> [Werewolf Monster in the ?!]

>

> [I Got Killed By a Werewolf...]

>

> [Since When the Devs Added Werewolves in [Isekai]?!]

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> [WEREWOLVES EXIST IN [ISEKAI]!!!]

Damn... Nothing about [Lycanthropes] as a playable [Race]? I kept scrolling through the forums on my phone and still found nothing. I might try installing the game's official social media app to know more, but I feel like I might get the same results. I guess it really is a hidden feature and I might be the second player to discover it...

"HEY!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE STARING AT, YOU IDIOT?!?!"

I gasp once I hear my boss's booming voice right near my ear. Damn, it's only an hour after my short play session into [Isekai] and now, I'm being distracted with thoughts related to it. I'm supposed to focus on my part-time job right now, organizing the new stock on the shelves. But how can I after everything I learned after the incident? The [Lycanthropes], the hidden village where they lived...

Not to mention the player associated with them... Just what the hell did I get myself into?

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[A Few Hours Ago...]

"Hey, what's with you? Are you that hungry to try out my wares?"

I quickly shook my head when the muscled man mentioned it. I would say it was, but I still couldn't keep my eyes away from the green crystal over his head. How in the world did a player get involved with this village anyway? And how did he know me? I never recall meeting someone like him back in ...

"Oh. I'm guessing you noticed my crystal, huh? Seems like my wolf form must have hidden it then. You remember that brown [Lycan] back in the forest, right?"

Now that he mentioned it, there was another back then...

"No way... Are you telling me you're that [Lycan]?!" I asked.

"Yep! My name's , in case you missed it. While I'm not going out helping the village and doing [Quests], I managed a small cafe in New York. Nice to see another player join the pack. While I see the villagers here as a family, I feel a bit lonely around here."

I chuckle sheepishly. "I can see why. Still, I'm amazed you managed to take down [Viper Fangs's] guild leader. I can't tell you much about my relationship with him, but I know he's on par with the top-ranking guilds in this game. You can't exactly go up a level higher than them unless you're cheating, which I highly doubt because of its strong anti-cheat system."

"Oh, that. It's nothing special. I've been a [Human] [Lycan] since the beta test."

I see...

Wait... The beta test?!

"But that's impossible! I heard most of your character data would be reset after the beta period was finished. Other than your appearance and some stats, there's no way you can save them during the transition," I recalled.

"Well, I can't say too much without breaching the contract. But let's just say I had my hand with a big event involving some guardians and dark forces that occurred during that period."

Guardians and dark forces? Wait, was he talking about...

"Enough about me! I want to know more about you, kid," Lawrence spoke up before he placed the tray of food on my lap. "You look like a game-savvy kind of player with a surprisingly scary ability as a strategist and yet, you seem to have an abysmal level. A bit of a contradiction about you, huh?"

Huh. He looks like a goofball, but he's perspective when it comes to people. "Yeah. No thanks to Savior and his goons."

"I don't mean to pry your private life, but what makes you say that?"

I sigh. I guess I can air out a bit of my burden. "You know how most players go to the in to learn about the combat in this game, right? Well, I was trying to learn and train there until I encountered them in the game."

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[A Few Months Ago...]

I was catching my breath as I dropped my dagger and looked at the new window that appeared in front of me.

[LEVEL UP] [Your [Dagger Mastery] has leveled up to 5!]

I heard daggers were supposed to be easy to use, but there's nothing easy when it comes to grip! When Lucy said I'm clumsy with bladed weapons, I thought it was an exaggerated euphemism. Now I know she wasn't joking after about 2 in-game hours of training! Looks like choosing daggers over swords might be a good play on my end. I should move on and level up the rest of my battle [Masteries].

"Oh! Look what we have here, boys!"

I flinched just as I stepped into the magic training room. I turned around to see a familiar man with brown short hair wearing leather armor surrounded by some fishy men. They didn't seem to be alone as I saw two players being dragged by his henchmen.

