[Another virtual reality has been found. I'm opening a door.]
Upon discovering another virtual reality world, Dominica created a door out of thin air that landed with a loud thud and had golden frames with violet engravings, making it look majestic and cool.
[Epic door! As expected of Lord Rael!]
"Thanks! Haha!"
When Rael agreed with his new partner, the door swung open to reveal a rainbow vortex with sparks of every color.
He felt that stepping inside seemed like a terrible idea, but Dominica assured him it was fine, especially since nothing posed a real threat in this training room.
He worried more about Shiran, not wanting the little lion to suffer pain or difficulties on his first day.
I will be doing the fighting, so Shiran should just awaken more of his bestial side before fighting alone.
Rael also hoped not to lose Shiran's excited nature.
He stepped toward the door and entered, his body pulled into another world.
He closed his eyes and saw bright rainbow shades stretching like a carpet, which soon vanished, replaced by a dark forest submerged in shadows.
[You have received a new quest.]
[Find your whereabouts and learn who this virtual reality world belongs to.]
[Reward: 1000 EXP.]
I get so much EXP from just figuring out where I am, which means this place is more dangerous than I thought, but that also means I might get bigger quests.
[Indeed, Lord Rael.]
[Epic quests!]
Since Rael's compatibility with Shiran's instincts was only twenty percent, he decided to drop onto all fours and shift into lion form.
He figured this would boost his bond with Shiran and make it easier to move through the unknown forest.
We should assign roles. Dominica usually watches over everything, but I want Shiran to focus on it this time. You are a white lion, a proud lion, and a natural predator. Hunting is in your blood.
[Ok, Lord Rael! Leave it all to me! I will sniff out everything for you!]
How is your vision?
[I see whatever you see, Lord Rael.]
Hmm, what about smell?
[Lord Rael, if I may correct you.]
We are listening, Dominica.
[Lions rely more on sight and hearing for hunting. Since Shiran's vision is limited by yours, it is best for him to focus on hearing and try to enhance it, so he can detect even the faintest rustle of leaves or movement in the breeze. That way, Lord Rael can keep an ear out for nearby threats, and Shiran's range will naturally expand.]
That sounds good. Are you up for it, Shiran?
[Aye, Lord Rael!]
Great. Dominica, please assist us as always. If you have any pointers, let us know. Let's move out.
Rael took his first steps through the dark forest, relying on The Maker's POV and Shiran's night vision to spot even the smallest shapes in the shadows.
He did not see any living creatures at first, but the atmosphere changed when he reached what seemed like an ashen forest.
The environment became brighter, but the grayish color was unsettling.
Only a few steps into this area, Shiran picked up some sounds.
[Lord Rael! I hear wings! Fast wings! A lot! Like eight pairs, I think!]
[Piggybacking onto Shiran's hearing, I can confirm eight pairs of wings indeed.]
Following Shiran's direction, Rael sneaked through the bushes until he heard the buzzing of wings himself.
He peered out to see eight giant mosquitoes near the treetops, as well as a man in a black tuxedo with huge, glazed insect eyes and a pair of mosquito wings on his back.
Each mosquito was linked to him by a red string that pulsed like a pump, though it was unclear if they were feeding him or if he was sharing something with them.
All of this became less important when six humans in sleek, futuristic armor with slender astronaut-like helmets arrived from the other side of the clearing.
They each wielded a different weapon: one had a gun, another a sword, another a bow, and so on.
Their expressions remained hidden, but the humanoid mosquito grinned, as though he could see them clearly.
"Once again, you come to feed me and my queen," he said.
"I'm so grateful you keep rushing here, you immortal fools, like ants swarming me. It's a pity I cannot capture you, because you vanish the moment you die, but it is fine. Your blood is a treasure I must collect for my queen Everzena, the future Queen of this world, Intiscalia."
[You have learned about your whereabouts.]
Well, that was quick. If only those humans could say who they belong to, but I doubt they will.
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