"You mentioned a mask. What kind of mask did he wear?" Lisa asked as they walked through the forest.
"It had a butterfly symbol. That's all I remember," David replied. "That person was really strong—he took out the dragon with just one attack. His nameplate was crimson, so I guess he was really high-level."
Lisa's expression darkened. She recognized the mask.
"That butterfly symbol… Those are worn by members of the Kami Organization. I told you about them, didn't I? They're extremely dangerous, David. You need to stay far away from them. Who knows why they saved you… or what they want from you."
She paused, then added quietly, "You should be grateful they didn't kill you."
Lisa shook her head, trying to dispel the unease. She had faced danger before—life-threatening, impossible situations—but she had always survived. Somehow.
"I'm sure it's nothing like that," David said, trying to sound confident. "I'll do my best not to get involved with them."
"I hope so." Lisa stopped as birds chirped nearby. She glanced around and smiled. "Hey, let's take on a few low-ranked quests until the others get back. First, we need to get you treated. Then we'll go meet the fairy."
David nodded with a smile. The two made their way through the forest as Lisa explained the quest she had in mind.
David was soon fully healed, and they began exploring the city.
Lisa told him how many players in this world never logged out of the VR system. They made enough money in-game to support themselves in real life. With advanced game chambers that allowed people to eat, sleep, and handle bodily needs, some players—especially the wealthy—chose to live permanently inside the game.
"Thousands are already doing it," she said. "And the number keeps growing."
David felt a strange sadness listening to her. He didn't support that kind of life. He wanted to get stronger, but not by escaping reality. He wanted strength to face it.
Lost in thought, David didn't see the little girl until she crashed into him. She tumbled to the ground, and he quickly helped her up.
"Hey there, you okay?" he asked gently.
The girl burst into tears.
A tall man ran over, cursing. "How dare you make my daughter cry! What did you do?!"
He grabbed David by the collar and nearly punched him—until his wife intervened.
David stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Lisa stepped in, anger flashing in her eyes, ready to fight back, but David stopped her.
"It's fine. Let it go," he said calmly. Then he looked at the man. "I think your daughter is too young to be playing this game."
"Too young?" the man scoffed. "Anyone can play this game. It's not even a game anymore—it's our world. We've chosen not to log out. You don't get to tell us how to live."
The family walked away.
David remained quiet, disturbed by the encounter. Lisa tried to cheer him up and led him to a pawn shop.
Thanks to his contribution in defeating the dragon, David had earned a reward. He decided to use the money to buy something special. While Lisa browsed the shop, David quietly slipped out, heading to a different store.
He passed a toy shop and paused. It caught his attention.
The store was filled with handcrafted toys—some even made from real-world materials. Among them was a beautiful doll that looked just like him.
He smiled.
Meanwhile, Lisa finished browsing and stepped out, only to realize David was gone. Panic struck her as she searched through the crowded streets.
Eventually, she spotted him—standing in front of the toy store, gazing at a doll with a childlike smile.
Relieved, she made her way through the crowd. David turned around and saw her. He smiled and held something out.
A doll.
Lisa's eyes widened.
"Kaaawaaaiii!" she squealed, hugging the adorable doll made of white fur with soft, sky-blue eyes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she held it close to her chest.
David smiled, gently rubbing her shoulder in comfort. Lisa pulled him into a hug, catching him off guard. He froze but slowly wrapped his arms around her.
After a moment, she let go, blushing. "Sorry… that was kind of weird."
They both grew shy, avoiding eye contact. Eventually, Lisa led him to the top floor of a massive skyscraper. It was transformed into a floating forest, filled with tall trees and wind-blown grass. From up there, they could see the entire city.
The sun was beginning to set.
The two of them lay down on the grass, quietly enjoying the moment.
David took a deep breath. "Hey, Lisa… I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What is it?" she asked softly.
"Why are you helping me so much? No one's ever been this kind to me. Since we met, you've guided me, protected me… Without you, I'd be completely lost. Why?"
Lisa turned her face slightly toward him. Her voice was quiet.
"Because you remind me of myself. The way you talk, the way you act… it's like looking at a younger me. I used to be just like you. But I changed—for the better. I think you're a good person, David. That's why I wanted to be your friend."
David smiled wide, his chest warming at her words.
A breeze rolled in, carrying the scent of autumn. Their hair and clothes rustled in the wind. The two lay side by side in silence, watching the sun dip beneath the horizon.
"That's amazing… Thank you, Lisa. I really mean it. I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
The sky darkened. Rain began to fall softly.
They stood up and walked side by side, heading back to the guild hideout.