BRAND NEW WORLD

It had been ten days since we left the city of Barqa. During those ten days, we stopped in various towns and villages along the way.

"Lun, what do you remember about the Central Plains?" Rima asked.

"The Central Plains?"

Back in the game, the Central Plains were a vast, seemingly endless expanse. Lush green meadows, forests, rivers… Everything was there.

"Hmm... Wide grasslands?"

"The Central Plains aren't like what you remember anymore," Rima said.

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see. You're going to be shocked," Rima replied.

We were currently travelling along a steep mountain path. Despite the treacherous terrain, the road was wide enough for two horse-drawn carriages to pass side by side.

A few hours later...

"You'll be able to see it soon," Rima said.

I immediately looked out the window. Before long, I saw a shocking sight in the distance—a vast desert stretching endlessly to the horizon.

A desert?!

"Wasn't the Central Plains supposed to be lush and green?" I asked, startled.

"It all changed after you dropped that massive meteor from the sky two hundred years ago. Since then, part of the Central Plains has turned into a desert," Rima said.

This… this is just like what happened in my previous world.

"That means... I killed countless living beings," I replied, my body trembling slightly.

"I... I…"

"Hey, hey! Calm down. Even if no one knows, you saved far more lives than were lost," Rima said.

"Imagine if the Demon King hadn't died and had continued conquering every race. Your children might have become their slaves or been tortured to death," she added.

"…"

"Don't think about it too much. Just get some rest for now. I'll wake you up when we reach the city of Khurun," Rima said.

After that, I lay down in the carriage, lost in my thoughts.

"Lun… Lun… we're almost there," Rima called out.

"Ah… Mmm, okay…"

I must've fallen completely asleep. I didn't even remember when I drifted off.

Not long after I woke up, we finally entered the city. The atmosphere was entirely different from any place I had visited before. All the buildings seemed to be made of clay, most of them rectangular.

"Stop! Who are you?!" shouted a man.

Looking out the window, I saw city guards pointing their weapons at us.

"Leave this to me," Rima said.

She pulled out her adventurer identification card.

"…"

"A-an S-rank Adventurer?!" the guard exclaimed in shock.

"S-sorry, we didn't know. Please wait a moment," he added before running off in a hurry.

An S-rank Adventurer really is something special. No wonder the guard panicked—people in this city probably had never seen one before.

Soon, the guard returned, accompanied by someone who appeared to be a superior officer.

"Miss... Rima?" the man said in confusion, looking into the carriage.

"Yes...? May we pass?" Rima asked.

"O-of course, Miss Rima. Please forgive my subordinate's rude behaviour. It's just that no S-rank Adventurers have ever come to this city, so they didn't recognise you," the man explained.

"By the way, are the gryphon and wolf your pets?" he asked.

"Oh, they belong to my sister," Rima replied.

"I see..." he said, glancing at me briefly before declaring—

"Let them in! Welcome to Khurun," he said.

"Oh, and could you recommend a good place to stay?" Rima asked.

"A place to stay... You can try the 'One Thousand and One Nights' motel. Just go straight until you reach the plaza, then turn right. It's not far from there, on the left-hand side," the man replied.

"Thank you," Rima said.

We were allowed into the city. After a few minutes, we arrived at the inn. Rima took care of the paperwork while Lusserina handled Langit and the others, since they were too large to enter the rooms and had to stay in the stables.

Once inside the room, I collapsed onto the bed.

"Lun… Aren't you going to have dinner?" Rima asked.

"I'm not hungry."

"Then I'll bring your dinner to your room," Rima offered.

"…"

I heard the door close gently.

Back then... That was my last memory of playing the game... but why was it replaced by a glitch—and then overwritten by a real version of that same memory? Every time I recall it, my chest tightens with sorrow, and the image of my friends' final moments fills me with grief.

I drifted into my thoughts... and then remembered nothing after that.

"Hey, Luna, how much longer?"

"Fifteen min—no, give me ten," I replied.

When I turned around, I was standing on a battlefield. Familiar faces surrounded me.

My friends?! They're alive?

I was stunned to see them alive when suddenly the sky turned blood red.

Why is the sky turning red? What's happening?

Confused, I felt a sudden, tight grip on my hand.

"Luna… why did you kill me?"

"Ah!"

It was one of my friends, their face covered in blood.

"Yes, Luna… why did you kill us?"

Someone else grasped my other hand.

"Yes, Luna…"

"Lun…"

"Luna…"

"No! I didn't kill you! I didn't!!" I screamed.

When I came to, I found myself in a luxurious bed.

I was gasping for air, drenched in sweat. My breathing eventually calmed, but the pain in my chest lingered—as if the dream had stuck to my skin.

BANG!

"Lun, are you okay?" someone asked.

I turned to see—

"Rima…"

She rushed to my side and grabbed my hand.

