Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.

() – thought

"" – speaking

** - call

Three days has passed since the trio took the mission of rescuing a girl named Nina, who'd been stranded in Susukino.

Griffons come with usage restrictions. They can only ride them for four hours a day. Regardless they made great progress. Using the horse by morning to noon then using the griffons before nightfall. They have reached the Tear Stone Mountains in three days' time that would take two weeks by using the horse alone.

However they can't use the griffons to fly over the Tear Stone Mountains for on that mountain is a nest for iron tail wyverns when they arrived. Wyverns are a type of demi-dragons it is similar to dragons without forelegs. It is considered the scrub of dragons.

They cannot use magic, but their tails are as strong as steel and their razor like wings make them as fast as griffons. But the most troublesome part is the numbers.

Lelouch's party is top class player and can take on a single wyvern on the ground easily. Key word single and ground, in the nest of wyverns that hold hundreds of them they be overwhelmed if a group of wyverns attack them in the sky.

The only way to reach Ezzo, where Susukno is located, is to go over these mountains, then cross the Raipooto channel.

Seeing that, Lelouch decide to lead the team through underground the Depths of Palm. A complex maze of ancient tunnels and mine shafts, that can lead to the north side of the mountains made from ancient sewage systems. Once they are out of the tunnel. They plan to take to the skies with the griffins again and cross the Raipooto channel finally reach Suskino.

"This is good, the layout of the dungeon hasn't changed from the game."
Lelouch look around comparing the map in his hand and the dungeon they are in.

"We still have to be careful, using the map on a monitor contrast using the map on an open field."
Chiba stays in guard survey the tunnel when suddenly the part of the stone stairs that Chiba steps on cracked.

"Agree it's so ancient that it's falling apart. It wasn't part of this game which means we have to realize this world is no longer a mere game."
Lelouch's party becomes more cautious of their surroundings.

"Master!"
Sayako spot the presence that hiding in the dark far off corner.

Rat-Man

They are demi-humans with their appearance cross human and rat about the size of a three feet with level around 40 weaker than goblins or beast men. Rat-men are no threat at all for high level players like Lelouch's party.

But the ratmen has 2 troubling weapons, their numbers and plague.

"They aren't attacking."
Sayako stays on guard notice the pack rat-man aren't moving.

"They instinctively know the differential between our levels so we should be fine. We can avoid them in wide spaces."
Lelouch explain as the trio widely moves far apart from the pack of rat-man.

"But when cornered, they're dangerous. If we chase them anywhere narrow, or somewhere without an escape…"

"Master"
Sayako halt Lelouch and Chiba then point where she notices the presence of rat-men at the top of the tunnel.

"If we do…"
Sayako ask.

"They'll probably attack."

"Should we charge through?"
Chiba asks.

Lelouch give some moment thought then shook his head.
"I'd like to avoid wasting time fighting. And we don't want the plague debuff. There should be another route that is wider tunnel that my memory serves."

With that the team follows Lelouch lead.

"The area is clear… We can rest here."
Chiba finishes checking the area.

The trio stopped right below one of the fountain that pouring down tons of water through the drain.

Chiba sits near the entrance, hugging her sword while guarding the entrance. Sayako scout ahead for the layout of the floor and monsters location, while Lelouch cross reference the map and plans.
"Master, I finish scouting the floor ahead.

"Good work, come here and describe me the floor. I want to cross-reference my map."
Sayako begin reporting the layout of the floor as Lelouch taking note any change he need to make on the map.

Lelouch draws new deviating paths on his map as he listens to Sayako.

After confirming this, Lelouch uses the menu in his mind to call Milly telepathically. Usually at noon Lelouch make daily report of their progress in their journey while Milly give her report about Nina and Susukino.

"E-Eh? The Depths of Palm? You've managed to get that far in three days?"
Milly shocked after Lelouch tells her that they is located at Depths of Palm. Understandable since if Milly group took the journey it would have taking them at least of month to reach not knowing that Lelouch group are using the griffin to travel.

