Nemesis. Start on the End.

**Chapter: The Path to Easter City**

Revsha walked through the halls of the village lord's estate with an air of quiet confidence. The negotiations were complete, the lord's trust gained, and the quest to travel to **Easter City** was now in his grasp. But there was no satisfaction in his heart—only a quiet realization that this was just the next step in his journey. A journey not defined by blind trust, but by calculated control and wisdom learned through loss.

In his past life, he had been used by those he cared about. The girl he loved, the people he called friends—they had all betrayed him in the end, leading to his death. His reincarnation was a chance for redemption, yes, but it was also a chance to take control of his fate. His **family**—his **mother**, **sister**, and **her best friend**, whom Revsha treated like an **aunt**—they were no longer dead. They were safe, and Revsha had made sure of that. But there was a reason he didn't trust anyone so easily. His past life had taught him that **trust** was a dangerous thing when it was freely given.

The lesson had been clear: **No one** could be relied upon without reason. But that didn't mean he had to walk alone. He had learned that power lay in **relationships**—as long as they could be **controlled**. The bonds he formed now, especially with **Gillia**, could be useful, could give him strength. But only as long as they didn't stray beyond his control.

As he walked toward the gates of the village, preparing for the journey to **Easter City**, he thought about his next steps. The **village lord** had given him a **task**—a test of loyalty, perhaps, but also a way to prove his worth. Revsha would **succeed**, of course. His unique skills were unmatched, and his **bond with Gillia** was powerful enough to carry him through. But the true victory would lie in what he could gain from this. Not just prestige, but allies, control, and more influence. The lord's trust was a **tool**—not a gift.

The road to **Easter City** wasn't just about the destination; it was about what he could **gain** along the way. It was about **power** and how he could maintain control over the relationships he formed. **Family**—those who had been lost and those who would become part of his future—were important, but only because they were a means to an end. Revsha didn't need them for emotional support or to fill the void left by betrayal; he needed them for **strength**, for **loyalty**, for **power**. And when the time came, he would move on, unburdened by ties that could hold him back.

He had made mistakes before. He had been **betrayed** before, trusting the wrong people, believing in the wrong things. This time, he would control his destiny. He would use his bonds to shape the future, but never forget the lesson that trust was a tool, not a virtue. No one would use him again.

As he reached the outskirts of the village, he looked back once more at the home he had fought to protect. His family was safe, yes, but Revsha's mind was already turning toward the next challenge. The **Easter City** awaited, and with it, more challenges. The **village lord** had made his move, but it was time to move **beyond** the lord's influence. In the city, the true test awaited—the people who could either serve him or betray him.

He could not afford to be vulnerable again. The strength of his **bond with Gillia** would be crucial, but Revsha knew he couldn't rely solely on that. She, too, was a piece on his board, and the happiness he maintained with her was a way to keep her powerful and loyal. But he also knew that one day, the right relationships would need to be in place to take him farther, beyond **Easter City**, beyond even the limits of his class.

With a final glance, he mounted his steed and turned toward the **road to Easter City**, the cool wind brushing against his face.

He didn't trust anyone easily anymore. But trust, he knew, wasn't necessary for power. Only control. And as long as he kept control over everything—and everyone—around him, his future would be his own.

Revsha—**David** in the real world—leaned against the edge of the village well, his hood pulled low to obscure his face. The air was crisp, the scent of pine and earth lingering in the small clearing. He had been waiting, uncertain what to expect. Days ago, he had sent **Gillia** to protect his sister, **Elena**, when she entered the game. It was a gamble, one he didn't fully trust, but necessary.

Now, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, he spotted two figures approaching.

The first was Gillia, her dark robes fluttering as if carrying a shadowy breeze. Her presence was as calm and composed as ever, but David noted a sharper edge in her stride, as if she had honed her power further. Beside her walked Elena, her youthful energy a stark contrast to Gillia's ominous aura. A large, sleek **puma** padded gracefully at her side, its muscles rippling under its glossy black fur.

David remained still as they approached, though his sharp eyes took in every detail.

"Revsha," Gillia greeted, her voice low but steady.

