Before finding out his next quest, Denim Lab decided to log out of **Eternal Gods**. He blinked as his vision adjusted to the real world, the familiar surroundings of his room a stark contrast to the fiery depths of the underworld he had just battled through. He stretched, feeling the aches from long hours of gaming ease away. It was time for a break—a real break.
Denim stepped out of his house, the morning sun casting a warm glow over his suburban neighborhood. He breathed in the fresh air, a welcome change from the virtual world. As he made his way to school, he reflected on the intense trials he had faced. The underworld had been relentless, each circle presenting a formidable challenge.
At school, Denim met up with Alex, known in the game as Black Berry, a Cursemancer. Alex greeted him with a grin. "Hey, Denim! You vanished after that raid against Thalor. We were worried."
Denim shrugged. "I got pulled into some kind of underworld trial. It was... intense. I had to fight through nine circles of hell, each with its own boss."
Alex's eyes widened. "Seriously? That explains why you were gone for so long. We had to continue vanquishing the Void Creatures in the Western without you."
"Yeah," Denim said. "After defeating Astaroth, the Abyssal Overlord, I was teleported somewhere else. It wasn't the Western. It felt like a wasteland, devoid of any life."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "That must have been rough. But we managed to hold our own. The guild has been making good progress."
Alex wasn't just a friend to Denim; he was his best friend, someone Denim trusted implicitly. In Denim's past life, when he was part of the Dark Phantom Guild, Alex had been there too. Even then, Alex had been a steadfast ally, a loyal friend who had his back through thick and thin. They had faced countless challenges together, and Alex's unwavering loyalty had earned him a special place in Denim's heart.
In this life, their bond was just as strong. Alex was the kind of friend Denim could confide in, someone he could share his secrets and experiences with. Alex's loyalty was a cornerstone of their friendship, and it made Denim feel comfortable enough to reveal the most incredible secret of all.
As they walked through the bustling school corridors, Denim felt a sense of normalcy. It was refreshing to engage in mundane activities, away from the constant battles and strategies. They headed to their first class, chatting about their latest gaming experiences and school projects.
During lunch, Alex shared more details about the guild's efforts in Denim's absence. "After defeating Thalor, we've been targeting Void Creatures that spread out after Thalor's death and clearing them out. Zhouxin's strategies have been spot-on, and Miya's leadership has kept us focused."
"That's good to hear," Denim said, taking a bite of his sandwich. "I wish I could have been there, but the trials I faced were necessary. I gained a new skill called Shadow Dominion. It lets me summon an army of shadows from fallen opponents, but it drains a lot of mana."
Alex whistled in admiration. "That's an impressive skill. Sounds like something out of Solo Leveling. You'll need to find ways to boost your mana pool."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same," Denim replied. "I'll look for quests that increase my mana and intelligence attributes."
The rest of the school day passed in a blur of classes and conversations. Denim enjoyed the break from the game, appreciating the time spent with friends and the simplicity of everyday life. Yet, he knew he would soon return to **Eternal Gods**, ready to rejoin his guild and face the next set of challenges.
After school, Denim and Alex headed to a nearby bar to have a little drink. They settled into a corner booth, discussing their plans for the next in-game session. "We need to regroup and assess our next moves," Alex said. "The Void Creatures are still a major threat."
"Agreed," Denim said. "I'll be ready. The trials have made me stronger, and I have a feeling we're going to need every bit of strength we can get."
As they finished their drinks, Denim felt a surge of trust and decided to share his deepest secret. He looked at Alex seriously. "Alex, there's something I need to tell you. It's going to sound crazy, but I need you to believe me."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Denim?"
Denim took a deep breath. "I'm a reincarnated person. I have memories from a past life where I was part of the Dark Phantom Guild. That's why I know so much about the game and why I can strategize so well."
Alex stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Good one, Denim. You've got quite the imagination! Reincarnated, huh? What's next, you're secretly an alien too?"
Denim sighed, a small smile on his face. "I knew it sounded ridiculous. But I'm serious."
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, your alcohol tolerance is very low so you're saying such things. And even if you were reincarnated, you're still the same Denim to me. Just keep those awesome strategies coming, okay?"
Denim helplessly couldn't insist no more. Alex's reaction, though dismissive, didn't change their friendship. In fact, it reinforced the bond they shared. Denim knew he could rely on Alex, just as he had in his past life.
As they parted ways, Denim felt a renewed sense of purpose. The real world had provided a brief respite, but the battles in **Eternal Gods** were far from over. He would return to the game, stronger and more determined than ever, ready to lead his guild against the darkness that threatened their world.
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