Chapter 2

Jayde groaned and winced in pain as she woke up that Monday morning. Determined to address the discomfort, she pushed through it and reached for the button to call the nurse. The lingering pain from her burns needed attention, and she suspected that her IV might have run out, contributing to the discomfort.

The nurse entered promptly, her eyes catching the signal on Jayde’s IV. “Sorry about that. I’ll get you some pain relief now!” she assured Jayde, swiftly moving into action to address the discomfort. The nurse’s efficiency and assurance provided a sense of relief for Jayde, who knew that relief would soon be on its way.

As the pain relief began to take effect, Jayde felt a welcome decrease in discomfort. Nurse Gretchen, attentive to her patient’s needs, inquired, “They will be here soon for your treatment. Would you like something to drink before they take you down?”

Grateful for the nurse’s consideration, Jayde nodded slightly. “Yes, please. Just some water would be great.”

Nurse Gretchen swiftly fetched a cup of water for Jayde, ensuring her patient was as comfortable as possible before the upcoming treatment.

After a few minutes, the nurse returned with a cup of water, complete with a straw for easy consumption. Adjusting the bed to allow Jayde to sit up, Nurse Gretchen ensured that the process was as comfortable as possible. While Jayde experienced some minor discomfort during the adjustments, the effects of the pain relief helped mitigate the overall sensation.

“Here you go,” the nurse offered, presenting the cup with a reassuring smile. “Take your time and let me know if you need anything else.” The small gesture of providing water and allowing Jayde to sit up showcased the compassionate care Nurse Gretchen aimed to provide for her patient’s well-being.

Jayde offered a weak but appreciative smile. “Thanks for your help. Before you go, I’ll need help to get that put on,” she said, pointing to the VR headset that Emily had left for her the day before.

Nurse Gretchen nodded understandingly. “Of course, dear. I’ll assist you with that. Just let me know if you need any adjustments.”

With gentle care, Nurse Gretchen helped Jayde put on the VR headset, ensuring that it was comfortably in place. The hospital room, for a moment, transformed into a gateway to a virtual world, providing a different kind of escape for Jayde.

“Alright, Link start!” Jayde exclaimed the command, immersing herself in the virtual realm. As she traversed the illuminated tunnel, a familiar experience for her, she opened her eyes to find herself lying on her back in the town square of the starting city. To her right, a peculiar bird caught her attention. It appeared to have something attached to its leg, possibly a message of some kind.

Curiosity piqued, Jayde got up from her virtual resting position and approached the bird to inspect the attached message. The virtual world awaited her, and she was ready to embark on the adventures it held.

The message came from someone named Vilomina, of House Eldertide. According to the message that Azure Kat could see, it was a message of heartfelt thanks, thanking her for handling that slaver last night, and she saw that this person had also sent her 1000 gold as a reward. “oh that’s neat,” she said out loud, before she continued reading that Vilomina is looking forward to more business when she has leveled up a bit.

Continuing to read, Azure Kat learned that Vilomina looked forward to more business dealings once she had leveled up a bit. The virtual world held not only challenges but also opportunities for collaboration and advancement. Azure Kat felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the adventures that awaited her in the game.

Azure Kat finished reading the message and casually discarded it into a virtual garbage can. Pocketing the awarded gold, she made a mental note of her plans. “Okay,” she spoke aloud, addressing herself, “I said that I’d go to the forest first, so let’s go there.”

With a quick gesture to dust off her virtual self, Azure Kat continued, “Once I’m done with the forest, I’ll have that seed for the first companion, and I can participate in the event.” Her thoughts turned to the upcoming event and the anticipation of reuniting with her sister in the game around lunchtime. The virtual world held both challenges and companionship, and Azure Kat was ready to embrace it all.

Silently, the only sounds being the echoes of her boots against the hard stone marble beneath her, Azure Kat made her way to the entrance and joined the line heading into the Forest of Beginnings. Her cybernetic hand rested on the hilt of her greatsword, a silent preparation for the battles that awaited her in the heart of the forest. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as she ventured into the unknown, ready to face the challenges that would test her skills and determination.

The line moved slowly, and as Azure Kat entered the forest, she noticed the absence of others ahead of her. “Hmm ... maybe since I wasn’t part of a group, I wouldn’t be included. Oh well, more XP for me,” she mused to herself. Undeterred, she marched forward, her great sword now unsheathed and ready for action.

Navigating the dense virtual foliage, Azure Kat moved deeper into the Forest of Beginnings, where unknown challenges and creatures awaited. The solitude allowed her to focus on her own path, ready to gain valuable experience points and face whatever obstacles lay ahead.