"Was it a nightmare?" she asked.

"A nightmare?"

That's right… just now...

Remembering it made my chest ache, and tears fell uncontrollably.

"…"

"I'm here," Rima whispered, embracing me tightly.

I didn't even know why my chest hurt so much or why I had suddenly burst into tears.

After a while, I came back to my senses and pulled away. Rima gently touched my face, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

Just as I was about to respond, my stomach let out a loud growl. Hearing this, Lusserina smiled slightly.

"Hahaha, that's because you skipped dinner. Even though it's late, you should eat something," Rima said.

So embarrassing. My face must've turned bright red.

Lusserina brought me dinner. After I finished eating...

"Feeling better now?" Rima asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. Sorry for troubling you both."

"You're too polite, my lady," Lusserina said.

"What do you mean? Everyone goes through times like that," Rima added.

"You too?" I asked.

"Of course. But it's all in the past. It's better to focus on what lies ahead than get stuck in what's behind," Rima said.

She was right. I had to stay strong.

I slapped both of my cheeks and resolved not to drown in past sorrow again.

"…"

"Oh, right. There are a few things we need to talk about," Rima said.

"Like what?"

"Our journey."

"Oh?"

"While you were asleep, I gathered some information. To reach the capital of Arvastan from here, we'll need to switch to a Sandboat," Rima explained.

"Sandboat?"

"Yes. As the name implies, it's a vehicle used in the sandy regions of the Central Plains. Since regular carriages can't traverse the desert, scientists developed a special vehicle to cross the dunes," Rima explained.

"I see... Do we have to buy one?"

"We could get a private one through my connections, or we could just use public transport like everyone else. But I already know which one you'd prefer," Rima said.

"But we'll have to wait three more days before departure. In the meantime, why don't we explore the city? I'm sure you'll love it," she added.

That made sense. We arrived late at night, and I'd locked myself in the room—I hadn't had the chance to see what this city had to offer. I couldn't wait.

[The Next Morning]

"Lun! Are you done yet? You're taking forever," Rima called out.

"Do I have to wear this?"

"It's called an abaya, the traditional outfit around here. Don't you love exploring new cultures?" Rima said.

She was right—I did. Still, this felt just like the world I came from.

Looking in the mirror, I saw a woman in a long, dark blue abaya adorned with intricate ethnic embroidery along the sleeves and chest—telling stories of a distant homeland's cultural legacy. The fabric draped elegantly, framing her dignified posture.

Her silver hair, long and thick, was braided neatly to the left, adding a classical and refined charm. A blue gem ornament rested on her forehead, enhancing her noble, magical aura. Large crescent moon earrings swayed gently with her movements, matching an elegant necklace around her neck.

"I'm coming out now."

I stepped out of the room. Outside, Lusserina was dressed in her usual maid attire, while Rima wore the same outfit as I. The only difference between us was our eye colour and braid placement. Mine was on the left, hers on the right. Facing each other felt like staring into a mirror.

"Ready?" Rima asked with a smile.

"Ready!" I replied.

We stepped out of the inn and were immediately greeted by a stunning sight. Sandy streets and rows of clay-brick buildings stretched out before us. Most people wore headscarves. Even the merchants were dressed like us. This place felt exactly like the Middle East from my old world.

"You know, their food is amazing. You'll love it. Shall we try some?" Rima said.

"Really? Then I can't wait!"

"Let's head to the market district," Rima said.

We made our way to the market. As soon as we arrived, a delightful blend of spices filled the air. We stopped at a Kbabz stall that sold vertically roasted, seasoned meat skewers.

"Welcome, lovely ladies! How many would you like?" the vendor asked.

"Three portions, please," Rima said.

"Three sizzling hot Kbabz for the lovely ladies! Coming right up~!" the vendor replied.

This is… Doner Kebab?!

A few minutes later, our food arrived. The meat was tender, melting in my mouth with a perfect blend of spices and flavours.

"Well? Isn't it delicious?" Rima asked.

"Mmm! It's amazing," I replied.

"See? I knew you'd love it," Rima said.

"After this, let's explore some more, okay?" she added.

From there, we sampled more local food around the city. We also watched street performers dancing the belly dance. The sounds of lutes, drums, flutes, and the desert wind completed the atmosphere.

For the next two days, we toured the city, savoring local dishes and exploring unique and beautiful spots in Khurun. On the third morning, after breakfast, we headed to the station, which resembled a train station back on Earth.

When we arrived, many people were already there, and a large wooden ship floated on the dunes. After paying the fare, we boarded the boat.

Not long after, we set off, leaving Khurun behind. The scorching sun and warm desert breeze accompanied our journey. All we could see was the endless desert stretching into the distance. Even though the terrain was uneven, the ride was incredibly smooth.

It must have a vibration dampener. I wonder who invented it. Could they be a player like me?