After everyone left and the store was clear, the employees quickly went to work ringing everything up. It was not an easy task since the store had just received its inventory for the week. While I know that I was basically cutting off anyone else from being able to get any of these items, that was their problem and not mind. It was better than having to search destroyed homes later on, looking for resources.

I have no idea what day it will happen. It could be this week, this month, or even next year that the first monster wave will hit. What I do know is that 90% of the people here who were not players have little to no chance of surviving. Even many players will probably die in the time to come. Only those who have worked hard and leveled up will be able to step onto the new stage.

Of course, this will be an eye-opener to many, and those who do survive will begin working even harder to level up. But my main concern now is that leveling up is now possible in the real world. I do not know what this will do or what it means for this world, but I do know one thing… I will make use of every opportunity that I can to survive.

My dreams… I am not sure how I should put this, but they are probably not dreams. More like a window into a different time? While I can say almost everything is the same, there are many differences. The temple… The quest I received about the two worlds connection. Some how Earth and the game world are related or connected in one way or another that goes deeper than just some game.

Then there is Silvie and Hilde, who seem to be hiding something from me and their pure and utter devotion to me. It makes no sense. Those two have their own unique personalities, but from the very start, they acted strange. And now, knowing they are hiding something from me, it makes me wonder. Especially their early hostility against Angel.

There are many questions, yet no answers. Time is slim, yet I have no way of gaining any ground. All I can do now is concentrate on surviving. The last thing I want is a building crushing me to death once again.

“Zoe?” Angel’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her curiously looking at me. Her bob-cut pink hair that went to her shoulders swayed ever so slightly. Her cute little face with slightly blushed cheeks made me want to reach out and pinch it.

I leaned my head against hers and slipped my hand around her waist. With her short stature, it made it easy for me to do this, which I actually enjoyed. “Angel, whatever the future holds for us, we must work hard. We must continue our climb. Level up as much as possible and never look back. Our destiny is in our hands.”

“Mmm…” Angel hugged my waist as she hummed in answer. It was a rare peaceful moment.

Sadly, such moments never last long.

[Quest Updated]
[Hidden Mythic Quest: ‘Worldly Connections’ Started]
[Conditions Updated…]
[You have discovered a connection between the two worlds. To enter the gates, you must overcome the first trial. The trial will start in: 3:06:15:12 ]
[First Trial: Survival (Earth)]

My body stiffened. I looked at the notice in front of me and looked at the countdown timer. Then, at the First Trial note. “Survival… Earth…”

“Zoe?” Angel probably sensed something wrong. I leaned down and whispered: “We have 3 days. After this place, we will no longer abide by the law. We will just stuff everything in our inventories.”

Angel did not answer only nodding her head. Her body shook slightly as I hugged it close. In my mind, I called out to Hilde. “Hilde, I am sure you heard what I said just now.”

“Yes, Master, I will be sure to take down anyone who dares to stop us. When we get back, I will set up a barrier around the block.” Hilde understood my intention without me needing to say anything.

“Try not to kill anyone if you can.” I still wanted to avoid needless death.

“Understood,” Hilde replied. I let out a soft breath before whispering to Angel, “Call your father and tell him to get things moving quicker. Our time limit is three days, no more than that.”

“I will do it now.” Angel took a deep breath and took out her phone. I could tell she was anxious and worried. But this was only the beginning.

I am not surprised that my quest updated in the real world. After gaining experience points, it seems only natural. But my main worry is what is actually to come. Will it be a monster wave or something far worse? The way monsters are appearing is already strange. It worries me, but at the same time, I am hoping for it to come and be over with quickly.

It seems my time is much shorter than I had expected. “Hilde, we will be very busy the next few days.”

“Don’t worry, Master. Silvie and I will assist you as best as we can.”