The Wood’s tavern was crowded as usual considering that this is the time where people mostly travelers and merchants would drop by to have their drinks and rest. Though, other customers like the regulars, adventurers, mercenaries and knights are also in the tavern as well. It was quite the sight but this is just normal scene for those who had lived in this town.

The staffs are working around the clock to serve their customers with the best service. With the flow of the patrons flowing in endlessly, they needed to double up their effort and ensure that every one of them gets their orders fulfilled.

“Here are your orders!” The elven waitress arrives to deliver the beverages. “Five Chulo juices and one beer, correct?”

“Yes.”  The customer seated was none other than Tryx.

The waitress places all of the beverages onto the table, “Enjoy your drinks!” the waitress hops away and continues her duties.

Tryx grabbed the beer and sipped it before eyeing on the guests sitting in front of him. The guests who were happened to be dubbed as ‘The Hero party’ grabbed their juices and drank. He eyed every each one of them trying to confirm that they are also in the similar situation like him. The yellow markers are hovering above them just like in ‘Warfighter’.

These markers usually used to denote friendly and enemies in the match with blue being friendly and red as the enemy. But yellow is mostly used by players when they are inside lobbies and shooting range which denotes them as neutral meaning that they are not in any parties or particularly allies or enemies of any players. But for the markers to exist on them and those weird name choices shows that they are definitely like him – a drifter, someone from another world.

He decided to talk to them figuring that they might know something.

Seeing that the hero party has cooled down, Tryx begin questioning them.

"Do any of you speak English?”

All of them shook their heads, “No, but thanks to our ‘auto-translation’ settings, we can understand you in Japanese. We assumed that you have such features too.”

“Yes I have.” He was lucky to stumble upon the ‘auto translation’ feature while playing around the settings yesterday. So, his theory about the people speaking different language back then was true. “So, you said that I’m a ‘player’.”

The hero nicknamed ~YAMINOTAICHOU69~ nodded, “Yes, based on that clothing you’re wearing we assumed that you might be one of us.” The boy replied in English fluently with his Asian accent.

“What makes you think that?”

“Who else in this world would wear a hoodie, jeans and sneakers?” The archer named KuugaRock2001 responded.

“Yeah, you’re probably right…” Tryx scratched his head and smiled awkwardly. After all, most of his apparels are based off real world which is definitely out of place for this world. “So, mister…” he looked up on the marker and reads the name. “YAMINOTAICHOU… 69?”

He understands the gamer name and even he had some sort of edgy nickname too. But that number? Nice.

The hero quickly corrected him, “Uh, no need to call me with that name!” he flustered, “Everyone here calls each other with real name!”

“Ah, so that makes it easier for me.” Tryx nodded.

“Allow us to introduce ourselves…” The witch named wwwMonstaBeamwww said. “My name is Hiroyuki Iori. Just call me Iori or Io.”

“Hakase Tobi. Tobi is enough, nice to meet you.” The archer, KuugaRocks2001 introduced himself.

Then, the thief NeroLover_uwu thumbed himself, “The name’s Sakami Daisuke! Remember that name pal!”

“Um… I uh… My name is Takayuki Eiri…” The priestess, XoFurochanXo said timidly. Compared to her fellow friends, she looks really shy.

Finally, it was the hero’s turn.

“Karasuma Yosuke, just call me Yosuke.”

“Those names, you guys are Japanese?”

“Yes, we’re all from Japan!”

Not surprising since Japanese has a thing for fantasy setting games and it was the theme that most of the Japanese creators have used in all forms of media. And with the game being implemented into VR, its literally Japanese’s wet dream turning reality. Not to mention, their attires was screaming ‘D&D’ or ‘Isekai’ from miles away.

“So, what’s your name, mister?” Iori asked.

Tryx blinked, “What? I thought you already know my name?”

“Uhh, no we didn’t…” Tobi raised his brows.

“What? I thought you can see my name just as I see yours…”

“Oh, so that’s why you suddenly know my name!” Yosuke exclaimed. “But really, we don’t see any names on you. Not at all.”

“I see…”

“But there is a white arrow on your head right now!” Daisuke laughed.

Tryx tried to imagine it, white arrow on top of his head floating right now as he speaks. He couldn’t help but feel that it looked stupid on him. It looks like his marking system is at least better. Though, he was intrigued. He wondered why they couldn’t see his name floating around and he can see theirs? Is there some sort of restriction? Is it possible that only he can see this? And why are they experiencing some game effects right now?