"I thought I was seeing things, but I didn't expect to see a familiar face around here," the man said. "Light blue hair and blue eyes aside, you seem to be a dead ringer to a certain wallflower I know back in college. Don't you agree, Lucas?"

Dammit! Why was this jerk playing this game?! I thought he was busy with FPS games or something?! Just when I thought I was free from his grasp in .

"The name is Lowry and I don't remember you messing around with newbies in this newcomer-friendly building, David," I demanded.

"Come now, Lowry! There's no need for hostility. In this game, I am known as , as in the savior of this fantasy realm," David bragged with a haughty tone. "Besides, you're new around these parts, huh? I can tell judging by how clumsy you were with that dagger back there."

Just when I think he has run out of ideas on harassing me...

"Shut it, Savior. You have no right to insult me and I heard there's a penalty if you hurt those players in these parts."

"Huh? Is that what you think I'm doing to these newbies? Oh, you're always a joker when it comes to these things?" Savior walked closer to me while disregarding the painful cries of the new players. "Tell you what, I have a feeling you might be worth a lot for my guild here than these weaklings. How about joining [Viper Fangs] and you can get everything you ask?"

I narrowed my eyes and furrowed my brows with my glare set on Savior's eyes. "Do you expect me to become your rag doll again?! You may beat me down outside college, but I'm not letting you trample my hopes for the game over your stupid glory!"

I wish my shout was enough to drive them away. But knowing his methods in real life...

"Oh... Do you think you have a say in this?"

He let go of the players and suddenly, one of his goons kicked me down before Savior aimed his blade at my face while I was on the ground. As expected, he's willing to use force despite the risks of being penalized here. Of course, he has a habit of making loopholes...

"Tell you what, Lowry. I respect your decisions, so how about this? You will ally with us and I promise I won't do any harm with these players."

I clenched my jaw as I stared at the newbies. I want to help them, but...

"What makes you think I'm going along with your deal?"

Suddenly, Savior started to chuckle. "Well, it just happens that I met your friends a bit earlier. Back in college, I heard they might be the gay fashionista and that weird wolf otaku."

Wait... Bryan and Harley?! I rapidly blink just the mere thought of them.

"Y-You wouldn't..." I muttered.

"Oh? Did that hit a nerve? Don't worry, I won't do anything with them as long as you follow everything I say. You're free to do everything you want afterward, but the invitation is still open if you change your mind." Savior reached out his hand to me with a mocking smile above me. "So... What do you say, partner?"

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

I growled as I continued glaring at Savior. But despite my intimidating glare, I couldn't do anything to back it up. Once I saw the friend request, I knew I had no choice. I sighed in defeat and tapped [YES].

"Good boy. I'll contact you if we need anything. Just leave some [Mastery] details in the PM and I'll see what I can do for you." Savior then waved at me with a mocking smile on his face. "Welcome to , Lowry. Hahahahaha!!!"

With his cackling henchmen, Savior left the , leaving me on the ground. I wish I could cry at this humiliation, but I'm also too frustrated at this point. In the end, I left the hall without finishing my training on my [Fire Mastery].

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"I see." Lawrence hummed once I finished my story. "I'm sorry you had to deal with all of that on your own. I'm surprised nobody reported them. They should have made enough noise to garner attention."

I sighed as I picked up a spoon and a fork and started eating some vegetables and small cuts of rabbit meat inside the soup. "In the real world, Savior has some big connections. As expected for a spoiled brat," I explained between the chews and swallows. "Besides, he must have read the rules of [PVP] and [PK] before to see if there was a way everyone would follow him without getting the attention of the town guards. Either that or they might be too buggy to pay attention to his arrogant rants."

"Either way, there is no way they treat new players like yourself. I'm surprised you managed to get through his torture without being hampered by the handicap your bullies forced you to go through." Lawrence then crossed his arms. "Regardless, you will be safe here for the time being."

I nodded. "It's only because of Fenrir's encouragement that led me to this village in the first place. I know it's too early for me to change from my cowardice, but I'm sick of making excuses and seeing myself as a wallflower. Even if it meant fighting against Savior someday, I rather stand up than be complacent again. If only I can say the same when it comes to my financial issues."

