NPC wa Eiyuu no Yume wo Miru ka? (MMORPG : Elysia Online)

The night in the City of Elysia was still bustling even though it was quite late.

Magic crystal lamps hung along the streets, casting faint shadows among the stone buildings typical of this fantasy world's architecture. The clinking of glasses from nearby bars could still be heard, accompanied by the carefree laughter of adventurers who seemed to have just returned from a long quest.

I walked beside Lyra, still trying to process the conversation that had taken place in the bar earlier. She was growing more suspicious of me. I could see it in her scrutinizing gaze, even though she maintained a relaxed expression.

"I'm still curious about your answer earlier, you know?"

I glanced at her. "About what?"

Lyra let out a long sigh before slipping her hands into the pockets of her coat. "Are you really an NPC?"

I kept walking, not answering immediately. Honestly, I could have ignored her question and changed the subject. But from the way she asked... she wasn't going to let it go that easily.

"Why are you still asking that?" I finally asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Lyra shrugged, then took a bite of the sweet bread she had just bought from a street vendor. "Because your earlier answer felt like you were dodging the question. And because..." She paused for a moment before looking at me with a sharp gaze. "You're different from other NPCs."

I sighed inwardly. Of course, she noticed.

Most NPCs in this world are indeed more sophisticated compared to other games, but they still have their limits. They have scripts, limited responses, and predictable speech patterns. But me? I can joke, react spontaneously, and even show expressions that other NPCs don't have.

"I'm just a porter NPC, nothing more," I insisted, though I was starting to doubt my own words.

Lyra chuckled softly. "Well, if you really are an NPC, you're definitely the strangest one I've ever met."

The two of us continued walking through the city square, where a large fountain stood in the center, reflecting the moonlight. The night air felt cool, carrying the distinct scent of a city filled with adventurers—a mix of burning wood, street food, and a faint metallic smell from freshly sharpened weapons.

I glanced around, trying to observe the players gathered in their respective groups. Some seemed to be discussing dungeon strategies, while others were simply joking around with each other. Nothing suspicious so far. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was... off.

Suddenly, Lyra poked my arm.

"Hey, you're daydreaming again."

I flinched slightly. "Just thinking."

Lyra narrowed her eyes, then suddenly leaned closer to me.

I reflexively stepped back a little. "What are you doing?"

She grinned. "Just testing you again."

I sighed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Of course," she said cheerfully. "I'm curious, how far can I make an NPC like you react?"

Before I could answer, she suddenly grabbed my hand and held it tightly.

I froze.

That warm touch... felt real.

Too real for something that was supposed to exist only in a game.

"So?" Lyra looked at me with a triumphant expression. "A normal NPC wouldn't react to a touch like this, right?"

I quickly pulled my hand away, trying to appear unaffected. "I'm an NPC, not a stone statue."

She giggled softly. "But your reaction, Rei... It seems like you're not like other NPCs."

Damn, I had just fallen into her trap again.

I let out a long sigh, choosing not to respond. If I said too much, she would only grow more suspicious.

But deep down, I knew...

I'm not an ordinary NPC.

And sooner or later, I would have to figure out what I really am.

I let out a long sigh. That was enough thinking about this. No matter how hard I tried to find the answer, there was still... no clue that could explain what I really am.

For now, I just wanted to enjoy this night.

"Let's take a walk," I said, breaking the silence between us.

Lyra looked at me with a raised eyebrow, but her lips soon formed a faint smile. "Oh? You finally decided to enjoy the night with me? Well then, I can't refuse."

I didn't respond and just walked ahead. The night air in Elysia felt more comfortable compared to the bustling daytime filled with adventurers coming and going.

"You know, this is the first time I've taken a leisurely walk like this since entering the game," Lyra said, her hands folded behind her head. "Usually, I'm always busy with quests or gathering information. But for some reason, I feel relaxed when I'm with you, Rei."

I glanced at her briefly. "Didn't you just say something pretty heavy earlier? About me not being an ordinary NPC?"

Lyra chuckled. "Yeah, but I chose not to delve deeper into it for now."

Her tone sounded teasing, as if hinting that this wasn't over yet. I sighed inwardly but kept walking.

We passed through a few small alleys filled with various shops and stalls that were still open despite the late hour. Some NPC vendors offered unique items, ranging from snacks to accessories with additional buffs.

"Come on, try this!"

Before I could react, Lyra had already grabbed my arm and pulled me toward a stall selling something that looked like fantasy-world takoyaki. Fried balls skewered on sticks, drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with something that gave off a fragrant aroma.

"This is delicious, I guarantee it," she said, handing one to me.

I took it and took a small bite. Savory, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.

I nodded slowly. "Not bad."

"Wow, your expression is still flat even though you like it, huh?" Lyra narrowed her eyes, as if trying to find a crack in my expression. "I'm starting to wonder, what kind of expression would you make if I did something more... extreme?"

I almost choked hearing her words.

"Hey, don't say it like that," I protested, furrowing my brow.

Lyra just laughed softly, then went back to enjoying her food. We walked again, strolling through the city streets that were now quieter than before. The lantern lights still illuminated the path, creating a cozy atmosphere.