As he was in deep thought, the party brought him back to reality.

“Uh, sir?” Yosuke called him.

“Oh, uhh… Sorry, lost in thought…” He laughed, “Now, where were we?”

“Your name, sir.”

“Oh right. My name is Tryx. Just call me that, my friends keep calling me with that name and it stuck onto me.” He can still remember how everyone called him with such name.

“Huh, that’s one hell of name!” Daisuke complemented.

“Yeah, but you guys have way more… unique names…” That was the only way to describe their names. He did know that the Japanese players have quite a long username but he didn’t expect that it was a bunch of weird words mashed up together. “Though, still better than ‘BallsDeep69’ or ‘Noobmaster69’…”

“Anyhow, while we’re at it… How did you ended up here?” Tobi asked.

“Oh, I ride a Hilux.” Tryx replied nonchalantly much to the archer’s chagrin. The rest of the party laughed at his response.

Tobi sighed, “I’m asking how you ended up in this world, not this town.”

“Oh… Right…” Tryx laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, how I ended up here?”

It was a heavy topic but he needed to answer it.

He told what exactly happened. How he was in the middle of tournament and his equipment went faulty and electrocuted him to death. How he encountered an elf, saved her and fought against a bunch of orcs before arriving in this town. How he joined a mercenary guild and met a grumpy girl as his partner and ended up joining the orc subjugation force right now.

“Huh, no wonder your name is familiar…” Tobi remarked. “So, you’re from team ‘Ragnarok’.”

“Oh, so you do know about it?”

Tobi nodded, “Yup, I played ‘Warfighter’ too but not that much since it lack events right now…”

Ah yes, the events. Ever since the tournament held up, there was a lack of contents and events. Those few things only got updated when the tournament ended. But at the very least the daily/weekly quests are satisfying though. The rewards are also good.

“Wow… I didn’t know you’re a world ranking player, Tryx-san.” Eiri awed in amazement.

“Nah, it’s nothing…” Tryx shook his head, “If it weren’t for my team, we couldn’t have got to the finals!” he tried to stay humble.

“Huh, you’re quite lucky to have world class team!” Iori complemented. Even she was amazed by the man’s accomplishments.

Tryx couldn’t stop smiling over his accomplishments, it was all team effort. Everyone was good at their respective areas. But that doesn’t mean he was terrible in playing solo. After all, when it comes to last man standing he was the team’s last hope. Reminding it really brings him back.

“Yeah… I wonder what they’re doing, right now…”  Tryx’s mind drifted as he thought of his old team mates.

He guessed that they might be mourning over his death, holding up a party or even searching a replacement member right now. Though, he just hopes that none of them ended up like him in the future matches. Aside of that, he also thought of his family. They might be sad right now. He bet that his mother is still crying over his death and his father must be pissed off at him for joining this tournament. But knowing his father, he bet that he might be pissed at the organizers as well. And then, there’s his little sister probably being moody and crying over his death. After all, she’s quite close to him.

“Tryx-san?” Yosuke called out. The man didn’t respond to his call. “Tryx?!”

“Wha- What?! Oh…” Only then, he was brought out of his melancholic daydream. “Sorry…”

He still had some attachment to his old world. It’s hard to let it go even though he knew that he’s already dead. After a short breath, he set aside the lamentation and focuses on the current conversation.

“Anyways, based on your get up…” Tryx eyed every each one of them, looking at their fantasy looking attire. “You guys playing some VR MMORPG, I assume?”

“Yeah.” Iori admitted, “We were playing ‘Sounds of Inferia’!”

“There was a monthly event and we decided to play together!” Daisuke added. “But then…”

“You guys got transported here…” Tryx guessed and like him, they had a bitter look on their faces. Just as he expected, something must’ve happened. “How did you guys got transported here? You get summoned by some nobles like in the isekai anime?”

“No.” Tobi replied, “We got killed.”

Tryx’s eyes widened, “What?” he thought Tobi was joking but looking at the rest of the parties’ restless and anxious face, he knew that it was the truth. “How?”

“It was a raid during the events. We went into dungeon and faced the final boss.” Yosuke begin explaining. “We were prepared but we didn’t expect that the boss was strong.” His voice starting get cold, his face distorted as if he was afraid and his fist clenching even tighter. “And then, we got killed by the boss. We thought that all of us got send back to the lobby but…”

Yosuke paused, he was loss at words. Even his parties are bitter thinking about it. Anger, anxiety, fear, worries – all were mixed in. They were pretty much like him. To die while playing a game, that reminds him of a certain anime he watched back then but it would be rude to bring it up. But one thing is for sure, he understands their feelings.

