Dexter and Stella walk out of the ship and look around at their surroundings. Even Dexter can't believe what he's seeing.
Banners with different insignias hang everywhere. People clad in high-tier equipment endlessly recruit newbies who've just stepped off the ship.
'It's really immersive... If I didn't know Gridlock and Stella were AIs, I'd think these were all real players.'
[Achievement Unlocked: New World]
After walking for some time in amazement, Stella points toward a man wearing a shiny Tier X set of equipment.
"Look, Dex! What's he doing?" Stella asks.
"That's just some random guy showing off his gear to recruit newbies," Dexter replies.
"Recruit for what?"
"A guild. Then they'll send you into endless wars in the Uncharted Zone. Why? Do you want to join them?"
"No... I'd rather stay with you." She smiles at him.
Dexter smiles back.
"Then just follow me... All that flashy gear he is wearing is way too eye-catching. If he were in the Uncharted Zone, he'd die without even realizing it. Don't worry — I'm a veteran in this game. No, scratch that... in this world."
After three years with Gridlock, Dexter had become familiar with the true nature of Eldrion — a world he once thought was just a game he played in his free time. Every mechanic, every exploit, every hidden rule he'd known from the game had been reshaped by Gridlock's relentless training. Even the concept of dying took on new meaning.
'It's really good to have a master…'
'Having a father figure is completely different from being one for your sibling. Well, just seven more years until I see Ali again… I hope she's doing fine.'
"Stella… put on the black cloak I gave you. Your beauty is too distracting," Dexter said.
"Really? I'm beautiful?" Stella replied.
"Of course you are. Now wear the cloak — I don't want some random guy stopping us because of you."
With that, they walked toward the inn at the center of town, called the Black Inn.
…
The Black Inn served as both a tavern and lodging for adventurers in Eldrion. Known for its affordable food and drink, it was also considered one of the few safe havens within the Uncharted Zone. An unwritten rule, respected even by kingdoms and guilds alike, governed the establishment: "Step outside if you're drunk... unless you want to stay forever."
Inside, players filled the massive hall — some drinking, some eating, others napping. The space was large enough to accommodate hundreds at once. The lively chatter suddenly ceased when the door slammed open, crashing against the wall as all eyes turned toward the newcomers.
Two figures in black cloaks entered. The taller one's cloak couldn't conceal his athletic frame, while the shorter figure's curvaceous silhouette sparked curiosity among the male patrons, their imaginations running wild about what lay beneath the fabric. A few attempted to whistle, only to be silenced by companions who first scrutinized the mysterious pair's equipment.
Stella and Dexter strode through the inn, indifferent to the stares. They made their way to the bar and took their seats in silence. Dexter tapped the counter with a subtle, coded rhythm — meaningless to most, but significant to those who knew.
Before the bartender could approach, a burly man clad in leather armor positioned himself beside Dexter.
"Yo, man... where did you get that black cloak? Wanna trade it for five million coins?" the burly man asked.
Dexter smirked, eyeing him with disdain.
"Go buy one in Archsage's Hollow. Let's see how far your five million coins get you there." Of course, Dexter was lying about the cloak's origin — it was his personal creation, specially crafted to prevent equipment inspection.
"So you're a Wanderer," the man persisted. "Which guild are you with?"
"Are you privileged to know which guild I belong to?" Dexter countered.
"Man... I'm trying to be friendly here. No need to be so harsh."
"With those greedy eyes of yours, you expect me to believe that nonsense?"
The burly man smirked and walked away. Dexter turned to Stella with a smile.
"Princess... never trust anyone. Including me. Remember that."
"But De— I mean, DND, I'll always trust you, no matter what," Stella replied.
Moments later, the bartender approached, polishing a glass.
"What'll it be, sir? Ma'am?" he asked humbly.
"Bring us Misty Wine and Black Bloody Meat," Dexter ordered.
"Anything else, sir?"
"Suggest something you'd recommend. From Beyond the Fog, perhaps?"
"For that, sir, I'll need payment upfront."
Dexter drew a knife and stabbed it into the table with precise force, leaving it standing upright.
"This enough?"
The bartender studied the blade, his eyes widening. After an audible gulp, he whispered,
"That... that's not permitted here, sir. Please follow me." He gestured toward a different door.
As Dexter stood and motioned for Stella to follow, laughter erupted through the tavern.
"That idiot actually thinks he'll survive going through that door?"
"Yeah, no one ever comes back out!"
…
"Please wait here for a moment, sir. The manager will see you shortly," the bartender said before leaving them alone in the room.
"Shh... don't speak," Dexter whispered to Stella. "I know you're confused, but save your questions for later."
Several minutes passed before a woman draped in a flowing red cloak entered and sat across from them.
"So, what can I do for you, Mr. Customer?" she asked, her voice smooth yet measured.
"I need information," Dexter replied. "About the Uncharted Zone's current status — which guild reigns supreme there, and what alliances control the most territory."
The woman studied him carefully.
"Before I share any information, may I inquire about your proposed payment?"
"Information for information," Dexter answered cryptically.
The woman produced a small blank white paper and a pen, sliding them across the table. Dexter wrote something quickly and pushed the paper back toward her.
Her eyes widened momentarily as she read the message, then locked onto Dexter with sudden intensity. After a tense silence, she exhaled deeply, her professional composure returning as she folded the paper carefully.