I Don't Need To Log Out

Arlon woke up an hour before the servers were set to open. He knocked on Shirl's door, and the two went down for breakfast again.

The rumors about them seemed to persist, judging by the furtive glances and whispered conversations of the townsfolk.

When the servers opened and the Gamers logged in, Arlon gathered them for final instructions.

"You must always prioritize Shirl's life over any fight," he said firmly. "Even if you lose, as long as Shirl survives, we've won."

Turning to Shirl, he handed her a small vial containing a faintly shimmering liquid. "This is a low-quality invisibility potion. Use it immediately if you feel threatened. It's basic but good enough to keep you hidden since no high-level Keldar should be near the frontlines."

Shirl took the potion with both hands, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Sir Arlon! Not just for this—everything you've done for me. I'll definitely repay you someday!"

---

The sun was still low in the sky when the group departed, their shadows stretching long across the cobblestone streets of Oceina. Arlon led them to the town gates, his steps calm and steady, while the Gamers whispered among themselves with excitement and anticipation.

"Stay close to them," Arlon said to Shirl. She had been wondering why Arlon entrusted her safety to a group of lower-level adventurers, and her curious gaze prompted his explanation.

"They're stronger together," Arlon assured her. "Also, we don't want to attract attention. A higher-level group would draw too many eyes."

Shirl nodded, her expression resolute. "Understood."

Turning to the Gamers, Arlon continued. "The path to Istarra is straightforward, but bandits and Keldar may ambush you. Watch for traps and stick to the main road whenever possible. Your reward for completing this quest will be a full set of tanking armor, including a towering shield."

Pierre's eyes lit up. The Gamers were in dire need of proper tanking gear, and Arlon had clearly deduced their situation.

He could see their level and deduce their needs by the speed of their leveling. Also, everyone needed equipment at this stage.

"You have my word, Sir Arlon," Pierre said, standing tall. "We'll keep her safe."

Arlon nodded curtly. "Good. The sooner she reaches Istarra, the better."

With that, the group departed, the morning air crisp and filled with the sound of their boots crunching on the dirt road.

---

Several hours into the journey, the terrain changed. The forest thickened on either side of the road, casting long shadows that danced in the dappled sunlight. The group remained vigilant, weapons ready and eyes scanning their surroundings.

Pierre walked slightly ahead of the group.

"Stay close," he called back. "I don't like how quiet it's gotten."

Zack, who had recovered his usual cocky demeanor, scoffed. "Relax. If there's anyone stupid enough to attack us, they'll regret it."

Pierre shot him a warning glance. "We can't afford to let our guard down. This is an escort quest and quests always have some hardships on the way. Do you think the game would give us free equipment?"

As if on cue, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by a dull thud as an arrow embedded itself in the dirt a few feet ahead of them. The group froze.

From the shadows of the trees emerged Corven, flanked by his two usual lackeys and a dozen fighters. He smirked, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.

"Well, well," Corven drawled. "Looks like we caught ourselves a little escort mission. Hand over the girl, and maybe we'll let you live."

Zack stepped forward, his blade already drawn. "You've got some nerve showing your face here, Corven. Do you even know who you're dealing with?"

They had already heard about Corven since he was famous in Oceina.

Corven chuckled. "I know exactly who you are. A bunch of leaderboard heroes who've never faced real opponents. And me? I'm thirteenth—not far behind you. But more importantly, I've got numbers on my side."

His eyes flicked to Shirl. "The girl's worth more to us alive than to you dead. So, hand her over, and we'll take care of the mission and the rewards."

Shirl had frozen as the arrow struck, but her fear dissipated when she realized these weren't Keldars—just a gang of low-level fighters. Internally, she smirked. If it came to it, she could eliminate them without lifting a finger. Still, Arlon's advice echoed in her mind: Don't draw attention.

"You'll have to go through us first," Pierre said firmly, stepping forward.

Corven chuckled darkly. "I was hoping you'd say that." He raised his hand, and his lackeys charged forward.

---

Arlon decided it was time to leave. The near future held many significant events, and he needed to prepare.

The announcement of the Tournament was imminent. Since only players could participate, Arlon was confident he could secure an easy victory. However, what intrigued him more were the events that would follow the tournament—opportunities to test things he hadn't been able to explore in the previous timeline.

Beyond that, global events were looming on the horizon. These were typically triggered by Keldar attacks, a double-edged sword for the Trionians. While they posed immense danger, they also opened up opportunities for those prepared to take advantage of them.

