I woke up inside my friend's video game

I had no time to coddle my best friend. More pressing matters demanded our attention. Jayson's actions would have to wait.

Late into the night, Solitude's streets lay silent beneath the waning moon. Jayson was gone, his absence more than just a casual disappearance. He might have claimed he was training, but I knew the truth—his heart was set on finding Erica. No warning, no logic, and certainly no appeal to reason would stop him. Love had made him reckless.

I rose from bed, careful not to disturb Nica as I leaned down to kiss her forehead. Her steady breathing contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside me. Moving quietly, I slipped away and made my way toward Castle Dour. General Tullius had allowed us the use of the hall for a critical discussion.

The dim torchlight cast long, wavering shadows against the stone walls of the hall. Sir Oscar, clad in battle-worn Steelplate Armor, stood at ease, his presence both commanding and reassuring. Though scuffed from countless skirmishes, his armor still gleamed faintly in the flickering light, the intricate engravings whispering tales of past battles. Beside him, Malik stood rigid, his posture betraying the barely contained energy of a man eager to act.

Francis, his polished Steel Armor immaculate as always, glanced up as I entered. His eyes, sharp and unwavering, carried a weight of concern. "Nica's already asleep, Nikolai?" His voice was steady, but the worry lingered underneath.

I nodded. "Yeah, she's resting. We need to talk—now."

Sir Oscar's gravelly voice broke the silence. "Tell me again exactly how you ended up here."

I took a slow breath before answering. "Nine weeks ago, we woke up in Skyrim. Malik saved us from a cave filled with witches. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be here talking."

Francis's eyes widened slightly. "You arrived… nine weeks ago?"

I frowned at his reaction. "Yeah. Why?"

Francis exchanged a look with Sir Oscar before turning back to me. "We've been here for a year."

A cold weight settled in my chest. "A year?"

Sir Oscar leaned forward, his Steelplate Armor groaning softly. "What's the last thing you remember before arriving?"

"Jayson warned us about a storm," I said. "We laughed it off. Didn't think it would be anything serious."

Sir Oscar's expression darkened. "That's exactly how it happened for us. A sudden storm… then nothing." He paused, the flickering torchlight reflecting the burden of memory in his eyes. "And then, we woke up here."

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. "So what now?"

Malik's gaze hardened with resolve. "The Greybeards may know something. They've dealt with forces beyond our understanding before."

I leaned forward. "So we go to them?"

Malik shook his head. "No. Our first priority is stabilizing Skyrim. The Imperials can help ensure we have a future here—and a way back."

I clenched my fists, struggling to process everything. "And you just… accept all this? Doesn't it seem strange to you?"

Sir Oscar let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "You've only been here a few weeks. Malik and the rest of us have seen things that defy reason. At this point, nothing surprises us."

Malik nodded. "We've faced enough oddities to know when to act. This is just another puzzle."

A heavy silence settled over the hall, each of us lost in thought. Finally, I broke it. "I just hope Jayson is okay. He's out there risking everything for Erica. This isn't about training—it never was."

Francis placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "We all have someone to worry about. But we have a responsibility here."

I let out a long breath. "I know. It just feels like we're sitting still while he's out there alone."

Sir Oscar nodded, his armor softly clinking as he moved. "We will bring everyone back. But first, we secure Skyrim. One step at a time."

Our path had never been clearer. Stay, stabilize this world, and find our missing friends. The road ahead was uncertain, but with the Imperials at our side, we would face whatever came next. And through it all, I held onto one hope—that one day, we'd all be together again.

Ah, Nikolai, my dear chaotic little pawn! As long as you keep me entertained with your delightful antics, I'll ensure you and your merry band return home safe and sound. After all, what fun is a world without a little madness to stir the pot?

Ah, my splendid readers! Until next time, may your days be as unpredictable as a cheese wheel on a steep hill. Keep your wits about you—and your minds even sharper!