It was morning, and the sun had just risen, casting its warm glow upon the awakening world. The two girls slowly opened their eyes, still groggy from the night before. They felt a lingering sensation, something they couldn't quite place. Unbeknownst to them, their bodies had experienced an intrusion during the night, leaving them feeling damp and disoriented.
Unlike the other players, the two girls weren't ready to jump out of bed and embrace the day. They lay there, their bodies still, as Daren's hand delicately caressed their heads and traced their curves. There was no resistance from the girls; they had grown accustomed to Daren's intimate touch.
Daren's gaze wandered over their petite, naked bodies. "Such adorable figures," he thought, his mind active with desire.
Before they could rise and face the day with renewed strength, their bodies needed a moment to relax. The blankets and the cool air in the room were minor obstacles, but with the gentle sunlight creeping in, they felt a surge of energy within them.
They dressed themselves in standard suits, transitioning from their naked state to the attire they wore for their daily activities. In situations where they needed to maintain modesty, there were features available to ensure their privacy, such as invisible clothing.
The girls had no complaints about Daren's actions from the previous night. In fact, they had forgotten all about it. Daren approached them, ready for the day's activities.
"Good morning, Chinatsu, Ravina!" Daren greeted them cheerfully. "How was your day in the forest? Are you adjusting better?"
Chinatsu simply shook her head, not comprehending Daren's question. Ravina tilted her head, trying to absorb Daren's words of welcome.
Daren stood still, his smile faintly reassuring. Friendliness was just one aspect of Daren's personality that he displayed to his team members.
"Come on! Before anything else, you should take a shower. It's a common practice to freshen up before diving into the game," Daren suggested.
The girls nodded absentmindedly, understanding the importance of cleanliness without needing to discuss it further. Their voices remained hushed, blending with the serene forest ambiance, only interrupted by the occasional sounds of wildlife.
Daren led them to a nearby river, a serene and pristine spot where they could cleanse their bodies and rejuvenate their minds. The blankets they had left behind were neatly stored in Daren's inventory, ready for any future emergencies.
"Here we are! The river is clean and clear. Please use the soap and shampoo I've placed by the water," Daren informed them. The shampoo and soap were conveniently stationed nearby, prepared for any unexpected situations.
"Afterward, give me a call, okay? I'll be behind that tree, reading the comprehensive manual," Daren added, opening the virtual screen to review the manual. His intention was to build trust with the girls, ensuring they felt safe and secure, free from the prying eyes of any other intrusive players.
The girls resumed their cleansing routine, undisturbed by Daren's presence. He offered them a gentle smile and retreated behind a tree, allowing them the privacy they needed to cleanse their bodies thoroughly.
After patiently waiting and reading the manual, Daren approached them, turning off the virtual screen and assuming a serious demeanor.
They had draped a pink towel around themselves, and a pleasant fragrance wafted towards Daren, momentarily causing doubt to creep into his mind.
Attempting to push aside the events of the previous day that had plunged them into the depths of the dark forest, Chinatsu mustered the courage to speak. Though her voice was barely above a whisper, her confession reached Daren's ears, bringing a sense of relief to the girl.
"Thank you, Daren. It's because of you that I was able to survive in this forest. Somehow, I managed to make it through."
Daren nodded in understanding, appreciating the gratitude expressed by the two girls standing before him. There was no need for concern, as their team leader would guide them with watchful eyes.
"Let's continue our journey and strive to become even better players. I've studied several manuals and can explain them to you later," Daren suggested with a warm smile.
Their enthusiasm reignited, their minds now focused on accumulating valuable flying hours and making progress in their adventure.
Each player possessed a manual within their inventory that couldn't be destroyed, as it was a permanent item. Once a manual was read, they could delve into more challenging sections. For instance, if they had mastered an intermediate level, they could advance to a more advanced level.
However, not everyone desired to tackle complex manuals that required a deep understanding of the expert-level Alverest Game.
As the forest gradually became illuminated by the sun, they resumed their journey. Fortunately, they were shielded from the scorching light, and the virtual world's weather remained under control.
Despite their empty stomachs, their spirits remained high as they walked. They engaged in conversation, shared jokes, and confided in one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the team members and leaders.
Ravina called out to Daren, confirming that they hadn't veered too far off course. They were determined not to repeat the mistakes of the previous day.
"Daren, how much longer until we reach our destination?" Chinatsu innocently inquired, wanting to gauge the distance they had covered.
Daren consulted the map and measured the remaining distance to their goal. After a brief pause, he responded with confidence and a steady tone.
"Approximately 10 kilometers. Don't worry, once we arrive, we can rest assured."
They collectively breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they were making progress. However, the unknown still loomed, leaving them uncertain of what awaited them in the minutes to come.
