As I felt the bright light fading behind my eyelids, I slowly opened my eyes as I recover my vision. I knew that we already finished creating our characters, so I feel that we might find ourselves out of that virtual black room. However, what I didn't expect is not the sight of a rustic old medieval-style city, but the number of people around us. From [Elves], [Beastfolks], and [Feles] alongside the human players to the number of shops that were somehow set up by some other people, I’m standing there with my mouth agape in awe.

I know this game was very popular and trending, but I never expect there are so many players comparing to what Zac has predicted. I become worried at the thought of passing through these people with Kazuki. Speaking of which, where is he? He was with me back in that virtual room, so he isn’t that far.

"Wow! This. Is. AMAZING!!!" Just hearing his voice is enough to answer my question. I turn around to find the source until I found him zipping back and forth to any shops he could find. "So these are NPC shops, huh? Wow! I can't believe how real they look!"

Now that he mentioned it, just looking at the people behind the said shops looked no different than the players. As part of our 'jobs' to interact with the AI, Dad told us more about NPCs and the AI he was working on before we logged in. The NPCs or non-player characters in this game are equipped with the latest program that allows simulating the growth and development of the AI's personality and independence inside a virtual world realistically. Our objective for this deal is to observe the NPC's behavior during our gaming session. But for now, we should try to learn how to play the game until then. I quickly head to my brother and grab his collar to drag him away from one of the NPCs.

"Kazuki, could you stop staring at the NPCs and focus on our task at hand?" Programs or not, it's rude to stare at them. It just reminds me of that time you stared at one of his book authors during a book signing. "Besides, I'm not really into the game's story and gameplay and you're only who read tutorials, gameplay videos, and stuff."

Yeah, that's one downside to the lack of interest in video games, especially to the VRMMO genre. Considering how long he’s up to date with Isekai for a while, it might be best if I let him teach me despite our ages.

"Okay, first off, don't call me that in here. We're playing with our characters right now, so it would be better if you call me [Kazu] while I call you [Wind]. Besides, you did say we should protect our identities in social media and stuff."

Oh, yeah. Even if this is different from social media like Facebook or Twitter, it is still connected to the internet and we have to be careful when giving out our information. So it’s a good call for him for that suggestion.

"Second, of course, I’m happy to be your tutorial guide! Think of it as a way for me to say 'thank you' for everything you've done to my studies for a while now. Though I have to warn you, I may make mistakes along the way. Plus that this is the first day of the game, so we can't expect anyone who is an expert on them. Sure, there are beta testers, but I don't know much about them."

I did say he “read the tutorials, gameplay videos, and stuff on the internet”, not the whole guidebook. Though, at least playing by 'trial-and-error' should be a good way to discover everything. Plus, if I learn everything from the anime, it's that beta testers seem to be very careful about giving out information or being labeled as 'know-it-alls'. So asking one should be our last resort in case anything should happen. "That's okay. As long you knew the game at the back of your mind, I think we should be okay, Kazuk- I mean, Kazu."

With that, Kazu and I head to the nearest bench as he started to explain where we are right now. He then explained that this world is called , a high fantasy world set in its namesake where several fantasy races lived among the human species while defending the cities and the discovered magic and technology powered by them from dragons and evil monsters. A fitting premise for a fantasy/Isekai game like this.

Our current location right now is the city of , located in the neutral country of , which is also the starting point for new players like us. He even explained that the game's lore is based on the European legends like King Arthur and other fantasy-based stories from the medieval times with the hint of the Norse and Greek mythology. Yup, definitely sounds like an Isekai story.

"I see. And from what I can guess, we have to protect the world from some kind of a dark lord or an evil lizard army of sorts." Yeah, looks like a typical goal for the heroes especially the ones from those VRMMO novels that have the death game element to them. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a twist of some sort.

"Nope, we don't have to do that stuff." Okay, I quickly spoke too soon as I turn around in shock. "Sure, does have any dark lords or evil armies to worry about here! But the main point of this game is to be whatever you want to be. Heck, the game has no clear goal at what we will do here!"

