I Don't Need To Log Out

The voyage continued uneventfully.

Each evening, the wagon stopped to allow the players to log out for the day.

The group made it a point to reach a town before nightfall, avoiding the need to camp outdoors. And each morning, as the players logged back in, they resumed their journey.

Seven days passed this way, and now, after another weekend break, the players were back in the game. Today, they would finally arrive in Kelta.

Despite the smooth journey so far, the players couldn't shake a growing sense of unease. This was a game, after all, and it didn't seem right to have a weeklong event without any significant obstacles.

"I can't believe nothing's happened," Carmen muttered.

"Yeah," Pierre agreed. "No bandit attacks, no wagon breakdowns. It's almost suspicious."

They exchanged wary glances, the same thought lingering in everyone's mind: something big had to be coming.

Arlon, who had been listening, knew exactly what they were thinking. As a former player himself, he understood their expectations.

Breaking the silence, he said, "Don't worry. Nothing is going to happen."

That should have been reassuring, but Lei immediately smirked. "Ah, there it is—the classic death flag. Thanks, Sir Arlon. Now something definitely will happen."

Arlon let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as the others chuckled. "We're almost at Kelta," he said. "Even the strongest Keldar wouldn't dare attack this close to the city. Relax."

"And there's the second flag!" Lei declared, pointing dramatically. "This is it, folks. Get ready for the ambush!"

This time, the entire group broke into laughter.

Arlon leaned back in his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips. At least they seem more relaxed now, he thought.

Despite Lei's playful predictions, the group's journey remained uneventful. As the wagon crested a small hill, they caught their first glimpse of Kelta in the distance.

Towering stone walls surrounded the city, stretching so far in either direction that the ends disappeared into the horizon. The sight was imposing, even from miles away.

"That's Kelta?" Maria asked, her voice tinged with awe.

"It's huge," Carmen added, craning her neck to get a better look.

As they drew closer, June turned to Lady Rael with a curious expression. "Lady Rael, why didn't Mr. Arlon join us? Didn't he also get an offer to come here? It seems odd that he made us come, only to stay behind himself."

Lady Rael raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, didn't he tell you? I thought you were close to him."

June hesitated before replying, "We've only just met him."

"I see," Lady Rael said thoughtfully. "Well, he mentioned that he would come alone in a week. He said he had something to take care of first, though he didn't share the details."

June frowned slightly, as if turning the explanation over in her mind. "I wonder if he's leveling up before coming here."

Arlon, who had been listening silently, resisted the urge to sigh. I'm glad she doesn't suspect I'm the same person as Arlon the player anymore. But I'd feel better if they didn't talk about me while I'm sitting right here.

Lady Rael, however, seemed confident in her response. "I don't think it's about leveling. It must be something else."

"Why are you so sure?" June pressed. "Didn't you just say he didn't tell you his reason?"

"That's simple," Lady Rael replied. "There's a significant difference between leveling up before and after reaching level 100. Progress slows down drastically after that point. He wouldn't be gaining levels quickly anymore."

"Hmm," Pierre mused. "That makes sense. But he's already at level 101. The Nydra he killed must have been worth a lot of experience, even if it only gave him one level."

Lady Rael's expression turned cold. "It doesn't matter. You can aim to get closer to his level now, but surpassing him? That will be nearly impossible."

Her words left a momentary silence in the carriage as the players processed her blunt statement.

---

Kelta, the Crown of Trion, was a city that inspired awe in all who approached it.

As the capital and largest city in the realm, it stood as a testament to Trionian ingenuity, power, and unity.

Towering stone walls surrounded the city, stretching endlessly in either direction.

These walls, reinforced with enchantments that shimmered faintly under sunlight, were said to have been built by the past Heroes.

They had withstood countless attacks, making Kelta the safest place in all of Trion.

At the heart of the city stood the Citadel of Zephyrion, a grand structure visible from miles away.

Built from white stone that glowed faintly with magic, the citadel's spires pierced the heavens, symbolizing Trion's ambition and resilience.

This was where Zephyrion, the ruler of Trion, resided and managed the affairs of the realm alongside the majority of the administrators.

The citadel was not only a seat of power but also a sanctuary, designed to protect its inhabitants even under the direst circumstances.

Its name, however, traditionally changed with each new ruler, reflecting their legacy and vision.

As the players' convoy approached the city, each of them—except for Arlon—stared in awe at the castle-like walls that loomed larger with every passing moment.

Upon reaching the entrance, the convoy was stopped for inspection.

Despite being an official procession ordered by Zephyrion, the guards thoroughly checked each wagon and everyone's belongings.

Security in Kelta was not something to be taken lightly.

Once cleared, they continued through the city in their carriages, as Kelta's sheer size made walking impractical.

Unlike Morealis, which was distinctly divided into districts, Kelta had a more integrated layout.

At the city's center, surrounding the citadel, was the Administrative District.

This was where almost all of Trion's bureaucratic work was carried out, making it the city's beating heart of governance.

Close to the walls, soldiers were stationed in what was informally considered the Military District, home to the barracks and training grounds.

Here, Trion's elite forces trained rigorously to defend the realm and enforce its laws.

The rest of Kelta was a mix of all other functions—a blend of the Merchant Quarter, Residential Area, and Shopping District.

While most of the city was populated by administrators, soldiers, and their families, civilians such as merchants, chefs, and craftsmen lived here as well to support the city's needs.

The convoy's destination was the Administrative District, though they wouldn't be meeting Zephyrion today.

Even with weeks of planning, securing an audience with the ruler of Trion was no small feat, as his schedule was perpetually filled.

This delay suited Arlon perfectly. It allowed him time to prepare, coordinating his copy as Arlon the Guide while presenting himself as Arlon the Player when the time came.

"Sir Arlon, have you been to Kelta before?" Shirl asked, her tone curious. "You don't seem fazed by it. Or… is it that you don't like it?"

"Ah! No, I haven't been here before," Arlon replied quickly, realizing he needed to act like this was his first time. "It's truly beautiful." He smiled, hoping his response seemed genuine. "So, you worked here, Miss Shirl?"

Shirl's expression faltered slightly, and her head dipped. Arlon immediately regretted the question, remembering her circumstances. Soon, she would face capture and trial in the administrative district.

But Shirl didn't seem too bothered and answered after a moment, "Yes, I had a good time working here."