“I see… It must be hard for you guys…” they didn’t respond, that was the only appropriate words he could say. He took the beer and drank it. Nothing can make him forget other than the help of beer. Feeling that he needed to change the mood, he decided to break the silence. “Say, you guys look pretty young. Are you guys still in high school?”

The youngsters break out of their solemn gloomy mood, they quickly regained their composure.

“Yes, we are. We’re currently in 2^nd year.” Eiri responded.

“Huh, no wonder you guys looked young.” Tryx smirked. “Anyways, how long have you guys arrived in this world since your death?” he asked as he sips the beer.

“About two weeks already.” Yosuke answered. And his response surprised the man causing him to accidentally choke on his beer nearly spitting out the fluid out of his nose. “T… Tryx-san?!”

The amount of beer oozing down his nose really stings him. He coughed out a little and tries to swallow some of the amount left in his mouth. The scene attracted a number of people wondering what actually happened. Even a waiter had to come by his side and gave him a napkin. Tryx blew out the snot in his nostrils and focused back onto the Japanese players.

“Two... Weeks?” He asked gasping for air.

“Yes…” They replied reluctantly considering that man had choked onto his beer earlier.

“That long?”

“I’m afraid so.” Yosuke replied.

That was quite an eye opener for Tryx. He arrived in this world less than a week and in one week, he already went through a lot of shit. But these kids, they have been in this world for 2 weeks. Tryx assumed that they have more information about this world. Then, it’s best to get into their good side considering they’re in similar situation.

“Say, you guys have any plans in the future? Since we’re all reincarnated in this world…” Tryx asked.

“We don’t know just yet but we did plan to travel the world for a while.” Yosuke glanced at his fellow friends and they gave the same approval look on their eyes. “What about you, Tryx-san?”

“I don’t know… Maybe around the world and look for trouble I guess. Besides, who knows I could become warlord with my power?” Tryx joked and laughed over his statement. The Japanese even laughed but they had a bitter smile, they might be thinking that he mean it for real. “So, you guys will be joining the orc subjugation force?”

Yosuke nodded, “Indeed we are, we’re doing it for the sake of the town.” Suddenly, Iori tugged his cape and she whispered something into his ear. The two exchange small chat before Yosuke facing Tryx with a frown. “I’m afraid we have to end our conversation here, Tryx-san.”

“I take it that you have a business to attend?”

“Yeah, we kinda forgot about that. Sorry about it.” Iori bowed as she apologizes.

“No, no. It’s not your fault; I’m the one who’s dragging this conversation too long.”

“No!” Eiri disagreed, “We’re glad that we could talk to you, Tryx-san! We’re really glad that we could find someone like us in this world too! Even if it’s someone from a different game, we’re really glad that we’re not the only ones reincarnated with similar abilities in this world!”

“Yeah, it feels like we’re playing a crossover!” Iori added.

“I feel the same too.”

“Well then…” The hero party finishes their drink and stood up, preparing to leave.

“Guess we’ll be seeing each other again in the orc subjugation battle.”

“You too, take care.”

The two grabbed each other’s hand and shook before leaving. The Japanese students left the tavern and disappeared into the crowded street. He gazed onto the scene outside of the window despite knowing that they wouldn’t be seen at all among the crowds. He took his time, sipping the beer slowly till its last drop.

“Quite interesting kids…” he muttered. “Players huh…”

Once he’s done, Tryx left the table and the tavern as he decided it was time for him to retire to his room. A lot of shit happened today and he deserves some break. There’s barely anything he could do tonight aside from a long sleep. As he passes through the lobby, Villi greeted him.

“Good evening, sir!”

“Good evening, Villi. How’s the day?”

“Oh well, you know… Same old busy day! How about you, sir?”

“Heh, you know join up the orc subjugation force, met some interesting people… You know typical mercenary stuff.” Tryx broadened his smile trying to get the girl swoon over him. Who wouldn’t want a fluffy rabbit girl as a girl friend? “Oh, could you please send my dinner to the room? I’m too tired to head downstairs.”

“Sure. Oh and your term is closing to expiry. Would you like to continue staying here?”

