As Selene sat near Gelian, her curiosity about what the adventurers were experiencing only grew. The way they held the strange helmets, their focused expressions, and the small sounds of excitement or surprise intrigued her. She leaned closer to Gelian, still watching them closely.
"What exactly are they doing in there?" she asked.
Gelian gave a small smile, leaning back. "They're playing a game called Minecraft," he explained. "It's a world-building game, where you can create just about anything you can imagine—build castles, explore caves, even fight monsters."
Selene's eyes widened. "So, they're… building things? Like houses and towers?"
"Exactly," Gelian replied with a nod. "They start out with almost nothing and have to gather materials to create everything themselves. It's a world where you mine for resources, like stone or iron, and craft those into tools, weapons, and even armor. And it's not just peaceful—there are creatures that come out, especially at night, to challenge them."
Selene leaned forward, mesmerized. "And the world they're seeing… is it like our own?"
"Yes," Gelian said, chuckling. "They're working as a team. Right now, they're building a fortress near a village to protect it from enemies that come out at night. They have to defend their creations, too—creatures like zombies, skeletons, and these explosive creatures called 'creepers.'"
Selene was quiet for a moment, absorbing the explanation. "It sounds… almost like a real adventure. But safer."
She marveled at the concept, a wistful smile crossing her face. "It sounds like a dream," she whispered. "To be able to go somewhere like that… to explore without the danger being quite as real. They're so lucky."
"Exactly," Gelian said. "It lets them explore and face challenges without real danger. A perfect way to relax, if you like a bit of excitement."
Selene nodded, her mind racing with questions, but before she could ask more, the portal behind them shimmered with a soft, glowing light. She turned just in time to see a young man step through, looking slightly dazed from the journey.
It was Cedric, a familiar face among the adventurers, who often led his own group, the Crimson Vanguard. His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him—every virtual helmet was occupied, and to his surprise, there were new faces around, like Ariel and Eva from his own group, as well as a young woman standing next to Gelian.
"Whoa," Cedric exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "Didn't expect to see so many people here! Looks like every spot's taken."
Gelian greeted him with a wave. "Welcome back, Cedric. Seems the cafe's gaining popularity."
Cedric laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I'd say! Guess I'll have to wait my turn. But… who's this?" His gaze shifted to Selene, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
Selene offered a half smile. "I'm Selene. I… I just found this place by accident," she admitted, glancing at Gelian as if for confirmation. "but... It's… incredible." Feeling shy by Cedric outgoing personality.
"Glad you think so," Cedric said with a friendly nod. "I also accidentaly found this place. You're in for a treat when you try it out. But what's caught your eye so far?"
"Oh, everything!" she replied, her eyes bright with excitement. "Gelian's been explaining the games, and it sounds amazing. I've watched the others for a while now, and I'm so curious to try it myself."
"Well, trust me, it's worth the wait," Cedric assured her. "There's something about stepping into a world where you can push yourself, take on powerful enemies, and feel like you're really there. It changes you a little each time."
Selene felt her excitement grow, her anticipation rising with each word. She looked back at Gelian, feeling a strange sense of belonging among these new companions.
Gelian smiled, watching the two of them, knowing that for Selene, this was just the beginning. As the three of them waited together, Selene could feel her own adventure brewing just beneath the surface, ready to unfold.
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Author:
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