After the intense battle with the Crimson Vanguard, Canila's heart was still pounding from the adrenaline. His gaze drifted toward the shimmering sky of Elysium, but he knew it was time to return to reality for now.
"I'm logging out," Canila said to his team as they regrouped at the guild's base.
"Same," Rhea nodded, stretching her arms. "We could all use some rest."
One by one, the group confirmed their logout, and with a brief flash of light, the world of Elysium faded away.
Reality:
Canila opened his eyes, the familiar cool sensation of the VR pod easing him back into the real world. He lay still for a moment, adjusting to the dim lighting of his small apartment. The sound of distant traffic buzzed faintly through the window. Stretching his stiff muscles, Canila pulled off the VR headset and sat up.
His real name wasn't Canila Panort here. In the real world, he was James Velor, a quiet, unassuming young man living in a city that was a far cry from the excitement of Elysium.
James glanced around his cluttered apartment, filled with empty energy drink cans, takeout boxes, and the glow of multiple screens displaying game data and forums about Elysium's latest updates. The stark contrast between the powerful Shadow King he was in the game and the ordinary person he was in reality never ceased to amaze him.
Walking over to his desk, James checked his messages. One caught his eye—it was from Amelia, a fellow player and real-world friend. She was one of the few people who knew him outside of the game.
Message from Amelia:
"James, you've been in Elysium for nearly 18 hours. Take a break! I'm worried about you. Let's grab some food and actually talk in person for once. Meet me at the café near your place in 30 minutes."
James sighed, rubbing his eyes. Amelia had always been the one to remind him of the real world when he got too absorbed in Elysium. With a few quick taps, he sent her a reply confirming the meet-up.
30 minutes later:
James sat at a small café, sipping a cup of coffee and waiting for Amelia. The quiet hum of chatter around him felt strange after spending so much time immersed in the chaos of the game. Here, he was just another face in the crowd—no power, no guild, no enemies.
Soon enough, Amelia arrived, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. She was dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail. In the game, she was one of the top-ranked healers, but here, she was just Amelia Greene, a student juggling her studies and her time in Elysium.
"You look like you haven't slept in days," she teased, sitting down across from him.
"I've been busy," James said with a smirk. "Things are getting intense in the game."
"I heard. Word about the Guild of Shadows is all over the forums. You're making waves again, but don't forget to take care of yourself outside of the game, too," she said, taking a sip of her tea. "It's easy to get lost in there."
James nodded, appreciating her concern. "I know, I'll be more careful. But I have to keep pushing forward. There's something bigger going on in Elysium this time."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
James leaned in, his voice lowering. "The game… It feels different. There's more to it than just leveling up and taking down other guilds. I've seen things—clues that there might be some hidden connection to the real world. I think the reset wasn't just for the game. There's something darker going on."
Amelia's expression grew serious. "If that's true, you'll need more than just your guild. Have you thought about logging off for a while? Digging deeper into what's really going on?"
James shook his head. "I can't afford to stop now. I need to stay ahead of everyone else. But I'll keep my eyes open."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Elysium was more than just a game to them—it was an escape, a place where they could be their true selves. But if there was a deeper mystery at play, it could mean danger not just in the virtual world, but in the real one, too.
Back in Elysium:
After a short break, James logged back in as Canila Panort, returning to the familiar sights and sounds of Ashvale. His guild was already making plans for their next move, but his mind was elsewhere. The thought of Elysium's connection to the real world nagged at him.
For now, he needed to focus. The Crimson Vanguard wasn't going to give up, and the looming threat of other rival guilds was growing by the day.
Canila Panort's Stats:
Level: 31
Strength: 270 (+10 from Plunder)
Agility: 220 (+5 from Plunder)
Endurance: 190 (+10 from Plunder)
Intellect: 165 (+5 from Plunder)
Luck: 55
Skills:
Shadow Step (Rank 2)
Twilight Slash (Rank 3)
Plunder Ability (Rank 1)
As the night deepened in Elysium, Canila and his team ventured toward the Nightveil Caverns. The caverns were notorious for their maze-like structure and powerful monsters, but deep within lay treasures and ancient scrolls that could change the fate of any who found them.
But Canila had a different goal. He was looking for clues—anything that could explain the strange occurrences he had been sensing in the game.
As the group entered the dark, winding caverns, Canila couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Something powerful lurked in the shadows, waiting.