Being notified that only 30 days remained before the beta version would be open, allowing the first batch of players to enter the world of Greater Beyond, Valyr could not help but try to recall what had transpired in the world during this time. With the ratio between the time here and the time on Earth being 7:1, he thought about what was happening roughly four days before everyone got a first glimpse into Greater Beyond.
Unsurprisingly, his memories of that time were all about how he and a great portion of the people he knew were excited that such an advanced VRMMORPG was going to be available to play. Although they lamented the fact that they weren't able to be part of the beta testers, they knew that these lucky people would upload their experiences for the world to see, allowing people to live vicariously through them.
Placing the thought at the back of his head as he made a mental note that players would appear in Greater Beyond in 30 days, he turned his head to look at Wells, who seemed to have a more subdued reaction towards the notification he had received.
"Any idea on what's gonna happen in 30 days?" Valyr looked at Wells, to which the latter shrugged his shoulders in response.
"To be honest, I have no clue," Wells said to him. "All I know is that I have a feeling that I should be preparing for something. Then again, even that I have no clue."
"I see." Hearing the words that came out of Wells' mouth, Valyr realized that the hypothesis he had from back then was false, where he thought that NPCs already had an inkling of an idea that players would arrive in Greater Beyond before the latter even came. 'I guess NPCs would only start gaining knowledge of players once the beta version begins.'
'Then again, that makes for a more realistic experience.' With that statement serving as the conclusion to his train of thought, the two continued to move closer to the gates that appeared before them. Eventually, the entirety of the gates had been shown to the two, prompting Valyr's mouth to go slightly agape as it had been a long time since the last time he had seen a city gate this big.
"Halt!" Just before their carriage could pass through, a couple guards in slightly worn metal armor appeared before them, prompting Valyr to pull on the reins as their carriage was gradually brought to a halt. "Your purpose in entering the city?"
"Returning to the city." Surprisingly, while Valyr was mulling over what response would be best to the guards' question, Wells took the initiative to respond first, his amicable expression from earlier gone. Instead, a solemn yet stern expression adorned his face as he looked at the two guards. "I suppose you two recognize me, right?"
"Hmm?" Hearing the words that came out of Wells' mouth, one of the guards could not help but move a little bit closer, only for the guard to let out an audible gasp a few seconds later. Returning to where the other guard was, the guard then whispered a few things to the other guard before facing Wells and Valyr. Soon, the two guard gave them a respectful bow as they bellowed out.
"We greet the Esteemed Sir on his safe return!"
Of course, such a quick shift in attitude made Valyr's eyes widen in slight surprise, though this surprise quickly disappeared as he recalled the identity of the man beside him. After that, the two guards allowed their carriage passage into the city, to which Wells responded to them by nodding and giving them a few words of gratitude.
Unexpectedly, as their carriage passed through the gates, the two guards could not help but watch as the carriage gradually disappeared from their field of vision, only to look at each other soon after in disbelief. At the moment, they were wondering whether what they had experienced earlier was real. "Did… did the Wells Anadhar actually say thanks to us?"
"He… did? He did! A nobleman actually paid attention to us guards!"
"Man, I guess I have a story to tell my family once I get back home."
"Same here."
…
Oblivious to the happenings that transpired after they passed through the gate, Valyr was filled with feelings of awe and wonder as he took in the sight Anadhar City brought him. Unlike Astarto Village, all of the buildings here seemed to be built with design and purpose in mind, with the road their carriage was on also being included. On top of that, hundreds of people moved to and fro along the streets, showing Valyr firsthand how active and bustling the city was.
Then again, given how the city was around 25 kilometers in diameter, covering over 20 times as much area as Astarto Village, it was no surprise that such a city would be able to support such a huge population.
"So, where are we heading?" While Valyr continued to look at the sights that surrounded the two of them, he went ahead and asked Wells this question. After all, from what Wells had told him during these past few days, the man was certain that he would not be accompanying Valyr back to the village.
Taking in a deep breath, Wells looked back at Valyr with a light sigh before pointing in a certain direction. "The Anadhar manor. Once we're there, you could drop me off and we can go our separate ways."
"Why the glum mood, man?" Naturally, Valyr took note of how Wells' demeanor had changed the moment they entered the city. "Did I do something to tick you off?"
"No, it's just…" Responding to Valyr's question, Wells let out another sigh. "Just as I thought I missed being back here, I just realized that I actually don't."
"Then again, I can't really disobey my parents' orders… or to be more exact, the family's. Who knows what kind of punishment I'd end up getting if I do." Hearing these words, Valyr could not help but scratch his head in response, deciding to cheer up his new friend a bit before they would have to part ways. Thankfully, a couple jokes and a few stories was enough to bring a bit of the lost vigor in Wells as he lightly chuckled at some of the things he said.
However, just as the two had finally gotten on the path that led to the place Wells needed to go, a man in black garbs appeared in front of them out of nowhere, prompting Valyr to pull on the reins to bring the carriage to a screeching halt. In response, the man took advantage of the situation by dashing forward before jumping in midair.
Just as Valyr was about to ask what was going on, his expression turned solemn once the man in black garbs unsheathed a dagger coated in what seemed to be poison. With great speed, the man in black garbs looked at Wells with murderous intent, slashing down with great strength at the very last moment, aiming to slit Wells' throat open.
"Die!"
Bang!