The horse's footsteps stopped in front of a dull but sturdy old building.
Mal stared at the towering building of The Vandelmork. Not like what he imagined. This building does look abandoned, but it doesn't look damaged at all. In fact it tends to look like a historical building that was treated.
Several points on the walls of the building did show damage. But anyone would feel more of a mixed atmosphere that makes the hairs on the back of the neck prickle.
No words came out of Mal's mouth when he jumped down from the horse he was riding. Mal's gaze still fixed on the building.
'Am I really not dreaming?' Mal thought. He took a deep breath. 'How could that be
"Welcome to The Vandelmork building." One of the maroon-robed men who had escorted him made a sound.
Mal flinched slightly and turned her face to the man behind her. The two men gave their small smiles.
"Are you surprised?" asked one of the men in maroon robes. "Oh, my name is Valkery, I am the representative of the Light Clan's elder who will guide you."
Mal didn't say anything, while Oldeen looked grim with worry.
"W-who are you really?" Olden asked. In contrast to a moment ago, Oldeen now looked worried. "Light Clan? Elders? What do you mean?"
Valkery still looked calm despite Oldeen bombarding her with questions.
"You will understand once you enter The Vandelmork building. Do I need to introduce my name?" The man wearing a dark blue robe answered.
"Olcra," Valkery answered. "Don't take too long. You, why do you have to be so annoyingly mysterious?"
Olcra just shrugged his shoulders in an indifferent manner. Paying no heed to Valkery, Mal, and Oldeen, he walked unceremoniously to approach the door that towered high on two sides.
Mal also watched Olcra's movements until he looked at the door of The Vandelmork building. His eyes squinted to clear the vision. Unknowingly his steps moved closer to Olcra out of strong curiosity.
In the middle of the six meter towering brown door belonging to The Valdelmork building, Mal saw a large circle. Within the large circle, a colorless sun symbol with an arrow stuck out. I do not know what is the meaning behind the symbol.
Right on the symbol, there is a large lock case or lock system box. Mal thought Olcra was going to stick the key in the big keyhole in the lock case. However, what Olcra did was silence for a few seconds.
Until finally, this big door opened slowly.
Mal was wide-eyed in panic and shock. This was the umpteenth time that Mal was stunned by the events in this forest.
"You don't want to linger outside, do you?" Valkery's voice awakens Mal. "It's getting to evening. It's not safe if we're still outside."
Even though Mal didn't understand what 'unsafe' meant, he still obeyed Valkery's orders. After all, he only knew Valkery and Olcra now, and Mal didn't have any shelter in this thick forest.
Valkery walked past Mal and Oldeen. As soon as Mal wanted to follow him, Oldeen rushed over and grabbed him by the wrist.
"You're going to follow them both?" asked Oldeen with a look of panic on his face.
Mal briefly glanced at Oldeen's hand on bis wrist. Then watched Oldeen's worried face for a few seconds.
"Where else are you going but to follow them?" Mal threw back the question.
Olden sighed. "I don't know, but I'm not sure about them either."
Mal's brow furrowed. "You suspect them?" he asked, and got Oldeen's head nod in response.
"What if those two will kill us?" asked Oldeen, his voice growing low as he didn't want Valkery and Olcra to hear him.
Unfortunately, Valkery notices that Oldeen and Mal are not following him. He stopped walking, turned around, and watched the two teenagers in astonishment.
"Aren't you going to come in?" Valkery voiced.
Just then, Oldeen was greatly jolted by Valkery's voice. While Mal just casually looked at Valkery.
"I'm going in," Mal said, then pointed at Oldeen. "He asked if there was food inside. Said he was hungry."
Oldeen stared in disbelief. His mouth was about to open to refute, but Valkery suddenly laughed.
"No need to worry. Inside, plenty of food." Valkery curved a friendly smile at the end.
After Valkery continued walking, Mal then gave a warning to Oldeen through her expression.
"You can leave if you want. Besides, we're not that close until you hold my hand," Mal warned Oldeen firmly.
Oldeen was left speechless after hearing Mal's sharp words of warning.
