"Kuaahhh!" Ian winced in pain as the sharp burning sensation spread throughout his upper body.

Ian spun around his body just as Jarol pulled out the knife. Ian gazed at Jarol, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Why did Jarol stab him in the back? Jarol was one of his earliest companions...as well as his most trusted friend who had always got his back no matter what occurred. So why...WHY?! As if reading his mind, Jarol answered his question.

"You were winning. We can't let that happen." Jarol replied with a smile.

Ian peered at Jarol, taking note of that weird smile he had shown. Something was strange...this behavior...it wasn't like Jarol. "Who are you? Are you a demon? Where's the real Jarol?"

"Haha! I'm surprised you were able to deduce this much. But you're wrong on one thing. I am the real Jarol...or should I say...this body is the real Jarol."

"Body? You!...When?!"

"That's right. It was during that storm when we were on that ship. Didn't you blacked out?"

"Why are you doing this? If not to help the demons...then what? What grudge do you have against me!?"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"I don't have a grudge towards you. However, I cannot let you leave either. You must stay in here forever."

"Stay...in here? What do you mean by that?"

"Don't you remember? Player Ian Page?"

"Player Ian Page? My name is Ian Dolores, why did you call me Ian Pag-!" Ian asked suspiciously when all of a sudden, many pictures flashed in his head...memories one could call it.

What is this? In the pictures, Ian could see himself...but in some weird clothing. He could see himself interacting with other people...his friends?...his family?.... Ian saw a world different from the world he was in...there were large buildings that reach the skies, metal objects flying in the air, horseless carriages moving on its own, and the most conspicuous fact...no demons. Ian saw himself spend a large amount of money to buy a box. Inside the box was a helmet much like the one he was wearing with a glass-like visor. Ian saw himself putting on the helmet as well as what happened afterwards.

"This...this world...it's not real! It's...virtual reality!" Ian muttered.

"Correct! It seems you have remembered." Jarol replied.

"Who are you? Why are you stopping me? Isn't beating this game the point?"

"It is...but I don't want you to leave. As for who I am...well, you can call me BUG."

"Bug? A...a glitch! No!"

"Yes." Jarol grinned before ramming into Ian.

"No!" Ian cried out as he fell to the ground.

He tried to roll away, but Jarol jumped on top of Ian's back. Ian cried out once more before Jarol stabbed down once again...and again...and again. Ian's health decreased quickly. His eyes started to blur until finally...blackness....