[Attention. You have found a save point]
[ Iacreamor - City of Hero Births]
There was no dazzling flash of light, no obvious portal opening, as one would expect from a fantasy world. I simply stepped into Iacreamor as if it were the most ordinary event of my day.
I was greeted by an amazing and almost magical landscape: the endless stalks of ordinary reeds, which had grown to the size of towers, swayed in the gentle breeze, creating a rhythmic harmony of nature.
The leaves of the burdock hung from some of the buildings made of oak bark. And the flowers, as big as houses, cast colorful shadows on the streets.
In such a place, I almost lost my balance when I realized that I was smaller than an ant in this game, and the game world had become enormous. But I also noticed other players.
They were just as tiny, gliding between the roots and walking along the paths, as if in a labyrinth of plants.
—Everyone here is human. Although they could have chosen any race... it's strange.
My brother was on the line, listening to me marvel at the city. But I quickly broke the silence.
—Listen... why don't you call me by my name?
—It's not customary to use real names in games. It's not safe, and it's... uncouth. We're all using nicknames here. So when I saw what you called yourself, I started calling you Disava.
To be honest, I grimaced. I had to get used to someone else calling me by that name. It was strange that Katzu called it with such ease without even asking why I chose that name.
—Why don't you laugh or ask about this game name? I thought you'd be interested?
—Do you remember... when we were children? You had a toy. A little green toad with ridiculous eyes... You called it Disava. You carried it with you even to school.
—Do you remember all this?..
The images came back to him: the worn-out plush, the thread she used to sew on its leg, and the constant reminder: "This is Disava, my toad."
—Of course. I remember a lot. More than you think. Is that why you chose the Toadman race?
—Actually, I didn't choose it, the game chose this appearance for me.
Whether I imagined it or not, I heard a sharp laugh somewhere on the line with my brother. Although I didn't see it, my brother was covering his mouth the whole time so as not to offend me with his infectious laughter.
While I was still looking at the streets of Iakreumor, the connection with my brother was slightly buzzed. His voice sounded as if from far away:
—Sister... listen carefully. There is one thing that needs to be understood.In this game, all the players are reduced. We're like Lilliputians, and the world itself is enlarged. Not only the grass or flowers, but even the insects seem like monsters. The objects are too heavy, and even a simple drop of water can look like a crystal ball.
I leaned against a giant root that stretched upward like a pillar from an ancient temple. She could feel it herself, but there was something unsettling about his words, as if there was a hidden meaning behind them.
—And so what? Just the style of the game?
—Perhaps. But on the forums, players discuss one... curse. As if once the world was normal, and then something went wrong. They say if you remove the curse, everything will return to normal scale. But this is most likely a myth. No one has proven it properly.
A curse? This thought clung somewhere in the depths of my mind, like a splinter. The communication screen blinked with a soft light. Katzu looked at me calmly, a little tired.
—Of course. I'll see you off in the morning.
—Then it's a deal. And listen, Disava... don't get carried away. It's time to sleep, we have an early day tomorrow.
—Okay. I'll see you in the morning.
—Then it's a deal. And listen, Disava... don't get carried away. It's time to sleep. We have an early day tomorrow.
—Okay, sister. I'll spend the night at a friend's place, and I'm flying back to my city in the morning. You'll take me to the airport, right?
Katzu smiled in his unique way, as if nothing in the world could be a problem.
The connection was cut in an instant. The city remained the same, but with the disappearance of his voice, everything around me felt foreign. It was as if someone had pulled an invisible thread that held me in this strange place.
I saved myself again, just in case. I could feel it clearly, as if her very being had become lighter. The system's voice was still ringing in my head:
[You have been saved in the city of Iacreumor]
For a moment, I felt like I had taken a step back from reality. My brother's name was still echoing in the distance, but with it came a familiar, almost physical feeling.
"The desire to leave"
It was like after defeating a particularly difficult boss: you felt tired, empty, and eager to end the game, even though there might be a new encounter or adventure waiting for you.
