"Normani, extend your hand to me," Kenley commanded.

  Kenley seized her hand and subsequently employed the appraisal ability.

  【Normani】

  【Race: Dragon】

  【Occupation: (A special race with no designated occupation.)】

  【Level: 60】

  【HP: 18425/18425】

  【MP: 9115/9115】

  【Strength: 315/Agility: 106/Stamina: 241/Critical Strike Chance: 25%/Critical Damage Multiplier: 17%/Charisma: 120 (Extraordinary)】

  【Affinity Rate with Light Element: 0/Affinity Rate with Dark Element: 0/Affinity Rate with Water Element: 0/Affinity Rate with Fire Element: 80%/Affinity Rate with Wind Element: 50%/Affinity Rate with Earth Element: 30%】

  Skill List: Tier 1 【Claw Strike】【Flight】【Dive】... Tier 4 【Flame Breath】【Storm Breath】【Quicksand Breath】... Tier 6 【Dragonic Skin (Immune to magic below Tier 4)】

  Although he had perused her profile on multiple occasions, for an inexplicable reason, Kenley was constantly plagued by the apprehension that Normani might revert to the uncontrolled state she was in when they first crossed paths.

  Furthermore, Kenley had queried Normani numerous times, inquiring whether she recalled uttering anything pertaining to codes. However, her responses were consistently in the negative, claiming no recollection.

  Alchemist...

  The thought of this occupation flashed through Kenley's mind. Perhaps by becoming an alchemist himself, he might be able to replicate the mutation that Normani had undergone previously. But if he were to embark on such a course of action, wouldn't he be no different from those aberrant individuals within the Church of the Desecrated Dragon?

  Was there a more benign method to ascertain the transformations that Normani had undergone in the past?

  The Church of the Desecrated Dragon, through the experiments of alchemists, had managed to induce data errors during the mutation process of dragonmen. Was it plausible that these errors were a result of mutations that transcended the established rules of the system, thereby giving rise to in-game bugs?

  Of course, this was merely a conjecture. Kenley scrutinized his in-game interface once more. There was no option to log out, no guild function, no game settings, and no friend list.

  Had the authorities deliberately removed all these buttons? Was there an unseen observer, constantly monitoring him from the shadows? Was he, much like the protagonist in The Truman Show, trapped within this world, subjected to a global live broadcast, and transformed into a mere spectacle for the amusement of others?

  The mere contemplation of such a scenario sent a shiver down Kenley's spine. It was not only inhumane but also terrifying. The more he delved into these thoughts, the more disconcerted he became.

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  However, what remained inexplicable was the fact that Tia, Sylph, Fess, Orphen, Tek, Bishop, and the rest exhibited personalities and souls so genuine that there were no discernible flaws.

  During his time within the game, although the AI characters possessed emotional programming and made concerted efforts to mimic human behavior as per the official settings, prolonged interaction would reveal their mechanical and unnatural nature.

  Yet, the current situation was entirely different. Every smile and frown of Tia's exuded an air of authenticity and tenderness. Sylph's petulant nature, the dwarf Smith's lasciviousness, and the reactions of Auber and others whom he had encountered at the outset—none of them seemed contrived or mechanical.

  Moreover, the mosaics and censored elements that were once present in the game had vanished. The blood was vividly real. When someone was slain, others would be gripped by fear and instinctively choose to flee or retreat.

  Tia would proactively express her emotions and desires to him out of love. Each and every one of these instances served as evidence that this was, indeed, a real world.

  Nevertheless, what perplexed Kenley was that upon encountering Normani, the fleeting data errors, information glitches, and even the system reboot that he experienced were all stark reminders that he might still be within the game.

  Was this all a elaborate prank, or was it an inescapable reality? Kenley found himself truly bewildered at this moment.

  Holding Normani's hand, Kenley stood there, transfixed, completely oblivious to the fact that Tia's countenance had become contorted with irritation.

  "Master!" Tia grasped Kenley's other hand firmly.

  Kenley was jolted back to reality by Tia's call.

  "Master, what is occupying your thoughts?" Tia fixed her gaze on Kenley, her eyes fluttering.

  "I..." Kenley opened his mouth, but for a moment, he was at a loss for words. Suddenly, two streams of tears trickled down from the corners of his eyes.

  Tia was taken aback. This was the first time she had witnessed Kenley in such a state.

  What had befallen the master? Had something untoward occurred? Why did her heart ache with a piercing pain at the sight of the master shedding tears?

  "Master, has Tia erred in some way? I shall rectify it forthwith!" Tia's voice quivered with sobs as she spoke.

  "It's nothing," Kenley promptly wiped away his tears, unwilling to let Tia dwell on the matter.

  In that fleeting moment, the reason for Kenley's tears was the terrifying possibility that had crossed his mind. What if Tia, Sylph, and all the people he had met along the way were nothing more than a deception... a dreamlike illusion deliberately fabricated for him?

  In a daze, he fancied that he saw Tia vanish before his very eyes in an instant. At that moment, he was overwhelmed by an unprecedented sense of fear and emptiness.

  Kenley could afford to be indifferent to skills, identity, or level. But Tia was different. Deep within his heart, he had long regarded Tia as his beloved, akin to a wife.

  The mere thought of the possibility of Tia's disappearance caused his heart to ache as if it were being lacerated. It was for this reason that Tia's call had brought tears to Kenley's eyes.

  Tia gently encircled Kenley's body with her arms and whispered softly, "Master, regardless of what may transpire, Tia shall never abandon you. Tia loves you deeply, master... Do not be sorrowful. Tia will always be by your side."

  Kenley was rendered speechless. Hugging Tia, he closed his eyes. He caressed Tia's back and pondered in silence.

  Suddenly.

  Kenley's eyes snapped open. Irrespective of the truth of the world, he resolved to focus on the present moment. Whether he was in a situation similar to that of The Truman Show or a mere subject in an experiment, he would not lose his true self, no matter what.

  Now, Kenley had someone he was determined to protect in his heart and everything that he held dear. He would not allow these extraneous thoughts to shatter his resolve.

  He lifted Tia's delicate visage and declared resolutely, "Tia, have no fear. I shall remain by your side always, and we shall never be parted."

  "Mm!" Tia dispelled her sorrowful expression and bestowed a sweet smile upon Kenley.

  However, Kenley was aware that his change in demeanor this time had undoubtedly aroused Tia's suspicion and speculation. But it mattered not. Kenley decided that when the opportune moment arrived, he would be candid with Tia and reveal to her everything about himself and the truth of this world.

  When that time came, regardless of Tia's thoughts, he would respect her decision.