For some reason, this moment felt so real.

Too real for just a game.

I glanced at Lyra. She looked relaxed, but also serious in enjoying this time. There were no signs that she was thinking too deeply about what had happened earlier.

Maybe... I should be like that too. For now.

I looked up at the starry night sky. The cold air brushed against my face, giving me a strange sensation. Is this really air? Or just a simulation made so perfect that I can't tell it apart from the real world?

Beside me, Lyra was still engrossed in her food, as if nothing strange was happening.

I raised my hand, staring at it. I could feel the coldness of the wind, the texture of my glove, even my own heartbeat...

—But is this really mine?

Suddenly, Lyra turned to me. "Hey, why are you suddenly quiet? You look like an NPC experiencing an error."

I snapped out of my thoughts. "Just... thinking."

"Huh?" Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You? Thinking? Wow, that's rare."

I snorted, while Lyra laughed lightly. She then suddenly linked her arm with mine, making me flinch slightly.

"But honestly, you're a bit weird tonight," she said, shaking my arm a little. "Usually, you always have a sarcastic remark or a silly joke, but this time you're just quiet. Don't tell me... you're starting to feel something for me?"

Oh, no.

I knew where this conversation was heading.

I sighed and tried to pull my arm away from her grasp, but Lyra only tightened her grip while grinning.

"No need to be shy. I know I'm attractive~" she teased.

I glared at her. "I'm more interested in food than thinking about things like that."

"Aww, so I have to turn into a steak for you to be interested in me?"

Oh, please.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to ignore the urge to respond to her nonsense. If I keep responding, this won't end.

My steps slowed. The city's hustle and bustle, the sound of vendors hawking their goods, and the distant laughter of adventurers felt like a faint, almost unreal background.

Did I really choose all of this?

I turned to Lyra, who was walking beside me. She still looked cheerful as usual, talking about trivial things as if this world was a completely normal place. But... for her, this is the real world, right?

My hand tightened its grip slightly. I'm not a player, not an ordinary NPC, and not part of the system that can be controlled like other entities.

So, if I choose to walk in a different direction now... is that really my choice?

"Hey, are you okay?"

I didn't know how many times I had zoned out in the past few minutes. Maybe enough times that finally —

"Hey," Lyra's voice broke through my thoughts. She looked at me with a curious expression, her head slightly tilted. "Something's bothering you, huh?"

I shrugged, trying to appear relaxed. "Why do you suddenly ask that?"

"Because your expression keeps changing. I've been watching you, sometimes serious, sometimes daydreaming... then back to serious again. You think I wouldn't notice?"

I sighed. She's more observant than I thought.

"I'm just... thinking about some things," I finally replied.

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "Things about this world? Or..." She raised an eyebrow with a teasing expression. "About me?"

I took a deep breath. Even in a situation like this, she still finds time to tease.

"Do you always enjoy annoying people?" I asked, looking at her flatly.

She chuckled softly. "Not annoying. I just enjoy watching your expressions change."

I couldn't deny that Lyra had her own way of lightening the mood. But still, this uneasy feeling wouldn't just go away.

If I were really an NPC, I shouldn't have free will. But if I'm not an ordinary NPC, then what am I really?

I wanted to find the answer. But for now —

Lyra suddenly patted my shoulder gently. "Listen, if something's bothering you, you can tell me. I'm not the type to judge, you know."

I looked at her. Her eyes were clear, filled with sincerity.

For a moment, I almost —

The night in the City of Elysia grew later. A cold breeze blew softly between the moss-covered stone buildings, carrying the scent of baked bread and spices from a nearby tavern. Lyra and I walked side by side on the cobblestone path damp with night dew. Our steps slowed as we arrived in front of the inn where Lyra would be staying.

"Hey..." Lyra's voice sounded softer than usual. She stopped in front of the large wooden door, turning to me with an expression slightly different from before. "Thanks for earlier... If it weren't for you, I would've been wolf food."

I turned to her, slightly surprised by the change in her tone. Usually, Lyra was always full of energy or teasing. But this time, there was genuine sincerity in her voice. I shrugged. "I just did what I was supposed to do."

She snorted softly, looking at me with a sharp gaze. "Don't act all cool like that. At least let me thank you properly."

Before I could say anything, she took half a step forward, standing closer, and lightly patted my shoulder with a mischievous smile. "How about I treat you to a drink sometime?"

I chuckled softly. "Don't tell me the treat is just plain water."

Lyra just laughed, but then her expression turned a bit curious. "So, where are you going to sleep tonight?"

I froze. Damn. I don't have any money.

I averted my gaze, trying to think quickly. Since coming to this city, I hadn't had the chance to sort out a place to stay. As an 'NPC,' I should have a specific place, but... I'm not an ordinary NPC.

"...You don't have a place to stay, do you?" Lyra folded her arms, narrowing her eyes as if assessing my panicked expression.

I scratched my head. "Uh... yeah, that's about right."

She stared at me for a while, then sighed. "Why am I not surprised..."

