Chapter 10: The Danger that lurks

Aaron gave her an unimpressed look without responding. And slowly, her dry lips twisted into a coy, knowing smile.

’’You’re that fat guy with a very deep voice? The one that Ren claimed always tells him what to do in a game but never plays because of laziness?’’

Aaron blinked, not liking where the conversation was heading.

’’Uhhh... Yeah, I am the guy.’’

Velma roared in laughter.

’Now she knows how to laugh.’

’’How... How... How are you not a fat guy in this world?’’ She forced herself to say in between laughs.

Aaron shrugged.

’’I don’t know, genetics maybe?’’

’’That’s a lie,’’ Velma blurted.

Not making any attempt to conceal the mockery on her face, Velma said teasingly,

’’Just say you worked so hard to avoid being a fatso again!’’

Aaron frowned.

’That does it!’

’’Why are you so chummy now? You were so distant, cool, and depressed a few minutes ago. I was even scared to approach you!’’

Still sitting, Velma languidly stretched her legs on the bed and eyed Aaron with a playful smile.

’’I was always chummy. I’ve just been so alone in this world that I lost myself.’’

She paused, then her smile softened.

’’Seeing you here is actually a big relief.’’

Aaron’s expression softened at her words. It was true. Back on Earth, she was not just the greatest gamer to ever hold a pad but also one of the most playful and friendly celebrities. She was actually adored by all. She had real talent, was beautiful, humble, and jovial around every person she met. And she was just nineteen!

’She really did accomplish a lot at a young age,’ Aaron admitted thoughtfully to himself.

With a loud sigh, he sat back on the bed.

’’Well... You would have to thank Ren for that. The rich bastard forked out 99 billion dollars and bought the secret level. He claimed he did it to experience the hidden level, but it was all a front. I knew the real reason was to find you.’’

Velma’s eyes widened in surprise.

’’That’s... a very dangerous gamble. Didn’t you guys complete the game?’’

Aaron shook his head.

’’No, we didn’t. Even if we did, I doubt we’d gain access to the level. The government banned and confiscated the hidden level immediately after your disappearance. He had to buy it from the black market.’’

Velma thoughtfully stroked her chin.

’’It’s because they wanted only competent people to gain access to the level.’’

Aaron frowned in confusion.

’’What do you mean?’’

Velma sighed.

’’I don’t know why, but I think the government and powerful families from Earth were very interested in the hidden level.’’

She frowned thoughtfully, then added as if recalling something:

’’Even I had oppositions when I wanted to play it. They claimed it was reserved for a very special unit in the Army.’’

Aaron’s frown deepened.

’’The Army? What business does the army have with a game?’’

Velma sighed once again.

’’That I do not know. But considering what I’ve experienced so far in this world, I think they might have been right. This world requires more than just gaming knowledge.’’

She made a slight pause and turned to Aaron.

’’Do you know why I almost attacked you when you mentioned Zagadat sorcery?’’

Aaron slowly shook his head.

And Velma continued:

’’Like I said earlier, the game only permits seven reincarnates. I was the fourth.’’

She gave Aaron a mischievous smile.

’’And you and your friends stole the remaining three treasured spots from the government. You might not know this, but Earth is already your number 1 enemy.’’

Aaron paled.

’’What! We just... How! ...And... And why are you smiling like it’s something good?’’

Still maintaining her smile, Velma shrugged.

’’It is the shock on your face. It’s fun to look at.’’

Then she sat up.

’’Anyway, on getting to this world, I was born to a local lord of a small town.’’

Aaron smiled.

’’Then unlike me, you were lucky. I was born to a family of generational sword warriors. Not royalty.’’

Velma gave him a wistful smile.

’’You’re wrong. You’re far luckier than I was.’’

Her expression suddenly darkened.

’’When I was three, we attended a Royal banquet. One filled with royalties and important personalities from all over the world. In that banquet, a 13-year-old boy approached me and told me I must be the fourth reincarnate. He introduced himself as the third reincarnate and warned me to flee from my family. He said my presence was only going to endanger them.’’

She chuckled bitterly.

’’But I ignored his warnings. I was happy with my family, and I had nowhere to go. However, months later, his warnings came to pass before my very own eyes.’’

Aaron leaned forward and asked with a gentle tone,

’’What happened?’’

Staring into the distance, Velma shuddered.

She remained quiet for a long moment before she continued with a hesitant tone:

’’A... A man in his early twenties infiltrated our estate and asked for the fourth. He had an imposing presence that forced me to hide myself. He broke into our home, demanded my presence, and threatened my entire family. They tried to find me, but they couldn’t because the versatility of my nature helped me hide myself. Probably feeling frustrated, the man began killing every member of my family one after the other, and demanded that I come out with each kill.’’

Velma paused, trying to stop her voice from getting shaky, and Aaron gently held her hands without saying a word.

She spared him a glance, nodded slightly, and continued:

’’I knew I was selfish. But my instincts screamed instant death if this man saw me. So, I refused to reveal myself and watched through the gore from my hiding place. After killing the last person, the man loudly declared that if he wasn’t going to get me now, then he was going to make sure no one does till we crossed paths again. He said he was the first reincarnate, and he’s obligated to kill every reincarnate that comes after him. He also said only reincarnates are capable of wielding a nature without an awakening ceremony. So, if any other reincarnate senses a youngling like me carrying a nature, they’d immediately know I’m a reincarnate and possibly try to kill me. He said I should go into seclusion and only come out when I’m strong enough to defend myself. Then, he’ll come for me again.’’

She gently closed her eyes, took in a deep breath, and held Aaron’s gaze.

’’That’s why I said the absence of your nature might be more of a blessing than a curse. And your friends... if both your friends have their natures from birth, then it’d be a miracle if they are still alive.’’