39 The growing popularity of the game (1/2)

Merlin who saw Raymond crying, actually thought he could somehow feel Raymond's pain. At first, he thought that Raymond was going to be the heroic stoic leader type character, but after seeing that scene maybe he was wrong.

'These NPCs could actually express such emotions? They could laugh and be merry feeling happy after a victory. They can cry and feel melancholic, and express confusion as to why. They know about camaraderie and comfort each other in times of need. Aren't these NPCs more human than us?'

Merlin couldn't help but think about the current world, and then looked at these NPCs. It was just a game and these guys were supposed to be 0s and 1s. Yet in this game, these NPCs look like they were living happily even in a world were everything was out to kill them.

...

While everyone was having a good time a notification appeared before the players. It was warning them that there twelve hours of using the full dive VR for the day was almost up. When they saw this they were about to reluctantly log out when another notification appeared.

[WARNING!!!]

[Upon logging out characters will enter sleep mode. Depending on where you log out your character might incur debuffs or at worst death penalties. Please be mindful of where you sleep]

When the players saw this notification they were grateful it appeared before they were able to log out. Still, this game is trying too much on being as realistic as possible, not only do they need to eat, they also needed a place to sleep.

'Whatever, first I need to find a place where this body can sleep peacefully.' Merlin and the other players needed to act fast, as they only had a few minutes before they are forcefully logged out. They quickly headed to Raymond who was drinking beer after beer.

”Guild Master, is there any place where we can sleep?”

”Of course, you can have any room you want on the third floor of the Guild house. Just pick any room that still vacant.” Hearing the Guild Master's reply the players thanked him and were about to leave when Rei spoke to them.

”Are you guys going to bed so early? The night is still young, and you guys want to sleep? Are the warriors from another world, such lightweights?” Even though Rei was a bit drunk, some of the male players didn't like the way he was talking to them. Yet they didn't have time to deal with him at the moment.