The plant monsters attacked Azure Kat suddenly, yet their slow movements allowed her to easily dodge and counterattack. Azure Kat’s decision to have control over fire, a choice influenced by her sister, proved to be the right call. She seamlessly combined her fiery magic with swift sword strikes to dispatch the plant monsters.

Numbers appeared above the defeated monsters, indicating experience points earned, but Azure Kat paid little attention to this as she focused on her fluid movements and precise attacks. In the heart of the Forest of Beginnings, she carved her path through the virtual undergrowth, meeting the challenges head-on.

In the midst of battle, Azure Kat found an outlet for her pent-up emotions. The vulnerability of being trapped in the apartment and forced to rely on others for her care fueled her anger, enhancing the intensity of her attacks. With each swing of her sword and every burst of fiery magic, she channeled her emotions into the virtual world.

As the plant monsters fell before her, Azure Kat unleashed the power of her frustration and determination. The virtual battleground became a cathartic space where she could release the emotions that lingered from her real-world challenges. In the Forest of Beginnings, Azure Kat forged ahead, a determined and empowered force.

Azure Kat continued her rampage through the Forest of Beginnings, leaving beds of flower monsters, spriggans, and tree monsters in her wake. The virtual landscape bore witness to the wrathful prowess of the blue swordsman as she cut through her adversaries with precision and determination. However, even the most skilled warriors needed a moment to catch their breath.

Azure Kat paused briefly, taking a moment to rest and regain her composure. The virtual air filled with the sounds of the forest as she prepared to press on. The challenges of the Forest of Beginnings were far from over, and Azure Kat was determined to face whatever awaited her in this virtual realm.

Azure Kat encountered a peculiar plant in her path, its bulbous form twitching and moving in an unusual manner. As the plant shot out seeds, one of them caught her attention – a glowing seed the size of a grape. Remembering Emily’s advice about her first companion, Azure Kat swiftly grabbed the seed and pocketed it.

The plant, having released its unique seed, began to shrivel up. Azure Kat observed the curious event, her mind contemplating the significance of the glowing seed she now possessed. With the potential for a new companion, she continued her journey through the Forest of Beginnings, curious about what other surprises awaited her.

Azure Kat, navigating the winding paths of the Forest of Beginnings, encountered a fork in the road. One path stretched forward into the depths of the virtual woodland, while the other led to a clearing with peculiar machinery. Intrigued by the unfamiliar sight, she chose to investigate the machinery up close.

As Azure Kat approached, the details of the strange machine became clearer. Its intricate design and unknown purpose piqued her curiosity. The virtual forest held mysteries beyond the typical monsters and challenges, and she was determined to unravel them. The blue swordsman moved closer, ready to explore the secrets hidden within the Forest of Beginnings.

She found that she was able to lift the strange machine, and even more, she could place it in her inventory, an odd feat due to its size. But since it was there now, she had a chance to gain new info about the machine, and clicked the icon above it. The machine was an Airship Flight Matrix, which surprised her. “whoa, there are airships in the game!?” she asked herself out loud. The revelation that airships existed in the game sparked a sense of wonder and excitement within her virtual avatar. But she didn’t have time to think further as she was attacked again, this time by hoards of short robots.

However, her moment of exploration was abruptly interrupted as hordes of short robots swarmed around her. The virtual battlefield became chaotic as Azure Kat swiftly drew her sword, ready to engage in combat once again. The clash with the robotic adversaries added another layer of challenge to her journey through the Forest of Beginnings.

With her formidable strength, she unleashed a barrage of powerful strikes, decimating the hoards of short robots that surrounded her. The forest floor became a metallic graveyard as the defeated machines lay in disarray. The display of strength and skill showcased her prowess as a virtual swordsman, leaving the once-threatening robotic adversaries nothing more than inactive remnants scattered across the virtual landscape.

As the battle subsided, Azure Kat took a moment to catch her breath, surveying the aftermath of the skirmish. The Forest of Beginnings held both challenges and unexpected revelations, and she was determined to navigate its depths, uncovering the mysteries that awaited her in the virtual realm.

She soon realized she could pick up some of the parts and the robot corpse. This made her realize that maybe she could use the parts to make a new robot, which meant another companion. “My girl, you know what this means?” she asked herself as a grin flickered onto her lips. “I could recreate Crimson Blade, my robot I was gonna use for that contest at Emily’s work, and this time, I won’t be limited by size!” She squealed with glee at this revelation. The prospect of creating a new robot companion, reminiscent of Crimson Blade, filled Azure Kat with excitement and anticipation.

The scattered parts and remnants of the defeated robots became a treasure trove, offering the possibility of constructing a mechanical ally to accompany her on her virtual adventures.

