I Don't Need To Log Out

"Do you hunt, raise, or process the meat you eat on Earth or does someone else do it for you?" Arlon asked.

Maria blinked, thrown off by the question.

"Here, there's no one else. If you don't act, others will suffer. That's the reality of this world."

This was a kid's mentality, but Arlon was sure that it would work. Normally, no matter what Arlon said, it wouldn't change anything.

Those who accepted this situation would be killing others. Even though it was non-sentient Keldars for now, it would be the sentient ones in the future.

So, Arlon's reason for this speech was to let Maria learn how to create excuses for what she did. This way, she would also find other excuses for her future actions by herself.

"So, what do you think? Can you keep going?" Arlon asked

---

The morning after their first meeting with Zephyrion…

The players logged in once again. To Arlon's mild surprise, everyone was present.

Though they stood together outside the inn like the previous day, Arlon still couldn't tell if they had decided to continue or not.

Maria was there too, looking much better than when they last spoke. After their long conversation, she had thanked him and resolved to keep going.

While it wasn't a complete change of heart, as she still hesitated at the thought of killing, Arlon could see their discussion had positively influenced her perspective.

Carmen was also in a better condition. Though no one saw her since she didn't log back in like Maria, she was like a train wreck at home.

The group exchanged greetings, albeit awkwardly.

Today, they were scheduled for a brief meeting with Zephyrion to share their decisions.

Since this meeting was for the players, Arlon the guide didn't join them. But because of an agreement between Arlon and Zephyrion, Arlon the guide would also receive training.

Obviously, the reason for this agreement was so that Arlon could train more when no one was around instead of pretending to log out.

This time, Lady Rael and Nora weren't with them. A carriage had been sent to escort the players directly to the Citadel, so they got in.

Inside the carriage, silence reigned. Though everyone was curious about the others' decisions, no one wanted to ask.

The answer might influence their own thoughts, and they were all still processing their emotions.

Breaking the silence, June spoke up. Her tone was curious rather than confrontational:

"Mr. Arlon, how did you know this world wasn't a game?"

June's interest stemmed from her background as a budding game developer. She had joined the game not just for entertainment but also to hone her skills and gain inspiration.

She wanted to understand how Arlon, who wasn't even in her field, had figured out the truth before she had.

Arlon looked at her, considering his response. "Hmm? I just did," he said, deliberately vague.@@novelbin@@

The answer was frustratingly insufficient, but he didn't have a better one to offer without revealing more than he was ready to.

"Also," he added, steering the conversation in another direction, "since we'll be spending a lot of time together, just call me Arlon."

Arlon didn't particularly care how they addressed him, but he used the opportunity to shift their focus.

By saying "We'll be staying together," he subtly nudged them toward thinking about their collective, uncertain future instead of pressing him for details.

The silence returned almost immediately, proving his tactic had worked.

---

They stepped onto the circular platform in the Citadel alongside Nora after arriving.

As the platform ascended, they saw administrators bustling about on every floor they passed, their movements a testament to the relentless pace of Kelta's governance.

Eventually, they reached the wide, open room at the top and found themselves in Zephyrion's presence once more.

The tiger Beastman was seated at his desk, still wearing his glasses as he focused on a pile of paperwork.

It was clear from the slight droop of his shoulders that he hadn't had much sleep. The lengthy discussion with Arlon the previous day had consumed much of his time, and the revelations shared during that meeting would likely cost him several more sleepless nights.

Lady Rael was also present, sipping tea with a serene expression as if showing off to Zephyrion that she had free time.

The group approached hesitantly, but Maria stepped forward, addressing Lady Rael first.

"Lady Rael, about yesterday-"

"It is okay!" Lady Rael interrupted hurriedly, her voice firm.

"But I-"

"I said it is okay, you don't have to worry about it."

It was obvious that Maria intended to apologize for prying into Lady Rael's personal life, but Lady Rael was determined to dismiss the matter.

It felt like she didn't want anyone else to hear what happened the day before.

Zephyrion observed their exchange with mild curiosity but refrained from asking questions.

Once everyone was seated in the arranged chairs, Zephyrion spoke, his tone steady and commanding.

"Everyone is here," he began, his eyes sweeping over the group. "Have you decided what you will do? Before you answer, I must remind you: the training will be grueling, time-consuming, and expensive. Accepting it half-heartedly will cost Trion more than simply declining the offer."

The implication was clear: they needed to be fully committed to the cause, or their involvement would do more harm than good.

The Gamers exchanged uneasy glances. Their initial plan to join the training and decide later suddenly seemed selfish and impractical.

It was clear now that each of them had to make their own choice.

"I will stay for the training," Maria declared, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, though traces of hesitation lingered.

With Arlon's help, she had resolved to continue, even if her confidence wasn't yet fully restored.

Evan followed shortly after. "I'll also join. But on Carmen's behalf, I'd like to ask that she be allowed to decline without consequence."

Carmen blinked in surprise at Evan's words, her expression a mix of confusion and frustration.

"Why would you say that?" she asked, turning to him.

Evan met her gaze. "Because I know you. I don't want you to get hurt by this. This world is not like Earth. If you accept, you'll have to face the reality of killing here—possibly even sentient beings in the future."

Arlon silently noted Evan's reasoning, giving him an internal nod of approval. At least he understands the gravity of the situation.

But Carmen wasn't convinced. "Then why are you staying? Are you from another world where killing is normal?"

"No, but—"

"I will be staying," Carmen said. "If you stay, I will also stay."

Evan frowned. "What does that have to do with me?"

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Carmen didn't answer him. Instead, she turned to Zephyrion and repeated her decision more firmly. "I will accept the training."

Zephyrion observed her unwavering expression and nodded. "That makes three."

Arlon, realizing he hadn't spoken yet, quickly added, "I'll stay as well." Naturally, there was no question of him declining.

Pierre and Lei exchanged a glance, silently communicating their shared decision. "We will also accept," they said in unison.

Now, only June, Carole, and Zack remained undecided.

June sat quietly, deep in thought. She had originally joined the game to hone her skills as a developer, but now that the truth had been revealed, her initial motivations no longer applied.

She didn't enjoy killing and had no desire to continue, especially with her career goals in mind. But the idea of abandoning the group—and the people of Trion—didn't sit well with her either.

"I'll stay for the training," June finally said, her voice measured. "Thank you for the opportunity to help."

Next, all eyes turned to Carole, who glanced briefly at Zack. Seeing him avoid her gaze, she made her decision.

"I will stay!" she announced, her voice more confident than anyone had expected.

Now, only Zack was left. He didn't appear nervous, but there was a distinct weight to his silence.

Everyone waited for his answer. But no one knew that his answer was ready.

He had a different issue.