For a brief moment, I noticed the large [Lycan] player humming in thought. "Glad you made your resolve, Lowry. Though I must warn you. The first lessons are difficult, but not too stressful. But the latter portion might be too much for a supporter like you. It might be hell for you, but I promise you that all of that hard work will give you a chance to recreate your character."

Probably makes sense since I'm still stuck with this debuff for a few days. Still, what did he mean by all that? "Recreate my character"? Was that even possible? Regardless, I'm grateful Lawrence gave me enough encouragement to move forward. That's something I won't forget as I finish my meal and restart my [Sleep Mode] once more.

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I thought of that earlier. But I can't say the same with my current job.

It only took me a few hours to organize the stock and stick some price tags. Then I only got an hour manning the cashier. But by that time, I only got about 3 customers before my shift was over.

Eventually, I finished at 3 PM and headed out with today's paycheck. As usual, my boss gave me a meager pay than my usual. At this rate, he will throw me out like spoiled milk from the fridge and I can't pay my rent and bills on time. I didn't move to New York just to be homeless on the streets. Still, I have other issues to deal with first.

"LUCAAAASSSSS!!!"

Like facing my friends after the incident.

I turn to see not only Bryan rushing in before grabbing my shoulders, but also Harley lagging behind him.

"Are you okay?! Did David and his lackeys barge into your apartment? Do we need to call a hospital?" He shouted while shaking my body like a rag doll. "If he made one scratch on you, I'll...!"

I quickly grab his arms and stop him from shaking me further. "Hey, hey, hey! Stop it, Bryan! I'm okay!" I call out. "David hasn't come to my apartment! Besides, you and I already knew that he has no idea that I'm not living at the college dorms."

To my relief, Bryan listened to me and gingerly pushed me away from me. "Sorry, dude. It's just that we were all full-panic mode the moment we saw your DM in Discourse, we thought you're already dead meat. Or worse, call 911!"

"Okay, I know that David is a spoiled brat who treats everyone beneath him, but I think that's only your product of paranoia talking," Harley calmly said as he walked up to us. "Still, we're glad to see you okay. What happened?"

I let them in on everything that happened in my last dungeon raid with David and his guild. However, I deliberately left out details about the [Lycanthropes], my [Hidden Quest], and the full details of the dungeon's true nature itself. Bryan and Harley may be my friends, but I know that the [Lycans] might not accept them, and knowing the hidden village, I can't endanger them unless they encounter the same [Hidden Quest] that led to my induction as a [Lycan]. It sounds stupid and rude of me, but I don't want to make enemies by breaking our promise.

God, I'm going to hate myself for lying to my friends...

"Yikes... Sounds like you got a lot on your plate, Luke." Bryan scratched the back of his head with his eyes widened and his face stiffened. "But I'm surprised you swallowed your pride and defy the Vipers all for a shrine in there. Not to mention you refusing to take the treasure inside."

I sigh while averting my eyes from Bryan for a brief moment. "It's true not taking the [Dungeon] treasure is a waste. But there's a chance that our actions may affect the world itself. When I noticed the [Dungeon's] treasure room looked like a shrine of sorts, I knew I had to stop them before they could do anything that might anger the spirits that were worshipped there."

After I said this, Harley and Bryan started staring at me with their eyebrows raised. Is that enough to convince them? I seriously don't want to tell them everything...

"Honestly, your lying skills are not the worst. But not too good." I flinched once Bryan bluntly answered. "Still, if you don't want to tell us the full story, then we won't bother poking our noses into your privacy."

I rapidly blinked my eyes. "Wait, you're going to believe me? Just like that?"

"Come on, Lucas. We're only here to see if David did something crazy to you, not learning the truth behind it," Harley answered. "Besides, we don't want to pry onto your privacy that might make you uncomfortable. As friends, we have to set our boundaries unless you're ready to share them. Once you're ready, just let us know, okay?"

