When it was a game, the vast continent of Azurite was the players starting point. People would follow the game quest as they built up their army. Building up the loyalty points of the countless NPC's on the continent. The NPC's would give hundreds and more units for one player to command depending on the loyalty they have gained.
Collectible armies were used for player vs player(PvP) warfare or player versus environment(PvE). Others enjoyed searching for dungeons through world campaign to collect some items to strengthen their armies. While some were competitive that would grind to put their in-game-name to the top Everwar: Overlord ranks.
It truly was an exhilarating virtual realm.
However,
In this new reality. The major concern was the world events. In a month, the great famine would begin at the continent of Azurite. In a few weeks, the source of food within the vast land would dwindle.
This event helped the magus society discover the revolutionary space storage relics, an item that greatly helped the masses to preserve food.
Still, the major famine throughout the land couldn't stop the great war from occurring.
Empires would start plundering smaller kingdoms.
It was the beginning of chaos.
"How long have I been asleep?" I asked in a rough voice. As far as I can tell my head was still in a dizzy state. Yet, it was enough for me to notice that the place was not the town anymore.
"Three days. You've lost too much blood." I heard the angelic voice of the first general not far from where I was.
When it was a game, the player would never pass out unless he logged out. Still, even in logging out, the player campaign would be paused and would be continued as soon as he logged in.
This was a first. Furthermore, what shook me the most was what I am experiencing right now.
"Here take it, a soup, I made it." Aether was sitting beside me beautifully whilst offering a cup filled with enticing aroma.
"Be careful, it's a little bit hot."
My stomach hasn't received any food for days, I tried my best to sip it slowly.
"How was it?" She asked once more.
"It's good." I honestly replied while I lay back once again. At the same time, I felt my strength was returning to me. I knew my body needed more rest before I would be able to stand up.
All I could do was to observe this White General in front of me, she was doing the dishes in a very old fashioned way. Without faucet or water pump. Washing it with another wooden cup and a barrel of fresh water taken from the nearby river. Since her armor was destroyed, Aether was now wearing the commoners' clothes. Yet, her beauty couldn't be affected by mere clothing. It was rather overwhelming.
"Why did you save me?"
I was caught off-guard. In the game, it wasn't a question.
As far as I remember, Aether's character would thank me for saving her and would offer her life in return. NPC's were made easy to deal with in the game. However, the Non-Player Character having so many questions as if they were learning from each experience felt really different.
Maybe there was still a part of me which couldn't believe that this was my new life. A second chance.
A moment had passed, I wasn't able to answer. However, I knew Aether was waiting for it. She even turned around and gazed at my sorrowful eyes.
I decided to be true. There's was no point in lying.
"Because I needed you. I saw it. Your power, your strength. I needed it to survive in this world."
It was quick and simple answer. I don't want to reason out more. It would be unnecessary.
"Do you know who I am?" Aether replied it seemed she was disappointed to my answer. I felt it, I know my answer disregard important matters. I only based my decision through her power which was shown momentarily in the fight against the hound riders. Disregarding her personality or her background.
However, I've known a part of her in the game, and in this world, it seemed I already know her.
"I know more than enough… Aether Lightsaber."
This time, I saw the shock in her eyes.
"No… How?"
In the house of Lightsaber, I was a bastard, and Aether was an adopted child. No one knows where my father received her. However, we still grew up together as siblings until we separated at the age of ten. With her magical talent, she was accepted to the Royal White Paladin division. On the other hand, I was sent to the backwater of the kingdom managing a small land of the house Lightsaber.
15 years since then, my father suddenly visited the estate. I thought I was forgotten. However, when I met him, I felt that he was not the man I once knew. At that time, he only gave me the relic and told me to run. It was then, the fall of the house Lightsaber occurred. I was the only one left alive.
I heard from my father that she abandoned the name Lightsaber the moment she discovered that she wasn't really a true born. For three days, that I've been asleep, she probably knew that I seemed familiar. Maybe it took a while for her to accept the fact that I was once her relative. I knew that I changed a lot.
Yet, I couldn't believe tears ran down from Aether's eyes.
"Edwin…"
Sister…
I guess she remembered.