Ignoring Oldeen's reaction, Mal then turned around and followed Valkery's steps. Actually, Mal wasn't one hundred percent sure about Valkery and Olcra. But Mal has no other shelter than The Vandelmork building. It would be even more dangerous if he were to wander in the wilderness of this middle of nowhere forest.
At least, Mal mastered the martial arts moves he learned from the game.
Although not sure what and who is inside.
Mal's steps were already at the doorstep of The Vandelmork building. Mal didn't expect that the inside of this building was so magnificently spread out. The soaring ceilings resemble that the building has four levels without floors and is left open.
The shape of this building is circular with ceramic tiles made of marble which have been dulled by the thick dust and ruins of buildings. Some of the pillars still stand firm. But there is moss thick enough to cover some of the points of the pillars.
The more Mal stepped inside, he saw that there was a floor under the floor he was stepping on. The mall only needs to go down three steps, then see a large burning bonfire surrounded by concrete tiles.
Mal saw two women and a man in robes each standing looking at the bonfire. Meanwhile, two other people who looked the same age—one person looked slightly older—and Mal were on a circular ceramic seat.
Valkery and Olcra bowed to the three people standing facing the bonfire.
"Greetings, Chief. I've brought two other members of The Seeker," Valkery said.
Mal briefly focused on the two teenagers who were looking at him through worried eyes.
"The full moon will appear tomorrow. We already have four The Seekers."
Valkery and Olcra had straightened up. They nod.
"We're just waiting for Eldera and Teressa to bring in the other two Seekers."
"If they don't bring the other two Seekers, we won't be able to perform the official ceremony."
Mal's brows knit together at the mention of a formal ceremony.
What will actually happen?
Mal didn't know what situation he was in now.Upon hearing the explanation from the man who looked older than Valkery and Olcra, Mal started to feel uneasy. What is the inauguration ceremony? Why are all the adults here emitting a mysterious aura?"Tell me. Exactly what happened?" Mal ventured to say aloud.His resounding voice was able to attract everyone's attention. Mal's serious eyes looked at the adults in front of him one by one. As if urging them to immediately explain.The first to come forward was Valkery. He was about to speak, but the older man in white robes behind him held him back."Valkery, wait. You don't have to say anything." This rebuke was low and likely not sharp, but Valkery stopped short.Even Valkery immediately turned around quickly and bowed. Mal feels weird. Why is Valkery apologizing through his body gestures? Who was that white-robed man?"You..." The man in the white robe spoke, turning his eyes to Mal. Slowly, his steps began to move around the campfire
Mal's consciousness returned with such a strong jolt that he simply sat up. His breath hitched with his heart pounding fast. Mal's mind instantly went blank. The strong pressure in the head that had not faded made Mal's surroundings seem to spin.Finally Mal closed his eyes while giving small massages on his forehead. Mal lowered his head while trying to maintain calm. He felt like he had just had an unsettling nightmare.'What just happened to me?' thought Mal as he tried to replay his memories before his consciousness faded away.Mal repeatedly took a deep breath and then exhaled deeply. But the feeling is not calm. There is a piece of memory that pops up for a split second."You will die in another life if you die in this life of yours."Instantly, Mal opened her eyes and raised her head. Mal looked around. The walls of the room show the impression of an old building. The room he was in now had only a small light, which rested on several torches aligned atop each of the wooden beds
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED][PROCESSING YOUR DATA...][10%...35%... 57%... 68%... 89%... 94%... 100%][PROCESS COMPLETE][YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ONE MAIN MISSION, MAL!][TAP THE MISSIONS BOX IF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR MISSION RESULTS]In the silence, Mal pressed the 'Mission Box' icon on the homepage. The system screen in front of his face changed to a few gray squares with a padlock symbol on them. Mal pressed the box on the far left at the top, then a green tick appeared. There is a mission status that reads:[Mission Status: Successfully Completed]Mal then swiped through the mission window. Apparently, the gray padlock had disappeared and was replaced by a description of a new mission.[NEW SUB MISSION][Goal: Find four 'Klorang' leaves to create a stamina restore potion][Location: West Side, 30 Meters From The Vandelmork Building][Mission Reward Points: 100][Penalty: Your Stamina Points Will Drop So Much It Affects Your Consciousness][Time Required: Tonight][Time Remaining: 1 H
