Former Hero, Solo Play Oriented

Chapter 105

The two Rangers from the *Hongbaek* Guild, *Go Seung-woo* and *Seopseop-i*, were in awe as they entered the lobby of the Klaus Hotel.

"Wow, this is amazing. So this is the power of the world’s largest capsule company."

"Yeah, with virtual reality tech being linked to so many industries these days. You know, Chris—the CEO's only daughter and senior researcher. You were aware of that, right?"

"Wait... is that why you were so eager to join *Hongbaek*?"

"Haha, no way. We’re just part of a generation where we play games using the latest tech."

As the promised evening gathering approached, the two entered the spacious hall of the hotel Chris had invited them to. Once known by a different name, the hotel was now owned by *Klaus Capsule Corporation*.

AI and technology had developed rapidly over the last 20 years, advancing to a point where humans on Earth could enjoy life in entirely new worlds. One of these worlds was the *Astra Continent*, a realm of sword and magic where countless adventurers roamed.

"Oh, look at this spread!"

"Are we really going to have this entire hall to ourselves?"

Even after stepping into the hall, they couldn’t stop expressing their amazement.

The buffet was lavish, complete with champagne and wine, like something straight out of a high-society party. The table was overflowing with exquisite food and drinks.

Go Seung-woo shook his head in disbelief.

"Wow, talk about being lucky to have the right parents."

"What are you talking about? Chris made her way to Senior Researcher all on her own merit."

"Quite impressive for someone so young. Seopseop-i, you seem interested in virtual reality tech. What exactly does our guild leader research?"

"Something about sensory separation in VR. Oh, look, the other guild members are arriving."

As the appointed time approached, more guild members began to trickle in. The first person to catch Seopseop-i’s attention was a large young man.

"Wow, what’s all this?"

"Oh, you must be Hopkins. Nice to meet you."

"Haha! You must be Seopseop-i. I can tell at a glance. Are your party members on their way?"

"Yes, we’re all coming. How about your side?"

"We’re all on our way too."

"I thought some people might have personal commitments, but the *Hongbaek* Guild really has strong cohesion."

"How could anyone refuse an invitation from Chris? And besides..."

Hopkins grinned, and Seopseop-i couldn’t help but return the smile.

*Drizzle Rain*.

The current hottest topic in *Astra Online*.

Undoubtedly, many attendees were hoping to catch a glimpse of her in person.

"I don’t really care, but *Redhot Chicken* from my party was so excited."

"Haha! Same here. *Dalboreum* was really eager to meet her."

While there were certainly a few men who found Rain's cute appearance and small frame appealing, fortunately, the men of *Hongbaek* were respectful. It seemed Rain’s delicate appearance triggered a protective instinct in the women more than anything.

It wasn’t just her looks, though—she was powerful. In a world where virtual reality and reality were nearly indistinguishable, skills in such a world were a talent to be admired.@@@@

As Seopseop-i and Hopkins chatted, more party members arrived, each one equally impressed by the grand surroundings.

"Wow! This is *Klaus Capsule Corporation* for you! Even the meeting venue is top-tier!"

"Is there a dress code here? I’m just in casual clothes."

"Is Chris's party here yet?"

"There’s still some time before the meeting starts. They’re probably getting ready to greet everyone."

With all the *Hongbaek* Guild members gathered in the hotel hall except for Chris’s party, it wasn’t long before her team also arrived.

"Look, it’s *Deathmaster*!"

"Just call me *Go Seung-woo*."

The once-distant Deathmaster seemed powerless in front of Beimerung.

Seopseop-i smiled, watching the two interact.

"But the star of the show still hasn’t arrived."

Seopseop-i wasn’t the only one waiting.

The whole room was anticipating someone.

*Redhot Chicken* and *Dalboreum*, the two female guild members, were glancing eagerly toward the entrance.

Finally, Dalboreum mustered up the courage to approach Chris.

"Excuse me, Chris-nim?"

"Yes? Oh, Dalboreum, nice to meet you."

"Y-Yes! Um, about..."

"Hehe, I’ll introduce her soon."

"Ah!"

Dalboreum’s face lit up.

Chris walked toward the entrance of the hall.

And then...

*Whirrrr.*

A soft mechanical sound came from the entrance.

Everyone turned their attention to the source of the noise.

With that sound, a girl entered the hall.

Or rather, she was *riding* something.

"...!"

Silence.

The shock in the room was even greater than when Chris had appeared.

How many people could command a room simply with their presence?

The entrance of the pale girl left everyone speechless.

"W-What..."

Seopseop-i’s lips moved, but no sound came out.

Her appearance was otherworldly, so much so that no one had ever thought someone like her could exist in reality.

In a game, with customizable characters, her beauty was accepted as something crafted within a virtual world.

But now, she was here, in reality.

Her obsidian eyes were softer than in the game, yet still as sharp as a well-honed sword.

Her silver-white hair glimmered, reflecting the light, as if ready to color the entire hall in her own hue.

She was a breathtaking beauty, as if sculpted by a god.

But perhaps that same god, envious of her perfection, had taken something from her.

She was sitting in

a wheelchair.

In the silence, she spoke.

"Hello. I’m *Rain*."