The sky was black as midnight, clouds looking like they might drip blood at any moment. At the end of the desolate hills was a rugged valley, completely bare without a hint of green. Harsh cries of ravens pierced the sky, quickly swallowed by an even more shrill wind.
The scenery of the Demon City was always distinctive, making one weary after repeated views.
Nailey gazed at the landscape before her, feeling somewhat excited: being near the Demon City meant returning home was just around the corner. She had accidentally crossed into the game’s virtual world during a comic convention. The system administrator told her:
“Want to go home? First, guide one hundred heroes to defeat the Demon King who plagues the continent.”
Nailey had been a system fairy with a perfect satisfaction rate. As long as she helped the final 100th hero defeat the Demon King, she could return home.
This last hero was named Karl, a black-haired, red-eyed youth who was taciturn and expressionless.
Karl’s combat power was astonishingly strong. He effortlessly swung his great sword, quickly slaying dozens of blood-sucking bats, then hung the sword at his waist, nodding briefly: “Mission complete, return to city.”
Nailey was concerned about Karl’s condition and asked, “Won’t you rest a bit?”
The black-haired youth silently shook his head, his expression resolute.
Since the hero was so persistent, Nailey could only activate the return scroll.
Soft white light enveloped them, the desolate outdoor scenery gradually blurring.
Though it was a virtual world, for those within it, everything felt real. The journey had to be traversed step by step – walking from the Demon City’s wilderness back to the city walls would take most of a day. Only during returns could they cheat a little by using items.
Having traveled for half a day, Nailey was mentally exhausted and secretly yawned, turning her face away. Karl noticed, flashing a fleeting smile, yet remaining silent.
Holy light flashed, scenery transformed.
A sour, putrid smell hit them. Looking closely, dilapidated shacks stretched in rows, narrow and filthy alleys twisting and turning, rats swarming through, dirty puddles splashing slightly. Street women in tattered clothes paid no attention, clutching religious texts and black bread tightly.
This was the refugee area outside the Demon City, the miserable state of ordinary citizens oppressed by the Demon King.