[Ting!][E-MAIL][Hello, Player Ketzyzuka! We, the entire 'Dissidia Epic Final Fantasy' game development team, would like to thank you for the dedication you have given for us. Now, for the fourth time, you have reached the highest level in Dissidia Epic Final Fantasy season 4!][In this chance, you have ended season 4 battle stage in Epic Final Fantasy. There is no one who has faithfully accompanied the journey of the Dissidia Epic Final Fantasy game until this fourth season more than you, Ketzyzuka. Thus, we feel you really deserve to be rewarded for your dedicated time throughout the game's four seasons][We will also give you a choice whether you want Player Ketzyzuka's identity exposed? If so, we will put your name on our international chat channel leaderboard. If not, please let us know and we'll just send an award. We will only post your player name on our international chat channel leaderboard]Mal exhaled roughly when reading a series of writings that entered his email. The l
Mal frowned. Again, he paused to think about Rossy's words. Also guess who someone his mother was talking about earlier."I don't think I know anyone who would wear a black robe or all black like that," Mal explained in between thoughts."Did you accidentally get to know someone? I thought maybe the game you played made your popularity increase."Impossible. That's what Mal thought. Rossy's statement made no sense because Mal remembered very clearly who knew her. Even if his popularity increases, his true identity is not revealed because Mal chooses not to reveal it to the public.On the other hand, Mal also knows that a special courier from a game development company should be delivering the packages."Maybe he is the game developer who gave it directly," Mal replied, seeming not to care."Ssshh..." Rossy hissed in thought. "Shouldn't he be visiting to chat for a bit? Why does he look so unfriendly?"Mal can't answer Rossy's last question. Not wanting to get lost in the dizzying poss
"Wait. I don't understand. You said you were the guardian of the reality and death. So I'm dead now?" asked Mal. Instantly panicked.Lord Lorda laughed. The sound echoes, feels very close, but Mal still can't see his existence."Now you are indeed on the verge of a world of reality and death, but you are not dead, Mal," answered Lorda Lorda. "You die soon, in other words, you are one of the lucky humans who are caught in the middle of life and death."Stuck in the middle of life and death?Mal seemed to have heard the term in the middle of life and death. But all this time he did not fully understand the meaning of the sentence. Now, did he actually experience something called being in the midst of life and death?"You're not kidding, are you?" Mal asked in a tone of disapproval. Slowly, he forced his body to stand up.Lord Lorda let out a long breath. "This is why humans are called stubborn and selfish creatures. Why don't you believe in something you can see for yourself now?"Corre
Lord Lorda's words instantly made the hairs on Mal's neck prickle."You mean?" asked Mal.Mal looked pleadingly at the wall on the front, back, right, or left. Intending to stare at Lord Lorda who knows where."Don't say that the possibility of me being able to return to my world is small," continued Mal full of concern.Lord Lorda laughed heartily. As if not thinking about the worries Mal felt."Why are you so worried? Wasn't the last time before you blacked out, you were bored with your life?" Dewa Lorda seemed to deliberately offend Mal.Out of nowhere, Mal felt a bit regretful because of the boredom of life he felt. Mal couldn't refute Lord Lorda's question."Y-yes, that's right. I'm bored..." Mal stopped talking.After a few seconds Mal just didn't move, Dewa Lorda was then heard to exhale harshly."After all, why would you want to live if in the end you get bored with your life?" Dewa Lorda further provokes Mal."That's not what I meant," Mal said, her voice breaking. "I'm bored
[Starting Energy Recovery Program][11%...18%...27%...55%...66%...]Mal was completely dumbfounded and couldn't say anything right now. His breathing was fast because of panic. Even though he tried several times, Mal still waved his hand in front of his face. He intended to confirm what blue screen flash had suddenly appeared.[89%... 91%... 95%... 100%][Power Recovery Complete][You have successfully recovered your strength until your stamina has increased by one hundred percent]Like a miracle, Mal's body, which was initially limp and feeling crushed after being laid down, immediately became fit. Mal can immediately straighten up. All parts of his body that had felt crushed in a split second disappeared.Mal spread both arms bent inward while closing his eyes. Intend to make sure whether the soreness is really gone or not."No soreness at all," Mal muttered, his voice very low with awe. Mal froze for three seconds, then laughed briefly. "Woah, what the heck is going on? Have I gone
