After waiting for nearly 20 minutes or so in the line, he overheard a couple of conversations from the people who were ahead of them and saw that they seem to be in character as they answered the NPC as if it was a real person. To his surprise, he took note of how the AI seems to be capable of replying like it was a real person.
He also took note of the fact that there are certain keywords that people who are on the same stage of the quest as he kept on saying and remembered to do the same on his turn. Eventually, Devin had reached the NPC and delivered the letter from the Village Head.
After doing so, Devin noticed that his EXP bar was about three-fourths away from once again reaching the brink of level up. This made him ecstatic as he would now be able to brag on to his little brother.
"I see, young man, I am forever grateful for your participation in protecting the village. However, as I am right now, I cannot leave the village. If I leave and head now for the city, then there would be no one to fulfill my duty to protect the village."
"I could do it!"
"I'm sorry young man, but protecting this village is too big a task for you."
"I mean, I can be the one to go to the capital instead."
"Hmm, that is a good idea, but, I'm still not sure if you can do it. Prove to me first your strength."
Devin immediately saw another quest log that he received just by talking with Village Guard Sam.
"A'ight then. I better get going."
Devin immediately started going towards the nearest exit from the village and started preparing for another journey towards the nearby forest until he was stopped by another village guard.
"Halt! Young lad, it is currently night time. Monsters outside are very active and are stronger during the night. as a friendly reminder, I suggest you start your journey when the first beam of sunlight shines again."
"Oh, I see. Thanks for the warning."
Looking at the time, he saw that it was already time for supper and thought that he also had to go back in real life to eat. Devin immediately decided to return back to the in and went out of the gaming capsule.
Just in time, he heard his younger sister calling his younger brother for supper which didn't hear her as he was logged in the game and was still busy trying to level up.
"Arvin, Devin go downstairs right now. I've already cooked some food."
"I think Arvin is still inside the gaming capsule. I'll go and call him now."
Devin started walking towards Arvin's room with his walking stick. Although he only uses the stick when he goes outside, Arvin's room was very messy and there are times when he almost tripped on one of Arvin's clutter.
Upon arriving, Devin was surprised, as the floor seemed to be cleaner. It appeared that his little brother made a little cleaning up when he received the gaming capsule from their father. After figuring out his way towards Arvin's gaming capsule, Devin knocked on it and called.
"Hey, Arvin. I know you can hear me. Levina's calling you for dinner."
"I heard her the first time she called. I can't go right now, I'm about to level up. Don't worry about me, I'll eat later just leave me some on the table."
A screen appeared in front of Devin which showed Arvin's face, likewise in-game Devin's face was also projected in front of Arvin. However, due to Devin being blind, he didn't see his little brother that was already fighting monsters near the main city.
"A'ight. Just make sure you eat later. By the way, after you reach the main city, add me as a friend. My in-game name is Blinded."
"M-kay, I still need to- whoops, fight this- ugh that's close. Yeah, see you later in-game"
After having the conversation with Arvin, Devin was now down the stairs and was eating with his little sister. His little sister, Levina, was a college student and was set to graduate after two more years.
"So, why is Arvin still upstairs? I thought you called him."
"He's still busy doing something. Let's just leave him some food to eat for later."
"Ugh. He's probably playing that new VR game, right? As if that's anything important. Anyway, were you also playing that game?"
"Yes, it's really fun. Seeing and stuff, I've really missed that sensation ever since my last visit to the lab for the tests."
"I guess I'll try and play some too, my friends kept on blabbering about how good it was."
"Yeah? So, how's school?"
After having the small talk while eating, they eventually finished their food and Devin was now back at his gaming capsule ready to take on the quest. Especially after learning that his little brother was playing the game and killing monsters while they were buffed during night time.
Logging back on, he still saw the same lines. This time, there were a lot of players who are now on a higher level compared to the ones that he saw before.
Racing towards the exit, he saw that there are a lot more people who are waiting nearby. After asking some people, he learned that the night buff towards the monsters was quite strong and it was common sense to have parties to survive a journey outside. So, Devin decided to join a random party nearby.
"Looking for only one more for Sam's quest. Must be at least level 4!"
"Looking for 3 more players! For Sam's quest!"
"Looking for 2, level 8 players to head to the main city!"
"Hey, I wanna join your party."
"Sure bud, but before you do, what level are you?"
"I'm already at level 6"