December 27, 2022. 9:01 AM – Town of Beginnings, Floor 1

  Despite the early hour, players were already moving about the town. Even though Floor 5 had opened the day before, many still remained on the first level. A large number had decided to make it their permanent home: though they were strong enough that grinding there was now useless, they didn't want to risk the higher floors.

  Some stayed out of fear of dying; others, out of a desire to help the front-liners—the ones on whom everyone's survival depended. Those players trained non-combat skills most considered "useless," or simply never had time for: forging, alchemy, herb identification, item appraisal, camping... even cooking, sewing, or masonry.

  Among them was Lizbeth, who no longer merely repaired damaged gear. Her smithing level now allowed her to forge weapons superior to both mob drops and NPC shop gear. When Yuiha told her she wanted to upgrade her equipment, Liz couldn't believe it—until Yuiha added that Silver would be helping her gather materials. Liz shot her a teasing, suspicious look that made Yuiha blush scarlet, then suggested she skip buying and gather drops instead. In particular, she recommended the sharks on Floor 4, claiming the Hovering Sharks dropped a material called Hardened Finn, perfect for forging a short sword.

  The teleport altar in the Town of Beginnings glowed blue, and from the light stepped Silver, walking calmly. His eyes swept the plaza until they found Yuiha a few meters away, smiling at him with that golden glint that had captivated him since the first day.

  —Ready?

  —Yes, I've been waiting for you.

  —Got anywhere in mind?

  —Floor 4. We're going after something called Hovering Sharks.

  —The sharks? —he blinked—. We hunted plenty, but I don't remember them dropping weapons.

  —We're not going for gear, —she said with a grin—, we're going for materials. Liz says they drop something that can be forged into short swords.

  Silver watched her for a moment. Seeing her so excited to venture higher made him happy—but it also made him feel the weight of responsibility. He had to protect her. Fortunately, he still wore two pieces of the Warden's Covenant, enough to give him confidence that he could keep her safe no matter what they ran into.

  December 27, 2022. 1:01 PM – Coastal Zone, Floor 4

  The Hovering Shark was two to three meters long, its sleek body shaped like a young mako's. Its pale, almost translucent skin shimmered with metallic blue light, each movement rippling like a liquid mirror. Thin luminescent lines ran along its sides, pulsing faintly every time it accelerated, bending the air around it. Its short, rear-angled dorsal fin gave it balance as it floated barely a meter above the ground.

  A faint hum came from the vibrating membranes covering its gills—the source of the current that kept it suspended. Its eyes, pale gray and pupil-less, gave it a cold, unreadable look. Its small, even teeth were made for repeated bites rather than tearing. It moved with hypnotic grace, as if swimming through an invisible sea. Passing close, it left a sharp whistle behind: the air splitting around its fins.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  They were tricky monsters, their freedom of movement making them hard to predict. Usually solitary, they were manageable one-on-one—but two could overwhelm a lone player, and if three spawned together, you had seconds to use a teleport crystal before they charged fast enough to bite through your cast and cancel the escape.

  SLASH!

  Silver's blade cut through the air, dropping another Hovering Shark onto the sand. It was the twentieth that day—and still, nothing but meat. Yuiha, ever the optimist, just smiled and said it meant more food for the orphanage. Silver's frustration melted each time he saw her happily stowing the drops away.

  —Lunch break? —Yuiha asked after checking the time.

  —Sure, wherever you want. —he smiled.

  December 27, 2022. 2:16 PM – Rodglan, Floor 4

  The Wind's Hearth was little more than a cabin expanded with new planks and an improvised terrace. No sign hung by the door—just a hand-carved spiral that suggested a breeze. Inside, the air smelled of damp wood, salt, and freshly grilled fish. A few rough tables lined the window, and a counter separated the kitchen from the dining space. There was no menu; you simply ordered "the usual," and that was enough.

  The owner—a weathered-faced NPC with broad hands—served simple but comforting dishes: seaweed soup with roasted tofu, smoked fish with lemon, and root pie. On lucky days he made seafood skewers that still sizzled on the hot stone when they reached the table. The place was famous for its speed: sit down, click "eat on the go," and seconds later your plate appeared. There were no waiters like in the big cities, but the place had something different—a calm that was rare in Aincrad. Eating there didn't just restore energy; it briefly made you feel alive again.

  Yuiha and Silver sat at a terrace table. They were lucky to find the seafood skewers available, and Yuiha ordered for both without hesitation.

  —You'll love these, trust me.

  —How do you know? I thought you never left Floor 1, —Silver asked, genuinely curious.

  Yuiha realized too late that her enthusiasm had betrayed her, but the NPC arrived with their plates before she had to answer.

  —You were right! —Silver exclaimed after his first bite—. These are amazing.

  —I'm glad you like them.

  —But you still haven't told me how you knew, —he teased, raising an eyebrow.

  —I heard some players talking about it when we arrived in Rovia from the portal, —she improvised, grasping for something believable.

  Silver studied her for a moment, then smiled, finding no reason to doubt her.

  —You really are incredible.

  —Why's that?

  —Because you actually pay attention to people. When I walk through crowds, all the voices blur into noise. Especially when you're with me.

  She stared at him, waiting for him to realize what he'd just said, but he kept eating as if nothing had happened—as if he hadn't just said something that would've embarrassed himself any other time. Her smile widened.

  —You're dangerously charming when you don't mean to be.

  —Wha' chu say? —he mumbled, mouth still full, startled by the comment.

  —Nothing, nothing at all. Enjoy your food, —she said, eyes glinting playfully.