I’m confused right now. Though when Zac and Damon said it's a freeform-style game, I merely thought they were talking about the gameplay. "So if that's true, then that means combat is a just secondary goal in here, correct?"

Kazu nodded as he stands up with his usual big grin. "Well, if you want to level your combat-based [Mastery] in here, then yes. But if we want to enjoy this fantasy world, then we have to train ourselves to do so! That way, we can avoid any strong monster whenever we have to travel from city to city."

"If you can survive with those stupid race and [Mastery]..."

I quickly jump out of the bench just I turned around and see some several players flanking us from side to side. While most of them are wearing some punk-themed armors and leather clothing, their leader seems to be very different (and creepy) as he wears red and black armor with the helmet hiding half of his face while his eyes shine through the darkness. Another thing I noticed that unlike his partymates who are part of the [Beastfolk] race, he was [Human] along with a big scar around his right eye and bared his sharp teeth as he grinned.

"I mean, what kind of newbies who chose [Archery] and as their respective builds and race?!"

Just hearing this is enough to annoy me as I glare at him.

"Excuse me? Is there a problem regarding our characters?" I asked as I gestured Kazu to back away from them. Just looking at them was enough to piss me off just by those baseless remarks.

"Please! Everyone knows that [Archery] is very useless because they don't have auto-shooting or targeting systems along with them, plus the fact you have to use up all of your money just to keep attacking!"

I grit my teeth as I continue glaring at them. I know I didn't choose this skill, but I know my brother made the right decision about it.

"And let's not forget your stupid partner's race! I mean, those stats aren't enough to save you from a menacing dragon! Not to mention that they have no bonuses other than those stat bonuses! Just look at my partner here." He quickly points at his [Beastfolk] friend who is also grinning as he carries some kind of hammer around his shoulder. "This guy can turn into a bear just by leveling his mastery. Face it, just give it up and quit the game already! You noobs don't stand a chance anyway."

The punk leader laughs away as he and his 'thugs' left the courtyard. All I can do right now is to growl in anger, especially how many people I overheard after that.

"He's got a point there. I'm glad I chose [Human]."

"Same with me on [Elf] and [Arcana]. It does have some bonuses, unlike that kid's race."

Obviously, the players have to take that punk's opinions. Now that I think about it, I am the only one who only wields bow and arrows and there seems to have no signs of some [Insignis] players around. However, I didn't focus on the crowd for long as I quickly saw Kazu's frown once they left. I knew enough is enough. I drag him away from the crowd so he won't hear of their remarks anymore. Though if I managed to lead him away, he’s still frowning at the thought of that player's words.

"Hey, don't listen to them, Kazu. I know you've made the right choices. Besides, you did choose them so we can enjoy the game together.'"

"R-Really? To be honest, I only chose them since you're more of an outdoorsy person." Yeah, he may be smart for his age, but most of his decisions are based on the descriptions he thought up during his observations with other people. Still, I respect his choices through and through.

"Don't worry about it too much. We're only here to have fun, not to get more levels just to get some bonuses. So don't let those jerks' remarks get over you, okay?" Much to my relief, Kazu slowly smiled just as he gives me a big hug. At least that cheered him up a bit, but I'm still not happy at what that player just said to us. Nevertheless, I pray we won't run into him anytime soon. Right now, I slowly back him away for a while without losing my smile. "Now, you did say we have to train ourselves first, correct?"

But before I can let him go, Kazu quickly did so as he jumped up in joy once more. At least he's feeling much better now. "Yeah! There is a training hall not far away from here. The wiki said that it's a good place to not only train your Combat Mastery up to Level 5, but it's great for you to get a feel of the game. Plus, we can able to train there in a private room for free if you like."

Huh, not a bad place to start. With what happened with those punks from earlier, it’s a good idea to rent one. "That might not be a bad idea. At least it will give me a good excuse on how will I shoot arrows and swing swords. In any case, let's do it. Lead the way, if you please."

"It would be my pleasure, Wind!"

Wind, huh? It might be a little weird for Kazu to call me anything than my real name, but I'll try to live with it. For now, I follow him to where the training hall was. I could use some stretches and exercises to get a feel for this place.