But before I can finish, the other familiar faces starting to appear:
Akira the Fire mage hero, walks in alongside Ryan, the skilled Archer Hero.
Their timely entrance stalls my ominous question.
Kai approaches us, his expression grave:
"Hana, Yui, our situation has escalated.
The Realm Clearance Game – our world's survival depends on it –
has reached catastrophic difficulty levels.
Defeating the Demon Lord has become nearly impossible due to Mark and Yui's interference."
Ryan's eyes narrow slightly, as if sharing Kai's concern.
Kai continues:
"We need to increase the magical prowess of our potential allies –
Oakwood village's ley lines are crucial for creating an elite magic academy
to counter the Demon Lord's enhanced strength."
My suspicion about Yui remains,
but I still argue against the demolition:
"Destroying Oakwood village is wrong, Kai. Those people have lives and families..."
Kai's expression turns stern, interrupting me:
"Hana, we will permanently die if we fail here. We can't revive like before.
You know this risk, yet youantly you're prioritizing... them?"
His tone implies "them" are insignificant.
I feel a chill at his words, realizing he views them as:
"Not real people, but just game characters..."
My voice firm, I correct him:
"They ARE real people, Kai. With hearts, souls, and blood – not just code and pixels."
Kai's eyes narrow slightly, his response sending shivers down my spine:
Yui's voice cuts through my emotional standoff with Kai:
"Hana, Big Sister... You don't want to go back to our world?"
My expression falters, confusion washing over me.
Then, unexpectedly, tears well up in my eyes as I whisper:
"I want... (sobbing) I want to go back, I want to go back to our world...
Our friendship, laughter, everything... (cries uncontrollably)"
Ryan's gentle tone contrasts with the bleak reality he reveals:
"Hana, you know that's not possible this time...
Even with Rank B quests – supposedly 'moderately difficult' –
we've still lost comrades. The Game System revived them after a waiting period...
But Rank XXX... (pausing for emphasis)
This is no game scenario – this is survival or permanent death.
No revivals, no retries... just oblivion."
His words crush my lingering hopes as I continue sobbing...
Kai and Yui exchange somber glances
Then suddenly the doors to the throne room burst open:
Nao's eyes widen as she sees me crying, and she quickly rushes to my side:
"Hana, what's wrong?" she whispers softly, trying to calm me down.
Chris follows close behind, his concerned gaze scanning the room:
"What happened?" he asks aloud.
Yui responds calmly:
"They were discussing strategies to defeat the Demon Lord more safely...
But Hana disagreed with Big Brother Kai's and Ryan's proposed method."
Chris's eyes lock onto mine as he approaches:
"Hana, we need to clear this game as soon as possible so we can return to Earth.
To do that, we need strong allies fighting alongside us."
His voice is gentle but urgent, trying to reason with me.
Nao nods vigorously beside me, her determination palpable:
"I've been training hard too, Hana! I want to catch up to your level and join the raid as soon as possible
So we can all go home together!"
My heart swells with emotion seeing my friends' resolve...
I smile weakly at Nao, feeling grateful for her friendship and determination:
Nao's warm smile back at me is comforting.
Chris places a gentle hand on my shoulder:
"Hana, you need to calm down. We'll discuss this matter again soon, I promise."
His reassuring tone helps slow my racing heart.
Then he turns to Nao:
"Nao, could you please escort Hana back to her room? She needs to rest."
Nao nods immediately:
"Yes, Chris. Come on, Hana, let's get you comfortable."
She gently takes my arm, helping me stand up.
I glance back at Chris, Kai, Ryan, and Akira–
their concerned expressions lingering in my mind...
I remain silent, still trying to process my emotions as Nao leads me out of the throne room.
We walk to my quarters, Nao's gentle guidance comforting.
Once inside, Nao helps me sit on the bed and begins to calm me down:
"Hana, everything will be okay... We'll face this together, always."
Her soothing voice and gentle touch slowly ease my tension.
As she continues to comfort me, I start to lay down on the bed, feeling my eyelids grow heavy...
Just as I'm about to drift off, I speak up softly:
"Nao... You've really gotten strong..."
Nao smiles warmly, sitting beside me on the bed:
"Yes, Hana... I've been training hard for us – for our chance to go home."
Her voice is gentle, her hand stroking my hair as she continues:
"Sleep now, Hana. We'll talk more tomorrow. Everything will be alright..."
I reach up and gently squeeze Nao's hand, feeling grateful for her friendship:
Nao smiles softly and squeezes my hand back before releasing it to smooth out my hair.
My eyelids grow heavier, feeling safe with Nao beside me...
Slowly, my breathing slows, and my body relaxes...
My mind fades into a peaceful darkness...
*I fall asleep*
Nao watches over me for a few moments, ensuring I'm resting peacefully before quietly exiting the room, leaving the door closed.