Unholy Player

The group composed themselves to fulfill one final duty for the dead. Battling the nausea in their stomachs and the weight pressing down on their minds, they began collecting what was left of their loved ones.

With Adyr's help, they dug a single grave—a place that, in time, might be called home to their memories. Torn bodies, like their grief, were brought together and laid to rest in one shared pit.

As they stood before the mass grave, the pain inside them only deepened. The deaths had been too sudden, too brutal. Their loved ones didn't even have the dignity of a grave to call their own.

After a moment of quiet mourning, the group returned to the underground shelter, following Adyr's suggestion.

There wasn't much time left until the logout. He didn't fully understand the wolves' behavior or what had driven them to attack the village, and he couldn't be certain they wouldn't return. The shelter was the only place secure enough to leave his body behind.

The space was surprisingly large, likely designed as a food cellar, but it was clear it had been built with emergencies in mind. It could easily house the entire village if needed.

After exchanging a few quiet words with Vesha, he settled onto the makeshift bed the villagers had prepared for him. A layer of dry grass softened the cold earth beneath, and a thick blanket was laid over it. Without hesitation, he lay down and disconnected.

—

When Adyr came to his senses and opened his eyes, the glass lid of the game pod slowly lifted. He sat up slightly, taking in his surroundings, then paused.