Chapter 4: First Blood, First Fear
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We have already reached the 3rd floor. The monsters became more aggressive, and the players became more cautious. There were fewer and fewer crowds, and more and more singles looking from behind.
The world was beginning to change. People were already getting used to fear. Someone became cautious. Someone is greedy.
And on this day we saw death for the first time.
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We were walking along the ruins in the area of the quest area when we heard a scream.
"HELP ME!"!
Kirito was the first to rush. I followed him, clutching my sword.
In the depths of the ruined temple, three players—a young healer girl and two spearmen-were fighting a giant lizard. The boss of the mini-quest. The spearmen had almost no HP.
— Kirito! I shouted. — On yourself, I'm on the flank!
—Got it!"
He ducked under the tail of the monster, distracting it. I struck from the side, a powerful blow with skill activation. The lizard staggered, snapping, but we did not retreat. Together, as we trained.
A minute later, the fight was over.
— Thank you! — the girl started crying. "They almost died."…
But at the same moment, there was a sound... like the cry of a soul drawn into a dead silence. One of the spearmen... disappeared. His body crumbled into pixels.
—What?" — I rushed to him, but it was too late.
—It can't be..." the girl collapsed to her knees. "I... didn't have time to cure him."…
Silence enveloped us.
I've never seen a player die before.
Yes, we knew that death was real here. But knowing and seeing are not the same thing.
He didn't scream. He didn't call for help. He just disappeared.
And there won't be any more. Not here. Not in reality.
Kirito stood silently with his sword in his hand.
—I... couldn't do it,— I whispered. "We came too late.
"We saved two people,— Kirito said softly. — This is more than zero.
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Later, by the campfire, I stared into the flames for a long time.
—Kirito..." I began, —I thought I was ready." But no. I'm... afraid. Not death. And that I won't be able to help when I need to.
He put his hand on my shoulder.
— Ren. We are not heroes. We're just players. But if we do everything we can, even a little bit... it will mean a lot.
I gripped the hilt of my sword. My chest is as heavy as a stone.
But I realized that I can no longer hesitate.
And then, that night, we made a new vow to ourselves.
Save as much as possible. Even if the whole world is against it.