Elena, however, broke into a grin, her voice cutting through the stillness. "Is it you, David?"

David sighed, gesturing for them to lower their voices. "Keep it down. Do you want everyone in the village to hear?"

Elena's grin faltered, and she glanced around the quiet space. They were alone, but the caution in his tone was enough to make her more careful. "Sorry. It's just… I knew it was you!"

Gillia gave a faint nod of acknowledgment but said nothing.

David straightened, folding his arms. "You made it. That's good. But you've been quiet for days. I sent Gillia to protect you, and I've had no idea how you've been managing. What's your status?"

Elena beamed, patting the puma on its side. "This is **DeeDee**, my first skill. Isn't she incredible? She's strong, smart, and basically the best tank ever!"

David's gaze shifted to the puma, his sharp eyes scanning it. The beast met his stare with an unflinching calm, and David nodded approvingly. "Good choice. And your level?"

"Level 1," Elena admitted, but she quickly added, "DeeDee makes up for it, though. We've taken down goblins, wolves, and even a bandit once!"

David raised an eyebrow. "A bandit? And you survived?"

Elena smirked. "DeeDee did most of the work."

He turned his attention to Gillia. "And you? How's your progress?"

"I'm at Level 2 now," Gillia replied, her voice even. "My skills have doubled since we last met. I've been balancing support and offense to cover for your sister's inexperience."

David's expression softened slightly. "Good. I knew you'd handle it."

Elena tilted her head, her grin widening. "You sound like you didn't expect us to make it."

"It's not that," David replied, his tone sharp. "I know how dangerous it is out there. This world doesn't care if you're new or unprepared."

Elena's grin faded. She had heard the weight in his voice—the tone of someone who had seen too much.

Gillia stepped forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "We've done what you asked, David. Elena is safe, and we've both gained experience. But what about you? What's your plan now?"

David sighed, glancing toward the northern horizon where the mountains loomed. "The plan hasn't changed. I need to get to **Easter City**. The village lord trusts me, and I've set things in motion to open the city for other players. But the journey isn't simple. The path through the mountains is dangerous."

Elena frowned. "Then let us come with you."

David shook his head. "You're not ready. A Level 1 huntress with a single beast companion and a Level 2 priestess? You'd slow me down."

Elena bristled. "Hey! I've been handling myself just fine! And Gillia is stronger than you think."

Gillia placed a calming hand on Elena's shoulder. "He's not wrong to be cautious. The journey will be challenging. But David, we're here now. Let us prove we can keep up."

David hesitated. He had spent so long working alone, trusting no one, that the idea of relying on others—even family—felt foreign. But the determination in Elena's eyes and the calm strength in Gillia's presence made him reconsider.

"Fine," he said finally. "But if you're coming with me, you'll follow my lead. No heroics, no wandering off, and no slowing down. Got it?"

Elena nodded eagerly. "Got it."

Gillia inclined her head. "Understood."

David glanced between them, his gaze lingering on Gillia. "Your skills—how many do you have now?"

"Ten," she replied. "Ranging from offensive shadow magic to healing and barriers."

"Good," he said. "We'll need all of them."

He turned to Elena. "And you? Aside from DeeDee, what do you have?"

"Bow and spear skills," she said proudly. "Haven't used the spear much yet, but I'm getting the hang of the bow."

David smirked faintly. "Alright. I'll lead. Gillia, you focus on support—keep barriers and healing ready. Elena, you and DeeDee handle the front lines. If something goes wrong, fall back immediately."

Elena saluted playfully. "Yes, sir!"

Gillia simply nodded.

David adjusted his gear, his mind already racing ahead to the journey. For the first time in a long while, he wasn't facing the road alone.

"Let's move," he said, stepping toward the forest.

As they followed, Elena whispered to Gillia, "He's so bossy, isn't he?"

Gillia's lips curved into a faint smile. "He's cautious. And perhaps, for good reason."

David didn't turn back, but he heard their whispers and smirked to himself. Maybe having them along wouldn't be so bad after all.

The village gates creaked open as Revsha led the two women out into the wilderness. Behind them, a small crowd of players lingered, whispering and casting envious glances.