With a determined gleam in her eyes, Azure Kat gathered the salvaged parts, considering the design and features she could incorporate into her new robotic companion. The Forest of Beginnings had not only tested her combat skills but also opened doors to unexpected possibilities, propelling her further into the immersive realm of the virtual game.

Once the salvage was all collected, she explored the clearing to look for another way out, but it seemed the path she used to enter was the only way to go, so she turned back. And then followed the path across from the clearing entrance. Once more, she fought monsters, though she noted that there weren’t any more of the robots. Which she was disappointed about as she made her way through the forest.

The journey through the Forest of Beginnings continued, with Azure Kat gracefully dispatching any monsters that crossed her path. As she delved deeper into the virtual wilderness, the ambiance of the forest enveloped her, creating an immersive experience that blurred the lines between reality and the game. The lush foliage, the ambient sounds of nature, and the occasional encounter with fantastical creatures added to the richness of her exploration.

With each victorious battle, Azure Kat felt a sense of accomplishment and growth. The experience points she gained contributed to her progression in the game, unlocking new abilities and enhancing her overall capabilities. The virtual world became a canvas for her personal development, providing therapeutic moments of resilience and triumph.

As she navigated the winding paths of the forest, she pondered the significance of her actions in the game. The journey wasn’t just about defeating monsters; it was a symbolic quest for healing and empowerment. The virtual reality offered a unique blend of escapism and self-discovery, allowing Azure Kat to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger on the other side.

She charged forward, and jumped, using a combination of acrobatics, and running to run up a Tree monster, and as she got to its head, she stabbed with her sword, felling the monster, while also riding it as it fell down, breaking the barrier, and allowing her to leave the forest for the first time. Bright light shone down at her, causing her to wince a little as she left the Forest of beginnings and entered the great expansive, Verdant Expanse, a place of plains. Ahead of her, she could see the next town, Havenbrook.

She knew she should make her way there, but she wasn’t ready yet. She looked around, and then saw them, the massive hoard of Orcs, Goblins and other manner of dark creatures. “that must be a part of the event,” she said and charged towards them. The Verdant Expanse, once a serene plains area, had transformed into a battleground for the event. The absence of other players around her didn’t deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to tackle the challenge solo

Azure Kat, with her powerful sword and fire magic at her disposal, faced the horde of Orcs, Goblins, and other dark creatures that loomed ahead. With swift and precise strikes, Azure Kat engaged the creatures, her sword cutting through the ranks. Fire erupted from her hands, scorching her adversaries and creating a dazzling display of flames on the battlefield. The virtual environment responded to her every move, enhancing the immersive experience.

As she fought, Azure Kat noticed the chaos and unpredictability of the event. The monsters seemed more formidable than those in the Forest of Beginnings, posing a greater challenge. Yet, she welcomed the opportunity to test her skills and push the limits of her avatar’s abilities.

The battle raged on, and Azure Kat found herself surrounded by adversaries. However, the virtual world mirrored her determination and resilience. Despite the odds, she pressed forward, aiming to emerge victorious in this unexpected trial.

The plains echoed with the clash of swords, the crackling of fire, and the roars of creatures. Azure Kat’s blue-skinned avatar stood as a beacon of defiance against the darkness that had encroached upon the once peaceful landscape.

Azure Kat’s fiery prowess and swift movements proved to be a formidable combination. As the creatures closed in, attempting to overwhelm her, they were met with a blazing barrier that she conjured with her fire magic. The barrier not only protected her from their advances but also dealt damage to any who dared to come too close.

In the midst of the battle, Azure Kat’s blue-skinned avatar became a mesmerizing figure, dancing amidst the flames and striking with precision. Her sword cut through the air, leaving trails of fire in its wake. The virtual world responded to her every command, making the encounter feel like a dynamic and intense spectacle.

The horde of Orcs, Goblins, and dark creatures continued to assail her, but Azure Kat’s determination remained unyielding. The plains, once a tranquil expanse, now bore witness to an epic clash between a lone adventurer and a multitude of adversaries.

The flaming barrier flickered and blazed brightly, creating a barrier between Azure Kat and the encroaching darkness. She fought not just for herself but as a beacon of resistance against the unexpected onslaught that had descended upon the Verdant Expanse.

The battle persisted, each swing of her sword and burst of fire adding to the spectacle. Azure Kat, the lone warrior in the midst of chaos, carved her way through the horde, proving that even in the face of unforeseen challenges, she was a force to be reckoned with.