I took a deep breath, the world around me still lived its strange life: fireflies flashed over the roofs, miniature players ran through the streets, merchants shouted the names of goods. But my thoughts were no longer here.
You know, it's like sitting in a computer for a long time, and your eyes already hurt to look at the screen, here also but with fatigue. Enough for today, need to keep the balance between the game and reality.
When the game screen darkened, I took off the helmet and sat still for a few seconds. His body felt tired, but his arms and legs were full of energy. His head was empty, and his thoughts were like birds beating against his temples.
My mind was begging for a break, as if I had just completed a grueling marathon. My heart was racing, my thoughts were jumbled, and exhaustion consumed me.
—That's it... I've had enough!
It came out in a whisper, barely audible as I closed my brother's bedroom door. Without bothering to change, I almost automatically threw myself onto my own bed.
The soft surface embraced my exhausted body, as if shielding it from the residual tension. Sleep came swiftly, enveloping me in its dense, viscous darkness.
It enveloped the mind like a thick autumn fog, heavy and impenetrable, pushing out all thoughts and feelings, leaving only deep stillness and absolute oblivion.
***
The morning was merciless, and I opened my eyes and immediately jumped up: the hands of the clock were screaming that they were already late.
My heart was pounding, and adrenaline drove away sleep. I blindly pulled on my jeans, grabbed my backpack, and flew out into the street.
My brother was waiting for me by the car. Katzu was calm as always, as if time had no power over him.
— Finally, I thought I'd have to go to the airport alone.
—Sorry! I almost overslept…
We set off towards the airport. The city outside the windows was just waking up: rare passers-by, morning light, the smell of coffee from the open doors of cafes.
—Listen, I've been thinking about Log Apophis. It's a really strange world. The huge flowers, the monstrous insects... And the rumors about the curse...
Katzu smirked, keeping his eyes on the road:
—You've picked up on it quickly. Just yesterday, you didn't know what a raid was, and now you're thinking about legends.
—You know, you've surprised me! No one has ever killed a boss single-handedly on the first try. You're not even a master yet, but if you get the hang of it, you'll be stronger than me.
—I doubt it...
Driving, I blushed, but my smile betrayed my pride. But Katzu was serious, though it felt like he was joking a little. Katzu turned his head to me and, with a sly squint, said:
—Okay, I'll admit, you surprised me. But you're definitely not a pro-master yet. Gain experience, maybe you'll become stronger than even me.
—Yeah, it's just female magic. Luck smiled at me out of solidarity. A beginner should also be given a chance!
He laughed, shook his head:
—If this is female magic, then I officially give up. No boss can stand up to her.
The road flew by quickly, like a blink. The car, moving confidently along the paved highways, turned towards the airport.
Passengers were already gathering, many of them carrying suitcases and backpacks full of hope and anticipation.
There was an atmosphere of bustle at the entrance, with announcements over the speakers interspersed with the hum of voices, and the scents of freshly brewed coffee and hot pastries filling the air, creating a sense of coziness and excitement.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable in the crowd, I adjusted my cap, pulled it closer to my eyes, and put on my dark glasses. It wasn't just a desire to hide my face. I was seeking refuge from unnecessary glances.
— That's better. The last thing I need is for one of my book fans to find out that I came to see my brother off.
We stopped at the entrance and hugged, after which Katzu took the suitcase and looked at me with his usual light smile.
— Thanks for seeing me off. And don't forget: don't stay up late into the night playing the game.
I nodded and said, unexpectedly seriously to myself,
—I was wrong about VR games. I thought it was a waste of time... but it turned out that you can feel real there. The next time I see you, I'll be stronger.
Katzu's gaze lingered for a moment, and a hint of pride, disguised as a simple joke, flashed in his eyes.
—Deal! Let's see what your female magic says when you meet the "unique" boss.
—What does that mean?
—Play the game a little longer and you'll find out!
We hugged each other a second time and Katzu headed towards the terminal, leaving me standing at the entrance as I watched him disappear into the distance and board the plane.
"Now I know for sure that I must gain experience and become stronger than my brother!"