Leon's first steps into Green Pine Village were met with the scent of fresh earth, burning wood, and the distant aroma of something being cooked over an open fire.
It was small, even by beginner village standards. A handful of wooden homes lined the main dirt path, their structures worn but sturdy. In the distance, the faint clang of a hammer against metal echoed from what he knew was the village blacksmith's forge. A few villagers milled about, going about their daily lives, entirely unaware of what this world would soon become.
He exhaled slowly, taking it all in.
Everything was just as he remembered.
And yet, it wasn't.
The world felt more vivid—more alive. NPCs weren't standing in one place endlessly repeating the same scripted lines. They had routines, emotions, and subtle imperfections that made them feel… real.
It was both fascinating and unnerving.
Devia had always been praised for its realism, but back then, he had dismissed it as just advanced AI programming. Now, standing among them, he couldn't deny it.
This wasn't just a game world.
It was a living world.
And he was now a part of it.
---
Leon moved further into the village, keeping his presence low-key. Right now, he had no reason to draw attention to himself.
His first priority was simple: information.
He needed to confirm the state of the world before players arrived. Was everything exactly as he remembered? Were there changes due to his reincarnation? Even the smallest deviations could mean the difference between success and disaster.
And there was no better way to gather information than through the village chief.
He turned down a familiar path, making his way toward a modest wooden house near the village square. A small garden was neatly arranged outside, growing a mix of herbs and vegetables. It wasn't extravagant, but it was well-kept, a sign of care rather than wealth.
Leon took a deep breath and knocked.
A few moments later, the door creaked open.
A man in his late fifties stood before him, his graying hair pulled back into a simple ponytail. His face was lined with age, but his sharp brown eyes held a quiet wisdom. He wore a plain tunic and trousers, his posture relaxed yet firm.
It was a face Leon hadn't seen in decades.
Elric, the Village Chief.
---
Elric studied him for a moment before speaking.
"You're not from around here," he said, his voice steady but not unfriendly.
Leon nodded. "I'm a traveler passing through."
Elric's eyes narrowed slightly. "We don't get many of those. Not this far from the main roads."
Leon had expected that response. Green Pine Village wasn't an important location. Players often ignored it in favor of larger towns with better resources. Right now, only merchants, adventurers, or the occasional wanderer would have any reason to stop by.
"I'm a Beast Tamer," Leon said simply. "Looking to make a living."
Elric raised an eyebrow. "A Beast Tamer?"
There was no mockery in his tone—just curiosity. Unlike players, NPCs didn't judge classes based on game mechanics. To them, a Beast Tamer was just another profession. Some were weak, some were strong. What mattered was the individual.
"Do you have a beast?" Elric asked.
Leon shook his head. "Not yet."
Elric hummed, seemingly considering something. "Then you're either inexperienced or ambitious."
Leon smiled faintly. "A bit of both."
The older man let out a short chuckle. "Fair enough. Come inside. If you're looking for work, I might have something for you."
Leon followed him inside, stepping into a room filled with the scent of aged wood and dried herbs. This was the first step—not just into the village, but into his new life.
And he had every intention of making the most of it.
---