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED][PROCESSING YOUR DATA...][10%...35%... 57%... 68%... 89%... 94%... 100%][PROCESS COMPLETE][YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ONE MAIN MISSION, MAL!][TAP THE MISSIONS BOX IF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR MISSION RESULTS]In the silence, Mal pressed the 'Mission Box' icon on the homepage. The system screen in front of his face changed to a few gray squares with a padlock symbol on them. Mal pressed the box on the far left at the top, then a green tick appeared. There is a mission status that reads:[Mission Status: Successfully Completed]Mal then swiped through the mission window. Apparently, the gray padlock had disappeared and was replaced by a description of a new mission.[NEW SUB MISSION][Goal: Find four 'Klorang' leaves to create a stamina restore potion][Location: West Side, 30 Meters From The Vandelmork Building][Mission Reward Points: 100][Penalty: Your Stamina Points Will Drop So Much It Affects Your Consciousness][Time Required: Tonight][Time Remaining: 1 H
Mal's consciousness returned with such a strong jolt that he simply sat up. His breath hitched with his heart pounding fast. Mal's mind instantly went blank. The strong pressure in the head that had not faded made Mal's surroundings seem to spin.Finally Mal closed his eyes while giving small massages on his forehead. Mal lowered his head while trying to maintain calm. He felt like he had just had an unsettling nightmare.'What just happened to me?' thought Mal as he tried to replay his memories before his consciousness faded away.Mal repeatedly took a deep breath and then exhaled deeply. But the feeling is not calm. There is a piece of memory that pops up for a split second."You will die in another life if you die in this life of yours."Instantly, Mal opened her eyes and raised her head. Mal looked around. The walls of the room show the impression of an old building. The room he was in now had only a small light, which rested on several torches aligned atop each of the wooden beds
Mal didn't know what situation he was in now.Upon hearing the explanation from the man who looked older than Valkery and Olcra, Mal started to feel uneasy. What is the inauguration ceremony? Why are all the adults here emitting a mysterious aura?"Tell me. Exactly what happened?" Mal ventured to say aloud.His resounding voice was able to attract everyone's attention. Mal's serious eyes looked at the adults in front of him one by one. As if urging them to immediately explain.The first to come forward was Valkery. He was about to speak, but the older man in white robes behind him held him back."Valkery, wait. You don't have to say anything." This rebuke was low and likely not sharp, but Valkery stopped short.Even Valkery immediately turned around quickly and bowed. Mal feels weird. Why is Valkery apologizing through his body gestures? Who was that white-robed man?"You..." The man in the white robe spoke, turning his eyes to Mal. Slowly, his steps began to move around the campfire
The horse's footsteps stopped in front of a dull but sturdy old building.Mal stared at the towering building of The Vandelmork. Not like what he imagined. This building does look abandoned, but it doesn't look damaged at all. In fact it tends to look like a historical building that was treated.Several points on the walls of the building did show damage. But anyone would feel more of a mixed atmosphere that makes the hairs on the back of the neck prickle.No words came out of Mal's mouth when he jumped down from the horse he was riding. Mal's gaze still fixed on the building.'Am I really not dreaming?' Mal thought. He took a deep breath. 'How could that be"Welcome to The Vandelmork building." One of the maroon-robed men who had escorted him made a sound.Mal flinched slightly and turned her face to the man behind her. The two men gave their small smiles."Are you surprised?" asked one of the men in maroon robes. "Oh, my name is Valkery, I am the representative of the Light Clan's e