Bryan nods next. "Yep! We're right by your side no matter what kind of skeletons you have in your closet!"

That's a wrong way to say that phrase, but I'm relieved that they understood my current situation. If it's possible, I might tell them everything if they become [Lycans] in the near future.

"Thanks, guys. Looks like I was paranoid for nothing."

"Excuse me?" Harley asked, causing me to shake my head and hands.

"Uh... Nothing..." I take a deep breath. "Still, that doesn't mean I'm going to be safe for long."

"I agree. We'll be at the entrance tomorrow. If David wants revenge, then they have to go through us first." Bryan cracked his fists.

"Just don't get a bit too violent when confronting them, okay?" I warned. "I need to go back home. My [Sleep Mode] ends in an hour, so I can't stay away from [Isekai] for long."

"[Sleep Mode]?" Both of them asked. Okay, I should end this conversation before I say anything stupid.

"Again, long story. See you tomorrow, guys."

I quickly run home before they have a chance to ask again. God, I need to keep my mouth shut before I unknowingly put my foot in.

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Once I was back in my apartment, I didn't waste any time preparing some hot water for my instant ramen for dinner later and changed into my fresh home clothes. While I'm not the type to leave my apartment a mess and ignore them for [Isekai], I never had the chance to clean it between my lectures and part-time work. All I can do now is to clean the plates from yesterday and tidy up my desk and sofa. After I did my usual chores, I removed my glasses and put on my [VeilCon] while I sat down on my bed. I only have 5 minutes until the [Sleep Mode] ends, so I use the time to search for other subjects I had in mind.

"[Access the Browser Room]."

The [Browser Room]. Unlike the [Dive] function to access , it's one of the initial features included in every [ADVR] console. It's more of an internet browser in an augmented reality room generated in my [VeilCon]. With this, I can surf the internet without a physical monitor and keyboard. This was a godsend from Lucy since I couldn't afford a new laptop or PC and my old one was already at its limits. Still, it won't replace it when it comes to my college studies and projects. If only I have enough money for a new...

Focus, Lucas. I don't have time to focus on my studies. I already finished my essay and I can't stress on next week's tuition right now. I got other things to learn about as I typed into the "Boogle" search engine with the virtual keyboard.

[Isekai Online and Mind Link]

If I can recall from [ADVR's] official articles, the [Mind Link] is a feature that manipulates the user's mind through hypnosis and influencing their thoughts with whispering prompts and images projected from the console. It's not only used for psychological research on mental illness and psychoanalysis but it's also used for roleplay and metaverses to increase their immersion into it. To no one's surprise, the feature has been met with mixed reception. Some called out for possible abuse for any ill-will users and some questioned the possibility of turning some users into addicts akin to drugs. So when Midnight Studios announced that there is a [Mind Link] support on the first VRMMO in the world, there was some backlash on their decision. But when the game was officially released, they didn't seem to find any feature that applies to it. In their eyes, they think the [Mind Link] feature was a scrapped feature due to intense backlash.

That is until I learned about the [Lycanthropes] and the connections to it.

As I scrolled through the search results in the form of several windows surrounding me, I found a few articles related to the keywords. But most of them are about the reactions to the announcement while some are theories regarding the application in the game such as hidden [Masteries] and events. But none of them mentioned [Races] or rumors related to the unknown [Sub-Races]. Sure, there were mentions that it might activate in some of them such as [Beastfolk] or [Feles], but it has been debunked in all of them after some players posted some forum threads a few weeks after release. Either the players grew tired of following through those theories or the devs were able to hide the existence of [Lycans] very well. I would ask Lawrence about it, but there's no way he can give me the answers I need.

Anyway, I noticed that I only have 1 minute left until the [Sleep Mode] ends. I guess the only way to get my answers is to make some progress into my current [Hidden Quest] and prepare for my inevitable transformation into a [Lycan]. I left the [Browser Room] and lay down as I took a deep breath one more time. Time to start my training as a new [Lycan]. Time to turn my virtual life around.

[Re-logging in as . Turning off and resuming gameplay.]