THUNK-THUNK.
The wooden bridge creaked and groaned as Daisuke crossed the moat that surrounded the town. The lofty walls were more imposing up close, their impressive shadows stretching far and wide on the ground.
"Welcome to Wonderelle," one of the two sentry guards greeted warmly.
Wonderelle. According to the atlas, it's in the Arcanium Kingdom—the one that banished and condemned the Percivals.
Pushing the unpleasant thought aside, Daisuke stepped onto the cobblestone streets of the town, surrounded by medieval-style houses that exuded an air of history and charm.
At the heart of the town sprawled the bustling central plaza, a hub of activity where players streamed in and out of the «Gate»—an ogee-shaped structure featuring a swirling blue vortex, offering instantaneous teleportation to distant realms.
Because the game promoted free roam and preferred if players explored the open world, it only allowed users to teleport free once per month. Otherwise, they had to pay an exorbitant amount of gold for the fee.
From the central hub, busy districts radiated outwards, alive with the constant movement of horse-drawn wagons loaded with foods and other supplies, and carriages that transported nobles and merchants.
Market stalls lined the thoroughfares, the shopkeepers energetically advertising their varied wares to passersby. Among the crowd, a mix of people from different races and species mingled animatedly. Clad in an array of armor, some practical and others ornate, they painted a vibrant picture of diversity.
Zephyr's nose twitched as something delightful coaxed his olfactory receptors. Wafting on the wind was a mélange of aromas, ranging from the enticing fragrance of freshly cooked food to the alluring scents of various cosmetics and perfumes.
He couldn't identify any of them.
But there was one smell in particular that was especially attractive, and he salivated in response.
"Whoa!" Daisuke exclaimed as the canine's head popped out from the V of his shirt. He had suggested that Zephyr hid in his clothes because he wasn't sure what the law on animals... monsters—whatever, was in the town.
"Kyuu~"
Daisuke grinned when he noted the pup's excited animation, its tongue finding its way outside its mouth in a ravenous pant as they were about to pass a stall hosting the enticing smell.
"Oi, my boy," the shopkeeper called upon spying the canine's open enthusiasm. "Your little friend here knows quality barbecue when he smells it! Here's a sample; a token of my appreciation!"
The culinary genius held a perfectly cooked cutlet of barbecue pork in front of Zephyr's nose, teasing, suffocating him with a blast of the heady scent.
The pup looked to Daisuke for permission, beaming with glee when he nodded with a smile. Almost immediately, Zephyr tilted his head back and opened his mouth, happily accepting the shopkeeper's kind offer.
He chewed passionately, relishing the unfamiliar and delicious blend of seasonings and sauces that defined the chef's unique recipe.
The man hugged his chest and grinned with evident triumph. "It's always a pleasure to serve those who can tell good quality with but a single whiff of the nose. And you're no exception, little guy."
"Kyuu~"
"Thanks, Mister," Daisuke said with a wave.
"No problem! Be sure to come by again; there will always be free samples for you and your friend!"
YOU ARE READING
Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended
FantasyWhat would you do if you found yourself trapped in a video game as an NPC with seemingly no hope of returning to the real world? Having grown up without parents, Daisuke finds himself in a perpetual cycle of poverty as he tries to survive in the bot...