Then there was the matter of the Kelta. Arlon was certain they would summon him soon, but he needed to reach at least level 100 before answering their call.

With these thoughts in mind, he packed his gear and set out for a place where he could level up quickly. Based on his plans, he was confident he could hit level 100 within three days.

---

The forest erupted into chaos as steel clashed against steel. Zack met the first attacker head-on, his blade flashing in the sunlight. Though brash, his skill with a sword was undeniable and he quickly gained the upper hand.

Pierre stood in front of Shirl, Carole, and June. Lei took on another attacker. This was 5 against 15 and they had to protect someone so it was even harder.

Even though the level difference made this a bit easier on the Gamers, there was only one way they could come out of this fight victorious, and that was if June could cast her AOE magic.

Of course, she started casting as soon as she saw Corven's team, but she would still need time.

Corven's side also had magicians. But they could only cast basic spells, so they couldn't even penetrate Carole's Holy Shield.

Corven and his two lackeys were observing. Even if they lost some people, they would know what skills the Gamers had.

Pierre held the front line, his shield absorbing blow after blow from three attackers. His sword lashed out, catching one on the shoulder and forcing them to retreat, but two more stepped in to replace them.

Carole stayed behind Pierre, her hands glowing with holy light as she healed wounds and reinforced Pierre's stamina.

June stood farther back, her staff glowing faintly as she began to chant. The air around her shimmered with raw energy, and sparks of light began to gather at her fingertips.

"June, how long?" Zack shouted, blocking a magic aimed at Shirl.

"Twenty seconds!" June called back, her voice strained.

"That's too long!" Zack growled, cutting down another enemy.

The attackers pressed harder, their superior numbers threatening to overwhelm the Gamers.

Pierre grunted as an axe slammed into his shield, forcing him to step back. "I can't hold them all!"

Lei broke away from Zack, charging to Pierre's side to lighten the pressure. Together, they pushed the attackers back momentarily, but the respite was brief.

Carole's hands trembled as she cast another healing spell on Pierre. Her mana reserves were draining fast, and sweat beaded on her brow. "I need time to recover!" she shouted.

"Join the club!" Zack quipped, slashing at an enemy who got too close to Shirl.

One of the Corven's lackeys, a man with dual daggers, decided it was time for him to join and darted toward Shirl.

Zack intercepted him, their blades clashing in a flurry of sparks. The lieutenant was fast, forcing Zack on the defensive.

"Keep them off me!" June yelled, the energy around her growing brighter and more volatile.

Seeing his men struggling, Corven finally stepped forward. His eyes locked onto Pierre.

"Let's see how strong your shield is," Corven said.

Pierre barely managed to block Corven's first strike and he felt his arm going numb. Corven's movements were calculated and brutal. Pierre wouldn't be able to hold on long against these planned attacks exploiting the short shield's weakness.

"You're tough," Corven admitted, "But not tough enough."

Pierre gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face. He blocked another strike but stumbled as Corven feinted and slashed at his leg.

"Pierre!" Lei shouted, rushing to help, but three enemies intercepted her, forcing her to engage them instead.

This was the first real fight the Gamers had while Corven's team continuously fought with other players. The monsters with less intelligence were easy compared to the intelligent humans even if they were at a lower level.

Only ten seconds had passed during this trade. 

"Ten seconds!" June shouted.

Zack was still locked in combat with the dagger-wielding lieutenant, "Shirl, get back!" he shouted as another enemy closed in on her.

Shirl took a step back, showing a worried and scared face. She was actually laughing at these slow movements inside. But she was also grateful to them for trying their best.

Seeing Shirl, Corven falsely sensed his victory and sneered. "This is pathetic. Just hand her over and spare yourselves the humiliation."

Pierre, barely holding on, growled, "Over my dead body."

"Five seconds!" June yelled. The energy around her reached its peak.

Everyone was counting down in their mind, "4, 3, 2, 1."

Corven's blade was mid-swing, aimed at Pierre's exposed flank, when June unleashed her spell.

The same fire rain started. Almost none of the attackers' level was high enough to endure this spell, so, except for Corven and his two lackeys, everyone died.

Of course, Corven saw this and felt fear. Pierre took the opportunity to bash Corven with his shield, sending him reeling. Zack, finally free of the lackey, delivered a powerful strike that sent the man sprawling.