She could not help but smirk at the extent to which he would go to bring her back, a warmth growing in her jaded chest. Ignoring the feeling, she decided to pester her savior.

“Did you really miss me that much?”

The next instant, his figure collapsed to the ground beside her.

I might be able to get used to this death mechanic after all.