Escapia: A VRMMO

Chapter 6: Trauma

Just as Daemon prepared to launch his attack, a familiar voice called out to him, "Takashi!"

Surprised, Daemon turned around and saw a man, Mitsuri, slumped on the ground, his HP bar rapidly depleting and nearing death.

Daemon's eyes widened as he recognized Mitsuri, his long blond hair and blue eyes confirming his identity. Mitsuri struggled to speak through heavy breaths, pleading for help, "Takashi, is that you? Please, I don't think I can hold on much longer!"

Before Daemon could react, the Minotaur Boss slammed its ax into the ground once more, causing the ice shard above Mitsuri to sway dangerously. Desperation filled Daemon's voice as he cried out, "Mitsuri, move! You're going to die!"

But Mitsuri seemed unable to hear Daemon's plea, his exhaustion impairing his senses. He looked at Daemon one last time, seeking assistance, before his eyes slowly closed. Within seconds, the ice shard swung and fell, piercing Mitsuri's body. Then, Mitsuri's form disappeared from the game, his body breaking into countless turquoise particles accompanied by the haunting sound of death echoing through the cave.

Fear gripped Daemon as he watched the tragic scene unfold before him. Until now, he hadn't truly grasped the gravity of permanent death within the game. But seeing someone he knew in the real world perish in this virtual realm changed everything. Daemon sank to the ground, his fists pounding the icy surface in anger and grief. Tears streamed down his face as he tried to recall his memories with Mitsuri.

---

Daemon sat alone in the back of the classroom, listening to the chatter of his classmates. Their glances and snickers in his direction made him feel isolated. He longed to join their conversations, to be a part of their social circle, but his interests, behavior, and way of thinking set him apart. He couldn't fit in no matter how hard he tried.

In the midst of his solitude, Daemon lifted his head from the desk as the classroom emptied, except for Mitsuri. Curiosity filled Mitsuri's eyes as he approached Daemon, taking a seat in front of him.

"Hey, your name is Takashi, right?" Mitsuri asked, his gaze fixed on Daemon.

Nervously, Daemon shook his head, unable to find his voice.

After a moment of silence, Mitsuri continued, "I've been meaning to ask you something. Why don't you talk to the others? Is something bothering you?"

Daemon shrugged, unable to articulate the reasons behind his silence. He didn't understand it himself—why he couldn't connect with others, why his throat tightened and his words escaped him. Just like now.

Receiving no response, Mitsuri waved half-heartedly and left the classroom.

Mitsuri made a few more attempts to engage Daemon in conversation when they were alone, but each time, his efforts were met with silence. Eventually, Mitsuri followed suit and began to ignore Daemon like everyone else.

---

On the last day before they were trapped in the game, Mitsuri had invited everyone except Daemon to a party. Though Daemon felt hurt, he didn't blame Mitsuri. It was his own fault for failing to seize the opportunity, and now, Mitsuri's inability to survive weighed heavily on his conscience.

Daemon muttered to himself, "If only I hadn't been so afraid. If I could have just talked to you..."

Daemon's words trailed off, unable to find further expression. He sank to the ground, trembling, his reflection visible in the icy surface. He wanted to strike that reflection, to release his anger, but his body remained frozen in place.

Meanwhile, the battle with the boss raged on. As the Minotaur's HP gradually dwindled, Daemon heard the screams of others and the sound of death reverberating through the cave. He realized that this game was not merely a lighthearted MMORPG but a brutal fight for survival.

Finally, the Minotaur let out a final cry, and a message appeared before Daemon:

[Congratulations to Xxx_N./y./a./r./u_xxX for killing the Ice Minotaur!]

[Daemon obtained Navy Tier Ice Boots x1]

[Daemon obtained Lvl 6 Amethyst x1]

[Daemon obtained Kud x7,500]

[Daemon obtained EXP x7,938]

Daemon let out a sigh and equipped his newly acquired armor and gems, enhancing his defense and agility.

He remained in the cave for a few more hours, trying to regain his composure after the traumatic experience. When he finally felt calm enough, he teleported near Lockheart. As he approached her, he could sense her anger brewing.

"Hey, you left me here! Again! Are you trying to make me leave the party once more?" Lockheart's frustration was evident as she clenched her fist and walked toward Daemon.

Unable to hold back his emotions any longer, Daemon burst into tears and cried out, "Please, don't!"

Lockheart was taken aback by Daemon's sudden outburst. She approached him cautiously, sitting down beside him. Daemon lowered his head, slowly making his way to a large tree, leaning his back against its trunk.

Curiosity replaced Lockheart's anger as she sat beside Daemon. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and Lockheart asked softly, "Hey, something happened on Floor 3?"

Daemon remained silent, his tears continuing to flow.

"Hey, are you there, buddy?" Lockheart shook Daemon gently, still receiving no response.

"Hey!" Lockheart shook him a bit harder, trying not to cause any harm. "Is something bothering you?"

Daemon's mind filled with thoughts of Mitsuri as Lockheart uttered those words.

Summoning his strength, Daemon wiped away his tears, waiting for the lump in his throat to dissipate. He began to recount the events that transpired on the last day before they were trapped in the game. His voice trembled as he shared the details, and Lockheart listened intently, withholding any emotional response.

Daemon noticed Lockheart's attentive silence, and his voice trembled even more as he continued. When he finished speaking, Lockheart responded, breaking the silence.

"Listen, Daemon, or Takashi... whichever you prefer."

"D-Daemon."

"Alright, Daemon. You didn't do anything wrong there. Your focus was on defeating the boss, as it should have been."

"B-But I let Mitsuri..."

"You reacted as soon as you noticed Mitsuri. It wasn't your fault that he died. He made his own choices, and you even attempted to save him, something you might not have done under different circumstances."

A gentle breeze rustled through the air, causing Lockheart's purple hair to sway. Lockheart gazed into the distance, continuing her words.

"I won't lie to you. If I were in your shoes, I would be seeking solace in your arms right now, and you would be the one to console me. From an outsider's perspective, I see someone with a compassionate heart who tried to save a friend, not a bloodthirsty killer."

Lockheart pondered the complexities of Daemon's character. He seemed to contain different aspects within him—an edgelord persona, a gentlemanly side, and now, this compassionate version that he had tried to conceal. Perhaps, this was the side of him that others needed to see—the true essence of who he was.

While Lockheart contemplated these thoughts, Daemon had already succumbed to sleep, finding a temporary respite from his inner turmoil.