Then, Lelouch ask how was the situation Nina faced. With some good news Milly had be contact by via telepathy that Nina is hiding with a nice guy.

Which Milly and Lelouch was gratefully and relief while Susukino as sinking low becoming a lawless town there some good people left in Susukino.

*I see. That's good to hear.*

*Yeah*

*Lelouch, thank you… I mean it. Be careful.*

*Yeah, I'll talk you later.*

With that Lelouch and Milly ends the call.

Lelouch join his team to eat their depressing meal that look delicious but has no taste. Although no one is complaining they are all gloomy with salty mush, breakfast with sugary mush and dinner with fruit that only have taste while the rest has no taste. All missing the taste of cook meal or fast food.
That none of the food from Elder Tale has any taste. Even though they ask food from player who subclass is Cook they just can't make it has any taste. However, player can put ingredient such as salt and sugar into food to make it taste better but not much better.

"Someone is there!"
Out of the blue, Chiba shouts and brought her guard up. Before Lelouch could ask and prepare a spell suddenly someone in an old cape run pass Chiba and Sayako while stealing the food on the floor then escape on the upper ledge stairs. Lelouch give chase without thinking, normal he would think this through before chasing but he caught the stealer face with pink hair and recognizes her.

"Wait!"
Chiba and Sayako follow Lelouch as they continue their pursuit. Lelouch notice the cracking stair as the theft making as she run, Lelouch heard more cracking sound.

"Chiba! Sayako! Stop!"
Lelouch give the order of danger and halt their run.

"Hey stop running the area is unstable…!"
The theft didn't listen and it was too late to stop as the wall beside the stair break and tons of water bursting through and drag the thief with it.

"What the heck!"

"Water!?"

Lelouch watch the thief fall of the stair and jump to catch her then put his body on the bottom to protect her from plummet into the lake below.

"Master! Master! Master!"
"Lelouch!"
Chiba and Sayako shout as they watch Lelouch fall with the thief. Chiba almost jumps only to be stopped by Sayako.

Lelouch was struggling to survive in the water while holding the thief for her protection.

(I'm going to die… No… If I die here, I'll end up back in Akihbara.)
As his mind start losing conscious as the fading voice of Chiba and Sayako calling his name, he mind drift recalls his time when he begin.

Leo Shirogane, it was his name in the original world. Before that he has another name, Lelouch vi Britannia, The Demon Emperor of Holy Britannia Empire the name his gotten from a different world.

Lelouch did not know what exactly happened after Suzaku killed him but when he awakened, he found himself as a baby and later discover he from a different parent and world.

His hair and eyes might be had the same color but his face changed in more Japanese feature.

He has no answer why or how, he got some suspicion but no proof he can confirm. He begrudgingly accepted this as his second chance. However, he wondered if he deserved it or not, after all things he had done.

Still it was a new experience for him to have a loving family, a kind mother and a good father unlike his former parents. He had a chance to felt something he never had felt before. It was a good time and perhaps the happiest time for him.

But even he was happy with his family and even having good acquaintance. He can't really connect to them and time his life filled with utter boredom. That's when he started getting into Elder Tale a gift he gotten from his parent. And then…

Lelouch become pretty famous adventure, he was recognized as an experienced, knowledgeable veteran. Adventures come asking him about items, bosses, dungeon, and so on.

Adventure01: Lelouch, right? I've heard about you…They say you're an amazing enchanter.
Adventure02: Thanks, man! I did what you said, and I got the item!
Adventure03: I followed the route you told me about and got rare item!
Adventure04: Thank you, Lelouch!

At the beginning Lelouch felt good helping them but…

Adventure05: Hey, how do I get the Typhoon Ring?
Adventure06: Do that new quest in Mogami with me!
Adventure07: Tell me, Lelouch!
Adventure08: Can you take me there?
Adventure09: Please!
Adventure10: Me, too!
Adventure11: Come on, Lelouch.

