Lucifer's footsteps echoed softly against the cold stones of the cave. The sound of his breathing bounced back at him like a quiet answer, reaffirming one undeniable truth: Velgarion was gone.
The cave was now empty. Only the fading remnants of blue magic lingered where Velgarion had disappeared. The Ring of Power, now wrapped around Lucifer's right index finger, pulsed faintly with a warm energy—like a heartbeat.
"A kind of ancient OP fitbit..." he muttered quietly.
But no one laughed this time. There was no deep chuckle from the old dragon. No wisdom. No protection. Only silence.
Drawing a long breath, Lucifer stepped out of the cave. A light drizzle welcomed him, dampening the broad leaves that cloaked the dense forest—Eldrin Forest, as Velgarion had called it.
Lucifer stared up at the towering trees, rising like spires. Thick roots bulged from the earth, creating uneven paths. A thin mist drifted between the twisted, ancient trunks. At first glance, it looked like a fairytale... until a scaled bird flew past, howling like a banshee.
"All right," he said. "One step forward into adventure… or sudden death. Let's roll."
He walked cautiously, glancing left and right. Part of him was curious about this world. The other part was still adjusting—his body unfamiliar, his mind still refusing to fully accept he now lived in a fantasy world.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes on his left.
Lucifer froze.
"Please don't be a mutant rabbit," he whispered.
The bush rustled again. Leaves trembled wildly, and then… a large figure emerged—almost two meters tall, with pale greenish skin, a protruding lower jaw full of fangs, and glowing yellow eyes brimming with rage.
Lucifer's jaw dropped. "…Oh crap."
The creature raised a massive rusted cleaver and roared so loudly birds scattered from the trees.
"OH CRAP!"
Lucifer spun around and sprinted. "Why isn't there a tutorial mode first?!"
The orc chased him, swinging its cleaver at any tree in the way. Trunks split. The ground shook with every stomp.
Lucifer screamed while running. "This game is insane! I haven't even picked up a quest yet!"
He looked back—the orc was gaining. Sweat poured down his face. His breathing turned ragged. This world showed no mercy.
And then, his foot caught on a thick root.
He tumbled forward. Dirt and dry leaves scattered as he landed hard. He groaned and looked up.
The orc stood right in front of him. Its breath was hot and foul. The cleaver rose high, ready to strike.
Lucifer couldn't move. Fear froze him. His red eyes wide with terror.
"So... this is how I die... twice," he muttered.
But just before the cleaver could descend, the ground between them exploded—a slash of red magic tore through the air.
Lucifer was thrown backward as the orc stumbled a step, confused.
A voice rang out from a nearby ridge.
"Stop, foul creature!"
A figure stood tall on a stone ledge. Crimson hair danced in the wind, eyes glowing red like embers. He wore worn silver armor, but his posture was noble—like a knight from legend.
Lucifer squinted. "Oh... cool. Finally, an NPC shows up."
The man leapt down and landed lightly, standing between Lucifer and the orc. With swift movement, he drew a long, glowing red sword from his back.
The orc roared and charged.
The man didn't hesitate—he met the attack head-on.
What followed was a deadly dance. Arthur—his name yet unknown to Lucifer—moved with speed and precision, spinning his sword, blocking each savage blow from the orc, and retaliating with deadly strikes. The orc fought ferociously, but Arthur pressed forward, thrusting, dodging, turning—his every move honed from years of training.
Lucifer watched from the ground, still gasping. "This… is wild. Like watching a live-action anime."
Arthur's blade finally pierced the orc's chest. Black blood burst forth, and the creature let out one final roar before collapsing, lifeless.
Silence.
Arthur sighed, then turned to Lucifer. "Are you all right?"
Lucifer raised a hand, still lying down. "Physically? Still intact. Mentally? Trauma level one unlocked."
Arthur smiled. "My name is Arthur. Just a traveler."
Lucifer sat up slowly, brushing dirt off his clothes. "Lucifer. And for some reason, my name always gives the wrong impression."
Arthur chuckled softly. "You don't seem evil to me."
Lucifer glanced at the orc's corpse. "If you hadn't shown up, I'd be monster meat by now."
"I just can't stand injustice," Arthur replied, sheathing his sword.
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "So… you're like that friendly NPC at the start of the game, huh?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What's an NPC?"
Lucifer chuckled softly. "Never mind. Long story."
Arthur extended a hand. "How about we travel together? This world's not kind to lone youths."
Lucifer stared at the hand for a moment, then took it.
"Fine. But don't expect me to be some cute sidekick. I'm snarky."
Arthur nodded with a small smile. "I'm used to that."
And so, the two walked side by side, leaving the fallen orc behind… venturing deeper into Eryndor—a world that had only just begun to reveal its secrets.