MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 319: The Lost Forest

Lost Forest was a captivating maze of nature, a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seem to blur.

The forest’s sheer expanse was both awe-inspiring and mysterious, with towering trees reaching skyward, their canopies intertwining to create a verdant ceiling that filters sunlight into a soft, dappled glow.

The trees themselves, a majestic array of ancient giants, were a mix of towering pines, graceful oaks, and resilient maples.

Their trunks, weathered by time and adorned with mossy veils, stood like sentinels that had witnessed centuries pass.

Thick underbrush, a labyrinth of ferns and wildflowers, carpeted the forest floor, adding layers of texture and color to the landscape.

As sunlight filtered through the foliage above, it illuminated the air with a gentle luminescence, creating a play of shadows that dance across the ground.

Shafts of golden light pierce through the leaves, casting enchanting patterns on the moss-covered rocks and fallen branches that lie scattered beneath the canopy.

The air in Lost Forest carried a fragrance of earth, pine, and the subtle sweetness of blooming wildflowers. It was a symphony of natural scents that filled the senses, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity.

Birdsong provided a melodic backdrop, with the calls of hidden creatures echoing through the trees, adding to the ambiance.

Occasionally, a babbling brook weaves its way through the heart of the forest, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the lush greenery that surrounds it.

The gentle murmur of the stream harmonizes with the rustle of leaves, creating a soothing melody that resonates through the entire woodland.

Lost Forest was a haven for biodiversity, with a myriad of flora and fauna coexisting in a delicate balance. Vibrant butterflies flutter amidst the blossoms, and squirrels scamper playfully along the branches.

The occasional glimpse of elusive beasts or the haunting call of flying creatures added an element of wild enchantment to this sylvan sanctuary.

With its timeless beauty and tranquil allure, Lost Forest was a realm where one could lose themselves in the embrace of nature, experiencing both terror and awe.

It stood unconquered, and a captivating wonders that the natural world could unfold, inviting those who venture into its depths to explore, and discover the hidden mysteries within.

Positioned just beyond the outskirts of the dense forest, Xin patiently surveyed the surroundings, his keen eyes taking note of the multitude of players milling about.

The virtual realm of Guildbane was buzzing with activity, and amidst the sea of avatars, familiar names began to emerge.

Among them, Tristan and Tiffany, members of Doom Serenity guild, caught his attention.

They’re also here? Xin thought to himself.

As his gaze wandered further, he spotted Meilyn with his avatar named Dark Rose, alongside her boyfriend, Alexander Craig, famously known as Blaze Hunter.

Xin deduced their possible motive for being here –– the coveted Golden Tail Kistune, a rare and sought-after pet that would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to Blaze Hunter’s pets.

"Dragons Fury . . . ," Xin muttered under his breath, recalling the name of their guild.

It held an esteemed position in the top one hundred, a remarkable feat given the vast number of guilds that populated the expansive realm of Guildbane.

A slight adjustment of Xin’s cloak, now adorned in a vibrant shade of blue with intricate silver embellishments, went unnoticed by the bustling crowd.

It was a deliberate modification from the cloak he had worn during the Castle of Doom, a shrewd attempt at ensuring he remained incognito.

Confidence emanated from him as he believed the changes rendered him unrecognizable.

Meilyn’s gaze inadvertently shifted in Xin’s direction, but he remained assured that his altered appearance and changed username had effectively cloaked him in anonymity.

Right now, Xin didn’t felt anything under Meilyn’s gaze. Though a lingering twinge of dissatisfaction still resided in his heart, it was fueled not by resentment but by the disappointment in the wasted years of friendship.

Now, standing in the midst of players and former friends, Xin harbored no desire to rekindle those connections.

The only aspiration that fueled him was the determination to forge ahead, leaving behind the shadows of the past as he ventured into the uncharted territories of Guildbane.

"Hey, Xi–I mean Lord . . ." Victor hurried over to where Xin stood, coming to an abrupt stop as he caught sight of the unfamiliar name floating above Xin’s avatar. "Scrooge?"

Xin offered a casual nod, incase Victor didn’t recognize him because of his different name.

Victor leaned in, whispering into Xin’s ears with a mix of disbelief and amusement, "Are you really Xin?"

Xin nodded once more, confirming his true identity amidst his avatar’s name transformation.

Victor found himself caught between laughter and incredulity. "When you told me that you changed your name to Lord Scrooge, I thought it was some kind of joke. Now, I see you’re dead serious."

The only reason Victor had any inkling of Xin’s identity amidst his hidden appearance and the sea of players was the advanced tip Xin had shared –– the cloak he would be donning.

Victor redirected his attention to the dwarf standing beside Xin. "You’re Hilda, right?"

Hilda extended her hand, her eyes gleaming through the visor of her helmet. "Nice to meet you, friend of Lord Scrooge."

Despite being addressed merely as Xin’s friend, a term that seemed to downplay his identity, Victor found amusement rather than offense in the situation.

Hilda was clad in imposing armor, her face obscured by the heavy overalls, leaving only her eyes visible.

"If you don’t mind me asking, what level are you?" Victor inquired, trying to break the ice with Hilda.

Hilda’s response was curt yet confident, "Don’t ask. I’m stronger than you."

Victor glanced at Xin, who, in turn, reassured him, "Don’t mind her. She’s not great with strangers, but trust me, she’s exceptionally strong."

Victor couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. "No worries. As long as Lord Scrooge vouches for you, I believe him one hundred percent."

Hilda crossed her arms, peering up at Victor with an air of assertiveness. Being of a smaller stature, she couldn’t easily look down on anyone at the moment.

"Not to worry, Grey Smoke. I only hope that you and your group don’t drag us down."