After sitting on the ground for a while, I pulled myself together.
There was no way I could stay in shock forever.
I still had no idea how I ended up here… but I was here now.
I took a deep breath, and with just a thought, the system window appeared in front of me.
[Gold: 270]
[Romance Progression: Kai — MAX]
[Romance Progression: Cassian — MAX]
[Romance Progression: Lucien — MAX]
Just as I expected… romance bars at max.
Honestly, seeing this only made my situation more complicated.
Another window popped up:
[Housing Level: Basic Cottage — Level 1]
I leaned my head back with a deep sigh.
Of course… I never upgraded my house.
I had entered this game just to relax.
While I was busy doing social quests, giving gifts, and grinding romance bars…
Base building? Resource gathering? Crafting?
I completely ignored them.
I really should've invested some time back then.
My eyes wandered to the ceiling.
If I had, I wouldn't be stuck living in this tiny cottage right now.
I could've had a mansion with a pool, a private chef, and a fully automated workshop…
Maybe even a maid bringing me coffee.
But no. All I've got is a wooden table and a rickety chair.
I muttered to myself:
"I maxed out romance points but bankrupted my own lifestyle. Brilliant job, Elysia. Real visionary."
⸻
After a while, I realized I couldn't just stay inside.
I needed to observe.
How's the town? How are the NPCs? Where exactly am I?
I opened the door and stepped outside.
The fresh spring air brushed against my face.
Everything looked calm. The sun was setting.
Stone roads, gardens wrapped in greenery, busy market stalls in the distance…
I mean, I shouldn't run into any monsters here, right?
This is the starter town.
It's safe… right? Please let it be safe.
⸻
As I walked along the path, I kept thinking about my situation.
I had saved some money once, but I spent most of it on gifts for NPCs to raise affection.
Now I was left with only 270 gold.
That's hardly enough to survive here.
Sure, I did spend some real money in the game…
But all I bought were premium outfits.
"Wow. Great investment, right? Absolutely genius."
If I had bought starter packs instead, I'd have a decent amount of gold now.
I sighed.
No use regretting it now. Time to focus.
⸻
I opened the system menu.
📊 Status Window — Elysia
• Level: 5
• Class: None (Unassigned)
• Combat Skill: 3/100
• Magic Skill: 0/100
• Charm: 98/100
• Affection Points:
- Kai: MAX
- Cassian: MAX
- Lucien: MAX
• Gold: 270
• Housing Level: Basic Cottage - Level 1
⸻
Three.
Just… three.
The system probably gave me those points for glaring at a bunny or something.
At this combat level… even a slime could wreck me.
⸻
The NPC who taught combat was Kai.
Since I maxed out both friendship and romance with him, if I asked for help, he should gladly assist me.
After all, I completed all his quests and showered him with gifts!
For now, I plan to stay within the safe borders of Aelworth Town.
As long as I stay here, I should be safe.
I'll use this time to learn how to defend myself.
⸻
I opened the system map.
Kai's house was just outside town, near the training fields.
Since he was a knight, he often traveled back and forth between here and Veloria, the capital.
Even if I walked all the way to his house, I might not find him there.
So, I figured my best shot was to run into him during his patrol today.
There were still locked areas visible on the map.
They must be locked because I haven't advanced the quests.
But… if I complete all the quests, would that mean the game ends?
⸻
While fiddling with the system, I must've missed a rock in my path — because suddenly, I found myself flat on the ground!
"Ah… that hurt. So realistic!"
As I rubbed my foot, I didn't notice the shadow looming over me.
With a deep and clear voice:
"I can't leave you alone for one minute!"
"Really, Elysia, maybe I should make you my squire!"
I looked up — and there he was.
Kai.
His dark cloak fluttered slightly in the breeze over his polished armor.
His neatly cut black hair framed his sharp ice-blue eyes that focused intently on me.
Just like in the game, he carried that annoyingly reassuring confidence.
For a moment, my heart almost jumped out of my chest.
Holy shit… this is Kai.
The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them:
"Holy shit… Kai."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
I froze.
Did I say that out loud?!