Tryx was taken aback by his forgetful behavior. His terms was about to expire and he was looking forward to stay at the inn for another week since god knows when the orcs are gonna come here and attack the town. It was a good choice for stay instead of setting camp like the rest of the mercenaries and adventurers.

“Sorry about that, thanks for reminding me about it.”

“No problem!” Villi’s ears flapped. It was a sign of gratitude and happiness.

“Yeah, I’ll extend my stay for another week.”

“Like wise, that would be ten Munnies.”

Tryx pulled out his pouch, grabbed 1 bronze coin and gave it to the girl. Villi wrote down something on the paper and took the coin.

“Enjoy your stay and good luck in the fight against the orcs!”

“You’re welcome!” As he was about to leave the scene, Villi stopped him.

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“Say mister…” Villi scoots her face closer to Tryx, “I heard that you become Seele’s newest partner, is that true?”

Tryx was surprised, “What? How did you?”

Villi stick her tongue out, “I heard it from some mercenary staying here too! Of course I know everything. News travels really fast here!” To think that a mere inn worker could receive such news, he can’t look at her the same way ever again.

“Err… Yeah, sort of like that…” Tryx scratched his head, not that anyone would proud of. Especially working with overly egoistic girl, he wished that she would change her attitude.

“But…” Villi’s expression changed, she no longer has the cheerful look on her face. Instead, she had this gloomy expression. “I’m just glad, its’ been three years…” She said softly, “And good thing she's not alone anymore.”

Tryx have no idea what did the girl meant but he gets the gist that something must’ve happened in the past. And from the way she talks, it seems she’s familiar with Seele for a long time. Feeling curious on her past, Tryx decided to ask her.

“Hey Villi, you don’t mind if I…”

“Excuse me!” a woman cuts his line. “I’m here for my reservation.”

“Oh yes! Let me check first!” Villi pulls out a book from under the desk and began discussing with the customer.

Seeing that it would be rude to hinder her work, Tryx simply backed down and let her does the job.

“Villi, I’ll see you again.”

“OK!”

With that final greet, Villi continues to entertain her guests as Tryx climbs back into his room.

It was unfortunate, he thought he could get something from Villi about her past.

“What a bummer, if that woman haven’t cockblocked me I would’ve get something out of Villi about Seele’s past.” And Villi’s gloomy face really shows it all. Its like something must’ve happened in the past, something terrible had befall onto Seele to the point that she became an edgelord. “Then again, I bet that girl would be pissed off if I pry too deep into her past life.”

Aside the past, there is also one thing that bugged him.

Players.

He thought he was the only one getting sent off to this new world but he never expected to meet other players and Japanese at that in this world. Not to mention, they also have similar abilities like him albeit coming from a different game. Just what exactly is happening? Just why are they here? Is there a specific mission in this world? Just what would that be? To meet other players in this world is definitely not a coindcidence. There isn’t enough information for him. At the moment, he decided to let it go. He was quite tired to think a lot about the conspiracy stuff.  

He sighed deeply as he took the final step onto the first floor. As he walked down towards his room, Tryx thought of checking up on her but then, he remembers that Seele wanted to take a nap. It would be bad if he ruins her beauty sleep. As he reaches the door to his room, he pulled out the key readying to unlock the door.

Tryx took a glance at the door next to his room, the room where Seele is currently staying. He could assume that Sleep was a heavy sleeper and might thought of a good joke about it. However, something was off about the door. The door was slightly opened. Knowing Seele’s behavior, she wouldn’t left the door unlocked like that. Not even while leaving for a short bath. She was definitely a cautious type.

He can only assume that something must have happened to her.

The gamer slowly approaches the door and readied his G18. Tryx knocked the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

“Seele, you in there?” No response. “The door is unlocked, you okay in there?” Again, no response. “Seele, if you hear me I’m coming in.”

Readying to neutralize his possible targets, he readied the G18. Taking a short breath as his heart is pounding loudly, he prepares himself to breach into the room. He just hopes that nothing serious had happened in there. He hopes to stumble upon Seele changing and called him a pervert like those anime tropes. Assuming the tactical stance, he then pushes the door opened and breaches in.

The room was dark, very dark. But luckily, the light from the hallway brightened the room.

He expected an ecchi scene but how wrong he was.

Right in his sight, nearby the door a single body was lying on the ground motionless in a lingerie.

It was Seele. She was sweating bullets, gasping for air and she more pale than usual.

What’s more worrying...

There was a blood coming out of her mouth.