The notification flashed before Azure Kat’s eyes, signaling the evolution of her flame alignment. A new ability had manifested the power to unleash fire bombs upon her enemies. The virtual world responded to her growth and determination, rewarding her with a potent and destructive skill.

With a newfound sense of power, Azure Kat experimented with her enhanced abilities. Focusing her intention, she conjured fiery projectiles that burst forth, exploding upon contact with the horde of Orcs, Goblins, and dark creatures. The flames danced and wreaked havoc among her adversaries, adding an explosive element to her already formidable arsenal.

The evolution of her flame alignment marked a pivotal moment in Azure Kat’s journey. The plains of the Verdant Expanse became a canvas for her augmented abilities, turning the ongoing battle into a dazzling display of fire and might.

Embracing the evolving dynamics of the virtual realm, Azure Kat continued to press forward, her fiery attacks now enhanced with the capability to unleash explosive fire bombs at her command. The horde, faced with this new level of power, found itself outmatched by the relentless adventurer who had unexpectedly become a focal point in the unfolding event.

As the battle raged on, Azure Kat’s journey through the Verdant Expanse became a testament of her growth, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of the virtual world she now navigated.

Azure Kat, bathed in the glow of her own fiery prowess, continued her onslaught against the horde of Orcs, Goblins, and dark creatures. The battlefield became a spectacle of destruction and chaos, with flames erupting and illuminating the verdant plains. Each swing of her sword, every burst of fire, and the explosive aftermath left a trail of defeated adversaries in her wake.

The dwindling numbers of her opponents bore witness to Azure Kat’s relentless determination and growing strength. The once imposing horde now faced a formidable adversary who had evolved beyond their expectations. The virtual world, designed to challenge and surprise its inhabitants, showcased the unexpected twists and turns that defined the gaming experience.

As Azure Kat carved her way through the battlefield, the remaining creatures, realizing the futility of their efforts, began to retreat. The fiery whirlwind had proven too much for them to handle, and the virtual plains gradually returned to a state of relative calm. Azure Kat stood amidst the aftermath, her flaming sword at the ready, a testament to her victory over the dark horde.

With the plains now clear, Azure Kat could continue her journey towards Havenbrook, the next destination on her quest. The flames of her abilities and the memory of the hard-fought battle lingered in the air, a symbol of the challenges she had overcome and the power she had gained in the process. The Verdant Expanse, though filled with danger, had become a stepping stone in Azure Kat’s evolving adventure within the virtual realm.

The triumphant roar of Azure Kat echoed through the virtual skies, a declaration of victory that resonated with the leveling up notifications flashing across her HUD. As she stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, the experience gained from the encounter had propelled her to new heights within the game.

Level 5 marked a significant milestone in Azure Kat’s journey, unlocking new possibilities and challenges. Her enhanced skills reflected the dedication and prowess she had demonstrated in the face of adversity. The Verdant Expanse, once a field of danger, had become a proving ground where Azure Kat showcased her growing strength and abilities.

With the event seemingly concluded, she could now turn her attention to the next leg of her adventure—Havenbrook. The virtual world awaited her exploration, filled with quests, mysteries, and the promise of further evolution. Azure Kat, standing tall and resolute, was ready to continue her quest, guided by the flames of her determination and the knowledge that each challenge brought her closer to the ultimate goal.

However, the event wasn’t over, and a new threat emerged, as a Fire dragon had appeared. This emergence added a new layer of intensity to the already charged atmosphere. Azure Kat, undeterred by the formidable foe, swiftly consumed her boost potions, enhancing her attributes for the impending confrontation. The vibrant flames dancing upon the dragon’s scales hinted at the power that lay within, and Azure Kat couldn’t help but contemplate the prospect of crafting a magnificent set of armor from such majestic materials.

As she readied herself for the battle, the fire dragon unleashed a torrent of flames, creating a searing inferno in its wake. Azure Kat deftly dodged and parried, her agility and combat skills allowing her to maneuver through the onslaught. Her flaming sword cleaved through the air, striking at the dragon’s vulnerable spots with precision.

The clash between the azure warrior and the fiery behemoth painted a breathtaking spectacle across the virtual canvas. Each swing of the sword, every evasive maneuver, and the fiery retaliation from the dragon formed a dynamic dance of combat in the Verdant Expanse. Azure Kat’s determination and battle prowess were on full display as she sought to overcome this unexpected challenge.

As the battle reached its climax, Azure Kat’s strategic use of flame-based attacks and her well-timed dodges proved effective. The dragon, once a formidable adversary, began to show signs of wear under the relentless assault. Azure Kat’s HUD displayed a gradual depletion of the dragon’s health bar, signaling the approaching triumph for the intrepid warrior.