"Look at that," one player muttered, his voice tinged with both admiration and jealousy. "The hunter NPC's on the move again. What do you think he's planning this time?"

"Probably some epic quest," another replied, adjusting her mage robes. "You heard about the dungeon raid, right? He basically set it up, and now those two lucky players are following him like it's no big deal."

"I thought NPCs were supposed to stick to their villages," a rogue said, scratching his head. "But this guy? He's everywhere. First, the dungeon, now leaving the village with those girls. He's gotta be tied to some kind of high-tier quest chain."

"Do you think we could follow him?" a warrior asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

The mage scoffed. "And risk getting flagged for interfering? No thanks. Besides, he's obviously way out of our league. Did you see the girls with him? They're probably the only ones who got close enough to trigger the next quest."

The rogue chuckled. "Lucky them. They're probably leveling up just by being near him. Must be nice to get all the perks."

---

Outside the village, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The noise of the players faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Revsha walked ahead, his steps deliberate and silent. Behind him, Gillia and Elena struggled to keep pace, though each for different reasons.

Elena, still unused to the game's mechanics, stumbled over a root. DeeDee, her sleek puma companion, padded beside her, its golden eyes scanning the surroundings. "Brother—uh, I mean Revsha," Elena called out, lowering her voice as they ventured further into the woods. "Are we seriously just walking into the forest without a plan?"

Revsha didn't stop, his voice calm but firm. "The plan is to survive. If you can't handle the basics, you won't last long enough to see the city, let alone the mountains."

Gillia smirked, her dark robes blending into the shadows of the trees. "He's right, you know. This world isn't kind to the unprepared."

Elena huffed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Easy for you to say. You've already got a class and actual skills. I've got DeeDee and a spear, and that's it."

Revsha glanced back, his expression unreadable. "DeeDee is more than most players have at your level. Learn to rely on her—and yourself. That's why we're out here."

Elena rolled her eyes but kept walking.

---

The forest path narrowed as the terrain grew more uneven. The ground was littered with fallen leaves and twisted roots, and the air smelled of damp earth. Revsha slowed, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

"We're being watched," he said quietly.

Elena froze, her hand tightening on DeeDee's leash. "By what?"

Revsha crouched, motioning for the others to stay quiet. "Wolves. A small pack, probably hungry."

Gillia stepped closer, her voice calm. "What's the plan?"

Revsha stood slowly, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife. "You're going to fight them."

"What?" Elena whispered, her voice rising slightly. "Are you serious?"

Revsha's gaze hardened. "You wanted to leave the village. This is the first test. Wolves are smart, fast, and relentless. If you can't handle them, you're not ready for what's ahead."

Gillia nodded, dark energy already crackling around her fingertips. "Understood."

The first wolf appeared, its sleek body moving silently through the underbrush. DeeDee growled low in her throat, her muscles tensing as she prepared to lunge.

"DeeDee, wait," Elena said, her voice trembling slightly. She gripped her spear tightly, her knuckles white.

Revsha stepped aside, his voice calm but commanding. "Gillia, bind the leader. Elena, focus on the smaller ones. DeeDee will handle the rest."

Gillia raised her hands, her voice low as she chanted. Shadows coiled around her fingers before shooting out, wrapping around the alpha wolf and pinning it to the ground. The beast snarled, its yellow eyes blazing with fury.

Elena hesitated for a moment before thrusting her spear at one of the smaller wolves. The weapon struck true, but the wolf didn't go down immediately. It lunged at her, snapping its jaws.

DeeDee intervened, slamming into the wolf and knocking it aside. The puma growled, her claws raking across the wolf's flank.

Revsha watched silently, his arms crossed.

By the time the last wolf fled into the forest, Elena was panting, her hands shaking slightly. Gillia stood unscathed, her shadows dissipating into the air. DeeDee prowled around the clearing, her fur bristling.

"Not bad," Revsha said finally. "You're still sloppy, but you'll improve."

Elena glared at him. "That's all you've got to say?"

Revsha's expression softened slightly. "You're alive. That's what matters."

Gillia smirked. "Tough love. I like it."

Revsha turned and started walking again. "Come on. We've got a long way to go, and the swamp is next."