'Shit. What did I just do?'That's what Mal thought while still dumbfounded on the spot. Mal looked at his own hands, then one at a time to look at the long sharp branches lying on the ground.Mal's breath rushed because of panic. With a guilty expression, Mal turned his eyes to Oldeen beside her."Whoa!" In contrast to the panicked Mal, Oldeen smiled broadly. "Look! You can master a punch and stab technique like that! What's it called? Ah, maybe we can come up with a name."Mal grimaced even more hearing Oldeen say that. It wasn't his intention to kill any animal that attacked them. Somehow Mal felt an urge in his chest to stab the animal's heart using the wood in his hand."Aish. Are you crazy?" Mal cursed at Oldeen, making Oldeen's laugh disappear. "I've never killed anything before, not even ants—""Hey, why are you overreacting so much? I don't think it's a big deal. Besides, that animal just attacked us!" Oldeen said so passionately his eyes widened.Mall took a shaky breath. No
[Starting Energy Recovery Program][11%...18%...27%...55%...66%...]Mal was completely dumbfounded and couldn't say anything right now. His breathing was fast because of panic. Even though he tried several times, Mal still waved his hand in front of his face. He intended to confirm what blue screen flash had suddenly appeared.[89%... 91%... 95%... 100%][Power Recovery Complete][You have successfully recovered your strength until your stamina has increased by one hundred percent]Like a miracle, Mal's body, which was initially limp and feeling crushed after being laid down, immediately became fit. Mal can immediately straighten up. All parts of his body that had felt crushed in a split second disappeared.Mal spread both arms bent inward while closing his eyes. Intend to make sure whether the soreness is really gone or not."No soreness at all," Mal muttered, his voice very low with awe. Mal froze for three seconds, then laughed briefly. "Woah, what the heck is going on? Have I gone
Lord Lorda's words instantly made the hairs on Mal's neck prickle."You mean?" asked Mal.Mal looked pleadingly at the wall on the front, back, right, or left. Intending to stare at Lord Lorda who knows where."Don't say that the possibility of me being able to return to my world is small," continued Mal full of concern.Lord Lorda laughed heartily. As if not thinking about the worries Mal felt."Why are you so worried? Wasn't the last time before you blacked out, you were bored with your life?" Dewa Lorda seemed to deliberately offend Mal.Out of nowhere, Mal felt a bit regretful because of the boredom of life he felt. Mal couldn't refute Lord Lorda's question."Y-yes, that's right. I'm bored..." Mal stopped talking.After a few seconds Mal just didn't move, Dewa Lorda was then heard to exhale harshly."After all, why would you want to live if in the end you get bored with your life?" Dewa Lorda further provokes Mal."That's not what I meant," Mal said, her voice breaking. "I'm bored
"Wait. I don't understand. You said you were the guardian of the reality and death. So I'm dead now?" asked Mal. Instantly panicked.Lord Lorda laughed. The sound echoes, feels very close, but Mal still can't see his existence."Now you are indeed on the verge of a world of reality and death, but you are not dead, Mal," answered Lorda Lorda. "You die soon, in other words, you are one of the lucky humans who are caught in the middle of life and death."Stuck in the middle of life and death?Mal seemed to have heard the term in the middle of life and death. But all this time he did not fully understand the meaning of the sentence. Now, did he actually experience something called being in the midst of life and death?"You're not kidding, are you?" Mal asked in a tone of disapproval. Slowly, he forced his body to stand up.Lord Lorda let out a long breath. "This is why humans are called stubborn and selfish creatures. Why don't you believe in something you can see for yourself now?"Corre
Mal frowned. Again, he paused to think about Rossy's words. Also guess who someone his mother was talking about earlier."I don't think I know anyone who would wear a black robe or all black like that," Mal explained in between thoughts."Did you accidentally get to know someone? I thought maybe the game you played made your popularity increase."Impossible. That's what Mal thought. Rossy's statement made no sense because Mal remembered very clearly who knew her. Even if his popularity increases, his true identity is not revealed because Mal chooses not to reveal it to the public.On the other hand, Mal also knows that a special courier from a game development company should be delivering the packages."Maybe he is the game developer who gave it directly," Mal replied, seeming not to care."Ssshh..." Rossy hissed in thought. "Shouldn't he be visiting to chat for a bit? Why does he look so unfriendly?"Mal can't answer Rossy's last question. Not wanting to get lost in the dizzying poss