I tried to come up with a quick solution. "So... is there a chance I could borrow a few coins?" I asked in the most innocent tone I could muster.

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Borrow? Hah, you opportunist. But, since you saved me..." She pressed her lips together, thinking. "Or, how about we share a room? This inn has rooms with two beds."

I blinked. Did I just get an offer to share a room with a beautiful adventurer?

"Wait, this isn't a trap, is it?" I squinted suspiciously.

Lyra laughed, patting my back hard enough that I almost stumbled. "Up to you. Want to sleep on the streets? Or share a room with a pretty girl?"

Tough choice.

From inside the room, Lyra, still sitting on the bed while swinging her legs, looked at me with a mischievous smile.

"Why are you just standing there? Afraid to sleep with a girl, huh?"

I turned and looked at her flatly. This is the umpteenth time she's teased me since earlier.

"I'm just thinking," I replied, still leaning against the railing.

"Hoo~? Thinking about what?" she asked, then jumped off the bed and walked closer.

I heard her footsteps getting closer. And before I could answer, she was already standing next to me, also leaning her hand on the railing.

"Don't tell me... about me?" she asked in a teasing tone.

I let out a slow breath. Honestly, I'm still thinking about a lot of things regarding this world.

Why am I here? Am I really part of the system or something bigger? Why can't I see my own status?

But I didn't want to delve into heavy topics tonight.

So, I turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "And what if it is?"

Lyra smiled faintly, then stuck out her tongue playfully. "Hee~ I should be happy, but I suspect you're just trying to avoid my question."

I chuckled. Not entirely wrong.

She sighed, then leaned on the railing, looking up at the sky. "I just want to say thank you, you know? If it weren't for you, I might have been wolf food in the forest yesterday."

I looked at her in silence. From the way she spoke, I knew she was serious this time.

"So... thank you, Rei."

Her voice sounded sincere, without the usual playful tone.

I turned to her, then gave a small smirk.

"If you want to thank me, how about you pay for our inn tonight?"

Instantly, her face changed. "...Huh?"

"I don't have any money," I continued casually.

Her surprised expression lasted a few seconds before turning into a mischievous grin.

"Oh? So you want me to pay? Or... maybe you want us to sleep together?" she teased, leaning closer with a tempting smile.

I snorted. "Don't make things up."

Lyra chuckled softly before looking at me with a triumphant expression.

"Alright, I'll pay. But I have one condition."

I looked at her suspiciously. "What?"

She smiled widely. "Tomorrow, you have to come with me to the guild and help me finish a quest."

I let out a slow breath. Seems like I don't have a choice.

"Fine. But don't make me do anything weird," I finally replied.

She chuckled. "No guarantees."

I could feel a bad premonition. But at least, for tonight, I could sleep peacefully.

The oil lamp in the room dimmed, leaving only a faint glow that made the atmosphere even quieter. Outside, the city of Elysia grew silent, with only the occasional sound of adventurers' footsteps passing through the narrow alley below the window. I sat on my bed, while Lyra was still on hers, sitting cross-legged with a pillow in her arms.

"Finally, some rest," she said, letting out a long sigh.

I turned to her. There was something in her tone that sounded slightly different —as if she was trying to sound relaxed, but something was weighing on her mind.

"Tired?" I asked.

She chuckled softly. "Of course. Running from wolves, getting into trouble at the bar, and now having to share a room with you. Yeah, I'm pretty tired."

I raised an eyebrow. "As if sharing a room with me is the hardest part."

"Well, you know how it feels to share a room with a handsome, mysterious man."

I clicked my tongue softly. She still finds time to tease in a situation like this?

I didn't respond, just let out a small sigh and turned my face toward the window. However, a few seconds later, the atmosphere in the room grew quieter.

Lyra suddenly fell silent.

I turned to her again, and this time, I could see a different expression on her face.

She was staring at the floor with a blank gaze, her hands clutching the pillow she was holding. Her eyes no longer held the cheerfulness they had before.

"Hey... are you okay?" I finally asked.

She didn't answer for a few seconds.

Then, in a voice softer than usual, she said, "Rei, you know... why I always want to be with you?"

I frowned. "Why?"

Lyra lifted her face and looked at me. Her smile was still there, but this time it felt more fragile.

"Because I don't have anyone else."

I stayed silent.

"I can't handle being alone," she continued, her voice growing fainter. "I know I'm weak, I know I'm not a great adventurer. I know I often cause trouble. But... I just don't want to be alone."

I looked at her without saying anything.

"And I know... I might have relied on you too much," she said, this time with a heavier tone. "I'm sorry, Rei. If I'm just a burden to you..."

I let out a slow breath, then ruffled my hair. "Don't talk like that."

She smiled faintly, then looked down again.

The room fell silent again. This time, longer than before.

I finally lay down, pulled the blanket over me, and closed my eyes.

But in the quiet of the night, I heard something.

Muffled sobs.

A faint sound, almost inaudible, but clear enough for me, who was still awake.

I didn't move. I pretended to sleep, even though I knew exactly who was crying in the quiet of the night.