A page materialized before them, its words stark and foreboding:
"This is a game called 'Death Game with Your Darling.' You can quit the game anytime, but it comes with a price. If you quit, your partner will die. Both players must proceed together, except when the system allows. If you die in the game, you die in the real world as well. Upon winning, you will receive a reward: you must become a hunter and retrieve the treasure of the legend..."
Before they could fully process the message, a blinding light engulfed them. When it faded, they found themselves in a city that seemed ripped straight from an anime—a fantastical world that defied reality. The streets were lined with people dressed in ancient attire, as if they had stepped into the pages of an epic tale. Kiyoshi and Sakura stood out, clad in unfamiliar outfits. Kiyoshi's hip bore a sword, and he couldn't help but marvel at the surreal surroundings.
"It's like we've stepped into an adventure novel," Kiyoshi thought. "Will there be magic, monsters, dragons, and elves too?"
His curiosity deepened as he discovered three gold coins in his pouch, glittering in the unfamiliar currency. Around them, people carried swords, bows, and arrows, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.
Yet, amidst the enchanting scenery, Sakura seemed different. Her features were accentuated by the new attire, and Kiyoshi couldn't help but think, "She looks even more beautiful in this dress." But beneath her composed exterior, he noticed a trace of worry and a flicker of anger.
Kiyoshi realized, "Now she's not my rented girlfriend anymore. Our time together has ended, but we're stuck in this game. I don't know what's coming, but we need to stay calm and figure this out."
Approaching her, he said gently, "I know we need to get out of here as soon as possible, but we'll have to work together."
He was trying to comfort her, though he had no clue what to do. His actions were guided entirely by the references from the games he'd played and the anime he'd watched.
Sakura nodded, though concern still etched her face. Night was falling, and they needed shelter.
"It's getting dark," Kiyoshi said, urgency creeping into his voice. "We should find a place to stay. Do you have any money?"
"I have two gold coins," Sakura replied. "One gold equals fifty silver coins."
Kiyoshi thought for a moment. "Our language is the same here, so we should be able to find a basic room with food for about 25 silver coins. Let's look for an inn."
Leading her through the unfamiliar streets, they began to piece together information about this strange realm. Sakura pointed to a building and asked, "Is that a bar?"
Kiyoshi nodded. "Just like in anime and novels, bars are usually the best places to gather information, find affordable lodging, and even get a decent drink."
They approached the bar, and as Kiyoshi struggled with the heavy door, a burly man behind them effortlessly pushed it open. Exchanging a glance, Kiyoshi and Sakura slipped inside, greeted by a lively scene.
"What the...? Is this real?" Kiyoshi muttered under his breath as he took in the sight of elves, dwarves, and witches mingling among the patrons. The atmosphere was boisterous, filled with laughter and animated conversations.
At the bar, Kiyoshi inquired about a room. The barman shook his head. "Only one room left."
Reluctantly, Kiyoshi agreed. "Alright, we'll take it."
They ascended to their room, which was dusty and dimly lit. Kiyoshi lit a candle and began tidying up while Sakura stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlight. She opened the window, letting the soft glow spill into the room. In its light, Kiyoshi noticed the unshed tears glistening in her eyes. The weight of her sorrow hung in the air, unspoken.
He didn't dare ask why she was crying. Instead, he watched as she silently prepared the bed. Tentatively, he broached the topic of sharing it.
"Sakura, I know this is a tough situation, but getting angry won't help. We need to stay calm and figure this out. Can I sleep on the bed with you? The floor is freezing, and there are rats everywhere," he pleaded.
As the night deepened, a storm rolled in. Rain poured down, and thunder rumbled loudly. Kiyoshi, startled by a particularly loud clap, fell off the chair. The noise woke Sakura, who sat up, her hair a messy halo around her face.
In a soft, sleepy voice, she said, "Sleep with me on the bed."
Kiyoshi blinked, surprised. "Are you sure that's okay?"
"It's fine," she replied.
He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Really, it's okay?"
"Yes," she said, her voice firm but tired.
He lay down, careful to keep his distance. "Don't worry, I won't touch you. I'm not that kind of person."
Soon, he drifted into a deep sleep. But in the middle of the night, a cold hand grabbed him, jolting him awake. It was Sakura. The thunder still roared outside, and she flinched with every crash. She had astraphobia—a fear of thunder—and in her panic, she clung to him. As she held onto him, a memory surfaced—Sakura used to be afraid of thunderstorms as a child. She remembered how she would hug her mother tightly, seeking comfort. she wondered if her mother was looking for her.
Morning
Kiyoshi woke up abruptly as a sharp kick sent him tumbling off the bed. He hit the floor with a thud, groaning in pain.
"Why did you kick me? Are you crazy?" he shouted, glaring at Sakura.
She glared back, her voice icy. "You deserve worse. How dare you sleep in my bed and touch me?"
"You told me to sleep here! And you were the one who grabbed me because of the thunder!" he shot back, frustration boiling over.
"I don't need your explanations," she snapped, her anger flaring. "Just get out. We need to focus on getting out of this world. Now go and buy me some food."
Kiyoshi muttered under his breath but complied. He returned with food, only to be met with more demands.
"Where's my food?" Sakura asked, her tone sharp.
Kiyoshi couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, I forgot. My bad. I only bought this. If you want something else, go get it yourself. But just so you know, there are some shady people out there looking for someone to mess with."
Sakura hesitated, clearly torn. She sat back down, her stomach growling audibly. Kiyoshi couldn't hide his grin as he ate in front of her.
Finally, he relented. "Here, I was just teasing you. I bought you food."
She glared at him. "You little—"
"Take it or leave it," he interrupted. "This is all there is. Eat it or starve."
After a tense moment, she grabbed the food, muttering under her breath.
Gathering Information
Later, Kiyoshi approached the barman, hoping to learn more about their situation. "Hey, I have some questions," he began. "I'm not from around here. I was born in a poor village, and I need to know about this place—the clans, rules, rulers, hunters, and the legend's treasure."
The barman raised an eyebrow. "That's... weird. Did you lose your memory or something? Doesn't matter, as long as you've got two gold coins."
Kiyoshi frowned. "That's a bit steep."
The barman shrugged. "If you want power, skills, and rank, you'll need to pay."
"What are you talking about?" Kiyoshi asked, confused.
The barman gestured to a door. "Come in, and I'll explain."
Kiyoshi hesitated, then stepped inside, unsure of what awaited them next.