***
Rouya gazed out at the vast, glowing rice fields, which exuded a magical, dreamlike atmosphere. Though she felt despair and hopelessness about the game, she found a strange sense of contentment as she took in the fairyland-like scenery before her.
The game world's graphics were truly remarkable, providing a realistic experience that drew her in. Yet she knew that no matter how wonderful everything in the game had been designed, danger would fill her life in the days to come.
She should savor the village's peace while she could—once she left, she never knows when she would experience it again.
She pushed aside her negative thoughts and joined Siere along with the other villagers to harvest the glowing rice fields. The harvest period lasted two weeks, as they only worked when the sun had set. During this time, she gained experience points and unlocked the skill called Plants Affinity.
"Wow, Master—this is amazing!" Blues exclaimed excitedly, looking over Rouya's stats. "You've hit level ten and gained an affinity skill!"
"I got a notification about Plants Affinity, but I don't actually know what it does," Rouya said, sounding puzzled. "After receiving the skill, I tried using it on plants but couldn't seem to control or manipulate them at all."
Blues paused briefly in surprise before breaking into laughter.
"Y-you actually tried that?!" she managed between giggles, one hand clutching her stomach and the other dabbing at her eyes. "It's an affinity—an auxiliary skill, not a plant-manipulation ability! The game system doesn't give players ability to control nature—that's only something us pixie guides can do."
"I know what an affinity is, but in other virtual-reality they usually let you control nature, right?"
"Not here, though. Plants Affinity just makes you sensitive to plants—you can share their senses, though there's a limited range to how far you can perceive things through them."
"Oh... so it's not as overpowered as I thought," Rouya mumbled, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Blues rolled her eyes. "Just a reminder, Master—players in this world can't use magic. This skill is already a huge advantage! Just imagine of detecting everything from faraway, isn't that enough?"
"Right... I forgot—even though this world has magic, players can't access it." Rouya was rather amused at the game's unique setting. It's quite chaotic. "By the way, now that I've reached level 10—what was the first skill you unlocked?" she asked curiously.
"Well... it's called Senses Buff. I can help sharpen and expand your perception," Blues replied softly.
"Huh? That skill... isn't it kind of useless now that I have Plant Affinity?" Rouya said, noticing how similar the two abilities seemed.
"Not at all! Plant Affinity only works when you're near plants, but my Senses Buff doesn't have any such restrictions."
"So does that mean Plant Affinity is useless then?"
"Absolutely not! Didn't I explain earlier? It boosts your sensitivity to all plants. It will make it easier for you to appraise them, and since monster plants exist in this world, the skill acts like a pass when you run into them."
"So, that's how it is. I underatand."
Now that Rouya had reached level 10, she made plans to depart the village and resolved to tell the grandfather and grandson about her decision.
"Are you really leaving us?" Siere asked to be sure.
"Yes—I have to go. I can't stay here forever; there are things I must take care of," Rouya stated firmly.
Chief Serrum and Siere exchanged glances. Siere started to speak, but a look from the chief stopped him before the words could leave his lips.
"Go ahead, my child," Chief Serrum said with a warm smile on his aged face. "The world beyond is broad and full of wonder. You'll encounter things you never could here. Just know this—when you're weary and have nowhere else to turn, End Village will always be your home."
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, Grandpa Serrum."
The chief let out a soft laugh. "Sounds like you're ready to go at once—you're already saying your goodbyes!"
"Well... I do want to leave soon. I still have to make my way through the Silent Meadow Rainforest."
"I see. Then..." Chief Serrum pulled something from his chest pocket and placed it in her palm. "This is for you—our thanks for your company and all your help. It may not be worth much, but I hope it reminds you of us whenever you look at it."
Rouya's heart swelled as she gazed at the item in her hand: a delicate piece of jewelry with a minimalist, nature-inspired design. It featured a white braided cord, small round white pearls, and a striking gold leaf charm etched with fine veins.
As a meaningful keepsake, she gladly accepted the gift. The piece could be worn as either a necklace or a bracelet—Rouya chose to use it as a bracelet.
"Chief Serrum, I truly appreciate it."
"I'm glad you like it." Chief Serrum shifted his eyes to Siere. "Escort her out."
Siere, who appeared to have lost his voice, complied with his father's order and accompanied Rouya to the village entrance.
"Since I can't convince you to stay... I want to give you something." After walking in silence the whole way, Siere spoke up as they reached the village gate.
"A gift? Why would you do that?"
"It was meant to be a meeting gift, but I never found the right moment to present it. Now that you're leaving seems like the perfect time."
"Oh... so the meeting gift has turned into a farewell gift." Rouya laughed softly. Even though they were NPCs, the villagers felt just like real people. The game's designer had done an incredible job.
"If that's what it is, then so be it." Siere pulled an old piece of animal hide from his chest pocket and handed it to her. "It may be of use to you someday."
"A map?" Rouya raised her eyebrows, looking at Siere with mixed feelings as a system message appeared before her eyes.
= Minor Quest: Locate the Tomb of the Plum Blossom Sword Maiden, one of the Twelve Sword Maidens of the Sacred Sword Pavilion at Gardenia Residence. =
"I only know it shows the location of some tomb – I have no idea what lies within. But according to the tomb's owner's wishes, it requires a female inheritor."
"Thank you, Siere. I promise I'll find where this map leads."
"Of course. And I wish you a safe trip."
Taking a steadying breath, Rouya waved goodbye and turned to leave, her steps firm and resolute.
The peaceful days were behind her now.
***