…later when they keep requesting more and more who simply want to use him… it become annoyed.
He was planning to quit Elder Tale until he meet a girl in green hair name CC or more like being drag by her and group together.

"The best part of adventuring is experiencing new things!"
That voice he recognize in his past life and yet different, full of vibrate life and childes wonder. He wasn't sure it was the same witch CC or different person.

He remembered watching the sunrise with the Debauchy Pizza Party's member, laughing and chatting around on that note CC was the one who name the party.
"What are you spacing out for? Lost in thought again… Lelouch?"
CC asks with a sense of mischief.

"Lelouch?"
A tall blonde also ask.

"What's wrong, Tactician?"
Chiba also asks as the other member of the Debauchy Pizza Party become to wonder.

People he meet and friend of his past life, Lelouch speculate, they are the people who were reborn into this world but have no memory of their past life but that just fine for Lelouch. It's a good way to restart fresh and beside since become a member of Debauchy Pizza Party, it was the time Lelouch truly has fun and feeling of being belong even though they disband, he and the other member doesn't has regret as they enjoy being an adventure to the fullest.

"Master!"

Lelouch open his eyes as he regain consciousness and see Sayako's face close to his showing her face a sense worried while Chiba polishing her sword.

"Are you awake?"

"Are you all right, Master?"

"Yeah… Where am I?"

"After you jump, Sayako jumped in and save you."
Chiba explains.

"And then Chiba jumped in and takes all three of us to shore."
Sayako finish explaining the rest.

"I see. Thanks, Chiba… Sayako."

Lelouch thanks the both of them, Lelouch felt a tug on his shirt when he turn he saw a little girl in pink hair.
"Thank you"

The girl says in an emotionless tone.

"You're the thief, may I ask your name."

Even though Lelouch suspect who the girl name is.
"Anya"

As Lelouch suspect another person he knows in his past life. She was a member of the knight of round in Brittiannia the knight of six which doesn't exist in either the Elder Tale or the old world. Like the others from his past life, Anya has no memories of being Brittiannia knight.

Anya appearance just the same with little Asian features, likely being half Japanese. Her personality seem the same having a few expressions, lacking in common sense, and unmotivated.

In this world, Anya introduces herself as a solo player guardian level 60 as she continues eating and talking between bites. She was part of a party where in the middle of the Depths of Palm until they were suck into Elder Tale the Apocalypse day.

Anya's party was confused and scare trying to survive the Depths of Palm as a reality instead of a game. She was the last survivor as few days now and just ran out of foods and potions just yesterday.

Since Anya didn't make any friend list she didn't know the respawn in the cathedral.

Although Anya's expression in her face and voice have any lack of emotion let alone being scare in her situation Lelouch notice her hands was shaking.

When Anya mention the last place she visited the city is Susukino, the sole mage party frowned this new situation that had put a kink to the mission.

They can take Anya out of the dungeon but leaving her in the lawless town of Susukino would be just as bad being in the dungeon. The party still needs to save Nina.

Staring at the player after she has finish speaking, Lelouch decide to privately speak his team of what to do with Anya.

"Anya finish eating and gather your strength, we will take you out of the dungeon. Chiba… Sayako… I need a moment of your time."
Chiba and Sayako gather with Lelouch to discuss Anya fate, they quickly made their decision.
Looking at the pink hair girl the mage stepped forward and asked.

"Anya, do you want to join our party, we are on a task for a friend."
Normal Lelouch would make a better speech than that but knowing Anya a more direct and simply approach would work better for her.

The little guardian gives a blank stare but she nodded.

"Sure"
That moment Anya close one eye while her hands direct on Lelouch and use her fingers to make a square shape like she is taking a camera on her open eye.

Lelouch simply smile at her antic.

"I'm Lelouch."
The mage introduced himself he slightly bows.

"Chiba"
The she tank said.

"Sayako"
Female Assassin said.

Anya nodded.

"Good, once we properly rested we can continue to move."
Chiba returns polishing her sword.

"Agree…"
After all is said and done, Lelouch notice something odd about his body.

