Project Nexus: Beyond Reality
Episode 3 – The Rush Begins
The Echo of a Challenge
Renji's heartbeat pounded in his ears.
Akane's voice still echoed in his mind. "Find me."
There was no hesitation—no second thoughts.
His instincts took over. He ran.
Without looking back, without waiting for an explanation, he sprinted straight ahead—toward the nearest town.
The Race to Hamlet
"Hey—wait! Renji, what the hell?!"
Kai's shout rang behind him, but Renji didn't stop. His legs carried him forward, his speed fueled by sheer adrenaline. The world blurred past him—rolling hills, towering trees, shimmering lakes.
He wasn't just moving fast.
He was breaking through the game itself.
No tutorials, no careful first steps—he was skipping everything to get ahead.
"Is he… a speedrunner?" Leon asked, watching Renji disappear over the next hill.
Airi blinked. "A what?"
Leon sighed, adjusting his glasses. "It's when someone rushes through a game as fast as possible—skipping unnecessary steps to reach the end before anyone else."
Kai groaned. "Are you kidding me? This game just launched! And this guy's already speedrunning?!"
Eve smirked, flipping a dagger between her fingers. "Guess we better keep up."
Leon sighed, shaking his head. "I can already tell this guy's going to be a pain."
But despite their complaints, the group took off after him—racing toward Hamlet, the first town of Nexus.
Arrival at Hamlet – The First Town
By the time they reached Hamlet, Renji was already there, catching his breath near the town's main gate.
The village was bustling with new players and NPCs, a mix of medieval architecture and lively energy. Stone-paved streets, wooden shops, and torches flickering under the late afternoon sky. Vendors called out their wares, adventurers gathered in guild halls, and the scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the air.
Renji turned as the others caught up.
Kai was panting, hands on his knees. "What the—huff—hell, man?! huff Couldn't even give us a heads-up?!"
Renji shrugged. "We need to get ahead."
Leon sighed. "And what exactly is your plan?"
"Simple." Renji stepped forward. "We get weapons, we get gear, and we start leveling up. Fast."
His words sparked something in the others.
He wasn't just rushing.
He was preparing.
And they couldn't deny—it made sense.
The Marketplace – Choosing Their Weapons
The town market was alive with merchants shouting over each other. Stalls lined the streets, overflowing with weapons, armor, potions, and rare materials.
Renji's eyes locked onto the weapon shop.
He strode forward without hesitation, eyes scanning the racks of swords, spears, axes, and bows. The blacksmith behind the counter, a burly NPC with arms like tree trunks, gave him a nod.
"First time adventurer, eh?" The smith grunted. "Pick wisely. Your weapon'll shape your journey."
Renji didn't hesitate.
He reached forward—grabbing the steel longsword hanging on the rack.
The weight was perfect. The grip, firm. He could feel the balance in every movement as he tested a swing.
"This one," Renji said.
The blacksmith grinned. "Good choice."
Behind him, the others browsed for their own weapons.
Kai picked a massive greatsword, a grin stretching across his face. "Oh yeah, this is it."
Airi chose a sleek longbow, testing its draw with practiced precision.
Leon grabbed a rapier, its thin blade perfect for quick, calculated strikes.
Eve equipped dual daggers, twirling them effortlessly between her fingers.
With weapons in hand, the group stepped back into the street, their journey truly beginning.
The Road Ahead
Renji sheathed his sword, glancing at his team.
"We're not wasting time," he said firmly. "The moment we step outside this town, we start fighting. We grind, we level up, and we push ahead."
Kai grinned. "Man, you really are a speedrunner."
Leon sighed. "I have a feeling we're gonna get dragged into all sorts of trouble because of him."
Eve smirked. "That's what makes it fun."
Airi simply nodded. "I'm in."
And with that, they stepped toward the town gates, ready to take their first steps into the unknown.
But as they left—
The sky glitched.
Just for a moment.
A whisper echoed in the wind.
"Find me."
Renji's grip on his sword tightened.
Game on.
To Be Continued…