Trapped In Elysium: A Virtual Reality Nightmare-Chapter 50: Start of the Quest

The next morning came with a pale orange sky, the sun peeking over the horizon like it was shy to start the day. The group rose early, knowing they had only one more day before embarking on a long and dangerous journey halfway across the world. Despite the tension and the uncertainty, they knew one thing for sure — they needed to prepare.

Behind the inn, there was an open patch of land where travelers often trained or tested their weapons. That was where the group gathered. The sound of metal clashing, arrows slicing the air, and spells humming from Jason’s staff filled the area as they each began practicing in their own way.

Marcus was swinging his axe with force and frustration. Each blow he delivered to the wooden dummy in front of him seemed to echo with his inner turmoil. He was still upset about being bound by a covenant, and every strike was him cursing himself under his breath.

Jason was testing new spell combinations, his fingers glowing different colors as he rotated between incantations. His staff spun through the air like a dancer’s baton, striking targets he’d set up with almost perfect accuracy.

Eleanor, calm and composed as always, was focusing on her agility. She danced with her twin daggers in graceful yet deadly arcs, moving from stance to stance like a shadow in motion. Every slash was calculated, every step swift. She was a ghost before the wind.

Meanwhile, Sophia was in a quiet corner of the field, shooting arrows in rapid succession. Her accuracy was impressive as always, but her focus wasn’t entirely there. She kept glancing toward Liam whenever he wasn’t looking. There was something unsettled in her chest.

And then there was Liam. Sword in hand, practicing his forms with controlled precision. He was focused — or at least, trying to be. But just like Sophia, his mind kept wandering back to the moment they shared the day before. It played over in his head on a loop, and the more he tried to suppress it, the more it took root.

Eventually, their paths crossed.

Sophia went to retrieve a few stray arrows that had landed near Liam’s training spot. As she bent down to pick one, Liam turned and caught sight of her. The moment their eyes met, everything froze — just for a second. The same second they both remembered that moment.

"Oh... morning," Liam said, trying to act casual, even though he felt his throat tighten.

Sophia gave a small nod. "Morning."

An awkward silence hung in the air like a fog neither of them could see through. Sophia looked away, brushing some hair from her face.

"Listen," Liam began, taking a small step forward, "about yesterday—"

"It was nothing," Sophia interrupted, too quickly. "Just... one of those things. Don’t worry about it."

Liam blinked, unsure if he felt relieved or a little disappointed. "Right. One of those things."

Sophia nodded again and turned to walk away, but paused for just a moment. Without turning back, she added, "Thanks for not... saying anything."

Liam smiled faintly. "You’d do the same."

She nodded once more and walked back to her bow, resuming her practice as though nothing had happened. But Liam saw it — the faintest hint of red on her ears, and the way her next few arrows missed their mark just slightly.

Back at the dummies, Marcus raised an eyebrow at Liam. "You two good?" he asked with a smirk.

Liam ignored him, gripping his sword tighter and returning to his form practice.

There was still a mission ahead. A dangerous one. Whatever awkwardness hung between them, they’d deal with it. Later.

For now, they had to prepare like their lives depended on it — because they did.

The morning broke with golden rays piercing through the misty clouds, casting a warm light over the land. Inside the inn, the mood was quieter than usual. Today wasn’t just any day — it was the beginning of a journey that would take them halfway across the world. A mission none of them had asked for... and one they couldn’t refuse.

Liam was the first to step outside, tightening the straps of his gear as he watched stablehands ready the horses and carts. The fresh scent of hay and earth mixed with the cool morning breeze as the others began to gather one by one. Eleanor adjusted her cloak, Jason packed small magical scrolls into a pouch strapped to his side, and Sophia was tightening the strings on her bow, checking every detail.

Marcus moved slower than usual. Though he was up and dressed, his expression was still heavy with frustration. He hadn’t entirely forgiven himself for falling into the blood covenant trap, but he was doing his best to keep a straight face.

"Look at y’all," came the unmistakable voice of the dwarf, stepping out of the inn with his arms crossed and that smug grin stretching ear to ear. "Ready for a lil’ stroll across the damn world? Hope your legs don’t fall off halfway."

"We’re not walking," Eleanor said coldly.

The dwarf chuckled. "Aye, true. But those horses won’t be carrying your attitude."

Jason rolled his eyes while Sophia muttered, "Do we have to deal with him for forty-seven days?"

"Unfortunately," Liam said with a sigh.

Just then, all six of them froze as a sudden ding echoed in their ears. A soft shimmer appeared before each of their eyes — a familiar blue light from the system.

> [QUEST UPDATE]

Difficulty: KING TIER

Time Remaining: 48 Days

Location: ???

Mission Type: Narrative / Combat / Retrieval

Objective: ???

Reward: ???

Penalty for Failure: System Integrity Loss

The group stared at the floating notification in stunned silence.

"Wait..." Jason mumbled, "that’s the mission... the King Tier mission the system showed us at Arthalon..."

Marcus cursed under his breath. "No fucking way."

Liam blinked and then slowly shook his head. "It’s the same... It’s connected. The mission the dwarf gave us... is the King Tier mission."

The group stood in silence for a few heartbeats. Then Liam spoke again, a small, tired smile playing on his lips as he looked at the glowing screen.

"Maybe it’s really a game after all," he muttered. "One hell of a game."

Sophia folded her arms. "Except we don’t get to log out."

"Let’s just hope it’s winnable," Eleanor added dryly. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

The dwarf, having overheard, tilted his head with a curious look. "Oh? Did the gods whisper somethin’ in your ears?"

Liam turned toward him and gave a forced smirk. "Yeah. They said this is a death trap."

The dwarf only laughed.

"Well, lads and lassies," he said, clapping his hands, "mount up. It’s time to begin the longest road trip of your lives. Hope y’all packed enough socks."

As the group loaded their supplies onto the cart and checked their weapons one last time, a heaviness settled in the air. They were no longer just wanderers in a foreign world — they were players in a mission that could reshape their fate.

And it was only just beginning.