"It's weird, though. I fell into the water from that height, but I'm barely hurt, and I'm not even cold."
Lelouch examine his body for explanation.

"It not that surprising, you forgot even you're mage your body level 90 physical stronger than your normal one. I train my body like my normal body doing jog, push up, sit-up… I'm hardly tired at all."

(She right, after walking in the dungeon for hours I don't feel tired at all.)
Lelouch accept Chiba answer in his thought.

After a good rest the party continues their journey with addition new member to the party.

They use the main route the tunnel that can fit two eight-wheel trucks, but thanks to Sayako's invaluable scouting reports they avoid nest of the ratmen by taking some detour.

"Tactician, what is our position?"
Chiba asks.

"We ended up taking the long way, but we're nearly out."

"You really are good at cartography, Master."
Sayako said having seen Lelouch's map and skill had impressed her.

"My sub skill is a scribe level 90, after all. And back in the real world, I did CAD work."
Lelouch put away his map and they continue walking through the tunnels.

"CAD? What's CAD?"
Sayako question that word.

"Designs you make on a computer. I do it at my university. I'm an engineering student."

"So you are a college student my lord?"

"Technically I'm a graduate student. I have more than enough school credit to graduate… Well, I was."

"I see."

Lelouch nods in reply. His memories of the real world and his past life seem so distant and unreal now.

Until he felt his cape being tug, Lelouch turn his head to see Anya expressionless face only her eyes show sense of fear.

"Don't go…"
She whispers.

"Anya what wrong?"
(She frighten… I forgotten she isn't a knight of round in her past life, just a normal kid in this life… Kid, huh?)

Mentioning about kid made Lelouch recalls the twins he knew recently as his mind drift off.
(It looked like they were joining a guild. I wonder if they're okay. When I'm back in Akihabara, maybe I'll find them and…)

On that day, Lelouch was like a teacher in Elder Tales with the twins up till the moment the Apocalypse hits. Neither of them made any contact since then.

In leisure time Lelouch check his friend list and found out the twin has join some guild, but still he has a nagging suspicion about their current status.

Sayako regarded her young liege carefully move smoothly behind him and began to massage his shoulders.

Lelouch sighed and relaxed as her skilled hands worked the knots out of his muscles. So engrossed in his thought, he barely realize what Sayako was doing.

Uncomfortable, he turned his head to look at her.
"What are you doing?"

"You're so tense and you have a lot of your mind, you must take better care of yourself."
She scolded lightly.

"Sayako, it's nothing really."

"That isn't true. Whenever you're thinking, you furrow your brow. It makes you look like an old man villain face.

"True"

He wants to objects Sayako reason, but she has completely seen through Lelouch. Being seen through is embarrassing enough, but even Anya with her dull tone agrees with Sayako, which makes Lelouch worse.

He wonders if Sayako is that observing or it her past life had in hand to it.

Then Chiba trying to hold her laughing but couldn't just sink Lelouch even lower.

"What are you laughing at Chiba?"

"Well… You heard her! Because... Wahahah!"

Trying to put some dignity from this bickering, Lelouch simply change the topic.
"Anyway Anya what do you mean by don't go."

"Rat-Maso"

"There it is, just like Anya called it."
Chiba is hiding in the corner using her sword reflection to see the area boss on the ceiling blocking the stair. Without entering the switched zones Chiba was safe from Rat-Masu.

Chiba sneaks back and turns to her party.

"It's pretty big rat and it's blocking the entrance to the stairs. It's not moving and it Level 68."
Just like Anya describes it, Rat-Maso was the monster that kills Anya's party living her sole survivor in the dungeon.

"It's likely Rat-Maso it the new addition to the Novasphere Pioneers. If this were a game, it wouldn't be a very hard opponent however given our current state we'd have to take it on for real. Even so, we have no choice."

Lelouch eyes become harden.
"Let's eliminate it."

Chiba and Sayako nodded as they prepared to fight.

"Anya you stay behind we will handle this."

