I Don't Need To Log Out

Two blonde boys, around the age of 10, walked side by side. Their almost identical looks made it clear they were twins.

The children had the appearance of nobles, but only one of them had blue eyes. The other one had red eyes.

Upon spotting a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman, they broke into a run.

"Mom, we're back!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Welcome back, my sons," she said warmly, kneeling to embrace them. Yet, as she hugged them, her gaze lingered on the red-eyed boy, filled with a hint of sadness.

Arlon woke up. A strange heaviness settled over him, as if he'd forgotten something important, again. He tried to recall it, but the memory remained elusive.

In the end, he also forgot that he had forgotten something.

Today was the day of the meeting.

---

Arlon had spent the previous week at the training grounds, experimenting with various magical devices.

Well, it was already Wednesday evening when his copy came, so he could visit the training grounds for the next two days only.

The reason was that he had to pretend to "log out" every evening and on the weekend.

By Monday, excitement filled him. This would be his first time meeting Zephyrion, the most powerful Trionian.

Arlon planned to attend as the player while bringing his copy as the guide.

During the week, he had honed his Doppelganger spell, lifting the weakened status.

Now, the copy was indistinguishable from him in functionality. The copy would perish if it was killed, but otherwise, it could even fight.

If the copy was injured, it would bleed and heal as if it were alive. The only downside was it only had 70% of Arlon's power— more than enough for most tasks.

***

As soon as the log-in time arrived, all the players connected, brimming with excitement. Even though this was a game to them, meeting the ruler of the world felt significant.

Lady Rael and Nora stood outside the inn alongside Arlon the guide, waiting for the group to gather.

Since the players had separate rooms, they usually logged out there, making the inn entrance a convenient meeting spot.

Once everyone arrived, Lady Rael began briefing them while leading them toward the carriage.

"Everyone," she said, "remember, you're meeting the ruler of this world. Please don't be disrespectful."

Her gaze briefly rested on Zack.

"Though he isn't overly cold-blooded, there's no reason to antagonize him. He's here to help you help us."

She continued with general reminders of etiquette before the group shifted to lighter topics. With Kelta's vast size, the journey to the Citadel took time.

"Lady Rael, may I ask you something?" Maria said suddenly.

Lady Rael nodded.

"I heard a rumor while eating near the Citadel that you and Lord Zephyrion are... in a relationship," Maria said, her curiosity unguarded.

Even Arlon was shocked at the boldness of the question.

"Pfft!" Nora stifled a laugh, but a sharp look from Lady Rael silenced her. Straightening her posture, Nora returned to her professional demeanor.

"I don't know what you heard," Lady Rael replied calmly, "but it's not true."

"Ah, I see. I'll ask again when it's just us girls," Maria said with a chuckle.

In her mind, this was a potential quest. Games often hid quests behind rumors, and Maria thought she might need specific conditions to trigger one.

But Lady Rael change the topic and said, "We are almost here."

---

After about 20 minutes, they arrived at the Citadel. They had to walk after they approached here again.

The Citadel was the same, bustling with administrators running around.

However, the group was experienced now after walking around for a week and they didn't bump into anyone.

They entered the Citadel doors and the same openly wide scene welcomed them.

But this time, they moved toward the elevators.

Even though they were guests, they didn't dare visit the upper floors of the Citadel just to look around, so this would be a first.

Much to their surprise, though, they didn't enter the cabin like elevators. Instead, they hopped onto a circular platform among the elevators.
Your journey continues on empire

This was also a magical elevator, but unlike the others, this one only stopped at the top floor and the ground floor.

The platform began to ascend, moving at a steady pace.

As they rose, they could see each floor passing by, the open design of the Citadel giving them a glimpse of the structure's inner workings.

The players were fascinated by the sheer scale and complexity of the Citadel as the platform carried them ever closer to their destination.

After ascending for two minutes—much longer than the elevators on Earth—the platform finally reached the top floor.

Before them lay an open area adorned with vibrant flower beds and a variety of blooming flowers.

This was far from what they had expected when told they would be visiting the workspace of Zephyrion, the strongest being in all of Trion.

Even Arlon, who was usually composed, had imagined something like a gym or a training ground.

Instead, the floor was strikingly minimalistic. Apart from a single desk, which likely belonged to Zephyrion, there was little furniture in sight. The massive floor was divided into two sections, and the half they stood in was one expansive room.

The view was breathtaking. Windows replaced walls on all sides, offering an unobstructed panorama of Kelta. The only wall present separated this spacious room from what must be the other half of the floor.

Simple brown flower pots were placed in various corners, but the sheer size of the room maintained a sense of minimalism despite the decorations.

However, the most striking feature wasn't the room itself. It was the towering tiger Beastman standing behind the desk, his piercing gaze fixed on them.

The Beastman had a menacing scar slashing across his right brow, and his eyes carried an intensity that was... unsettling.

The players couldn't help but gulp. Though it was only their imagination, they thought they could see a red aura emanating from him, amplifying his intimidating presence.

"Welcome!" Zephyrion greeted them in a booming voice.

The players flinched, their bodies stiffening at the sheer force of his words.

Meanwhile, Arlon's gaze lingered on Zephyrion, his thoughts racing. Once he had believed he might have surpassed Zephyrion's strength in the past timeline.

What a joke, Arlon thought now. It was clear that Zephyrion's power exceeded anything Arlon had reached.

Looking at him now, Arlon wasn't sure he could defeat the final boss in his past life if he hadn't died.

Even Nora seemed like she was about to faint.

Contrary to the players and Nora, Lady Rael slowly approached Zephyrion and bowed her head.

"Lord Zephyrion, I have brought the players as well as the guide named Arlon, who helped Trion greatly, upon your request," she said calmly.

Hearing Lady Rael, Zephyrion immediately turned his gaze to Arlon the guide. But after a brief moment, he shifted his focus toward Arlon the player.

Arlon knew he was caught. He had known it even before Zephyrion looked at him.

He had already lost when he assumed Zephyrion wouldn't be this perceptive or strong.

But Zephyrion simply smiled and said, "So, it is like that..."