Chiba move forward at the front against Rat-Masu can call out Anchor Howl.

The monster enrages by Chiba's taunt scream and furiously strikes at Chiba's shield as hold her position as a tank.

Stealth Blade!
Sayako thanks to Chiba distraction giant rat manage put damage.

Cross Slash!
Chiba take advantage by Sayako attack also slashes the monster.

Rat-Masu become more enrages focusing at striking one after another on Chiba.

(Through the monitor I can't apprehend size, breath, or smell.)
Chiba thought taking the monster attack.

Electrical Fuzz!

Rat-Masu drop down as it felt the electrical attack but confuse that didn't feel any damage only for Lelouch to make his next move.

Thorn Bind Hostage!
(No matter how used to it you are fighting in real life is different.)
Lelouch thought after trapping Rat-Masu.

Rat-Masu can tell the spell belong to the mage and prepared to focus on him.

"Over here!"
Only to be distracted by Chiba as she slash two thorn causing great deal of damage making giant rat focus on her. Using it large hand slam on her as Chiba use her shield to prevent become paste.

"It defense is strong but… Sayako! Three left!"

"…On it!"
Sayako is high in the air dropping down right where Rat-Masu is.

"I'll make sure you don't miss."
Mind Shock!
(First you add confusion debuff that lower dodge and agility. Then amplify the attack power of your allies' weapons. )
Keen Edge!

As Sayako's blade is glow with power.
"Thank you, Master!" (Now it'll only take one more hit.)
Assassinate…

The battle was over.

The first light of dawn bathes ridge of the mountains in purple light as they came out of the tunnel.
Lelouch's groups were stunned seeing the night sky fade as the summer sun slowly rises over the channel.

"The wind is cold."
Chiba move closer to the ledge giving a better view of the ocean as she speaks.

"But is a wonderful feeling after being inside the dungeon."
Sayako said as she is taking the fresh air.

Lelouch and Anya follow them outside the dungeon entrance.

The spectacular view of the sunset over the channel was overwhelming.

"Beautiful."

"Amazing."

"Picture Perfect."

Lelouch's companion explains everything with these simple words as they gaze before them while Anya hands gesture like she holding a camera.

(The best part of adventuring is experiencing new things!)

Lelouch remembers CC words as he sees the shadowing image of the former Debauchy Pizza Party.
"…New things… Huh? This place truly is different from our original world."

Lelouch move in front of his companion and turn his back to the rising sun to address them.
"When Elder Tale was a game, lots of players passed by here at dawn. But…We're the first ones here. We're the first adventurers in the world to see such a sight."

Lelouch says to his friends with this emotion in his heart.
"We're the first adventurers in this world to see this."

Chiba and Sayako looks at Lelouch with wonder for an instant. They then nod with understanding the next moment.

"That's right. I've never seen anything so amazing, even in Elder Tales."

"It's our first prize for victory."

The 2 of them cherish the scene in front of them with longing eyes before acknowledging Lelouch.

"Victory… Master"

"Huh?"
Lelouch caught attention by Anya using victory sign.

"Anya what did you just say?"

"Victory"

"No after that."

"Master "

"Why are you calling me that?"

"Ninja call you master."

"Sayako is a special case"

Anya turns to Sayako to ask
"Why do you call Lelouch master?"

"It's because he save me in a dire situation."

Anya then turns to Lelouch.
"Then you are my master because you save me."

"It not likes that!"

"…Why not?"

"Because… because I… I…"

Anya didn't do intentional but her eyes seem to break Lelouch defends.

Chiba and Sayako seeing Lelouch being awkward couldn't help but laugh.

Lelouch seeing Chiba and Sayako laughing after his theatrics performing loss by Anya, he simply give up and laugh as well while Anya just being confuse.

"Let's go to Susukino."
(That's right, I need to confirm with my own eyes... what is becoming of the word we are in now.)

To be continued

Author notes

About seven more chapter to go until the table of round is form and I will be done.

be notice the next chapter release about four months later.