"Ugh, here we go."

My shower routine isn’t as difficult as one might think.

Thanks to advancements in technology, the modern electric wheelchair I use comes with various features. It can handle slightly uneven paths, and it can even slowly climb stairs. With the press of a button, tracks extend to adjust to the surface, allowing the chair to ascend.

Unlike the outdated appliances and furniture around me, this high-tech wheelchair was a great help in my daily life.

One of its features is waterproofing, which allows the backrest and seat to fold completely, making it possible to shower while seated. It even has a drying function for after the shower.

Of course, I still had to struggle to undress on my own.

Even with my physical limitations, I still need to shower.

I wheeled myself into the cramped bathroom and stared at the showerhead attached to the wall.

The showerhead was positioned just within reach if I stretched from my seated height.

Gripping the armrests of my wheelchair tightly, I leaned forward slightly and grabbed the shower handle.

Ssshhh.

As the warm water hit my shoulders, the last remnants of drowsiness faded, and my slumped body began to relax.

Though this cramped, single-room apartment was located in a run-down neighborhood, at least the boiler worked well, which I had to give high marks for.

Under the stream of warm water, I allowed my mind to wander.

After 24 hours of non-stop farming, my body had collapsed from exhaustion, and I had fallen into a deep sleep.

When I came to, 24 hours had passed, and I had slept the entire day.

The final boss of the dungeon, ‘Magic General Aspero,’ had an enraged pattern that involved six total area-wide explosions. It was impossible to resist all of them without the party’s protection skills.

Sure, I could tank one hit as long as I kept my HP maxed before the pattern began.

But the problem was, for me—who actually felt pain—taking that one hit was a major issue.

On the first day, I forced myself to endure the pain because the weapon prices were still high. However, I wasn’t sure I could keep doing that.

On the first day, the high weapon prices made it worth the suffering, but now that it’s the third day since the dungeon opened, it would be better to rely on Chris’ party for future farming.

Creak.

Lost in thought, I finished my shower, dried myself off, and returned my wheelchair to its original position.

Whirr.

I dried my wet hair with a blow dryer.

Having long hair takes a while to dry.

In the past, when I lived as a man, my hair would just dry naturally without much effort. It’s small moments like these that remind me that my gender had changed.

Since arriving in the modern world, I’ve never been to a hair salon.

Whenever my hair grew too long, I clumsily cut it myself. I used to do the same back when I lived alone on the continent of Astria.

Of course, it’s no longer awkward for me. After all, I’ve been living as a woman for over ten years now. Though I’ve only been living in this modern world for just over a year, I’m used to it by now.

The headache I had when I first woke up had subsided a bit after the shower.

Recently, I’ve been having frequent headaches, feeling drained, and even getting nosebleeds now and then. I wasn’t in the best condition.

Given that I’m not in great health and have been playing games for long hours, it’s probably taking a toll on my body. But I need to earn money.

And since I slept so soundly after overworking myself, I should be fine again starting today.

I checked my smartphone and saw a message from Chris.

**[Shaman Chris (Online)]**  
*Let me know when you log in! You're in Alpharion Empire’s capital, right? Let’s meet by the fountain in the central square!*

I had plans with Chris today.

I installed the messenger app that syncs with *Astria Online* on my smartphone. I didn’t have anyone else added as a friend aside from Chris, so it was purely for checking her messages while offline.

Thanks to the farming session on the first day of the elite dungeon *Aspero’s Fortress*, I had earned quite a bit of money. 

Today, I would hang out with Chris, and from tomorrow onwards, I’d farm more, making even more money.

I looked around at my small living space.

Although I wasn’t overly inconvenienced, this place wasn’t in a great location, typical for a run-down neighborhood. On the rare occasion when I had to go out, it was troublesome. The roads were steep and uneven.

It seemed like the day to say goodbye to this place wasn’t far off.

Even though it would still be small, I could move to a more cozy and clean place.

If I keep earning money like this from the next dungeon, I’ll be able to save enough for a decent deposit on a place.

Renting was an option, but I didn’t know how long I could keep earning money like this.

Even if it’s not a permanent purchase, I should at least aim for a place with a deposit.

---

**[Welcome to Astria Online]**

Woong.

With a strange floating sensation, my body returned to the continent of Astria.

Hop, hop, stretch, stretch.

After doing some stretches to adjust to my body, I checked my surroundings.

"Alright."

Since I had logged out in the capital of Alpharion Empire after the 24-hour nonstop farming session, I was now in an inn. Resting or logging out in an inn helps restore fatigue levels.

Fatigue is an important stat to manage. When it maxes out, penalties are applied to other stats. My character, Rain, had accumulated significant fatigue before logging out.

Each empire’s capital had plenty of houses and estates available. These could be purchased through the *housing* system for personal use.

Players who focused on dungeon hunting typically used inns, but those who engaged in crafting and life content often bought houses to operate their workshops.

"Housing system, huh."

Maybe I should consider buying a house in *Astria Online*.

It seemed expensive, but I spend more time here than in reality anyway.

In fact, I might find more satisfaction in a house here than in a spacious real-world home.

The central square wasn’t far from the inn. Since Chris had said to meet there when she logged in, it was time to head out.

Thump, thump.

Leaving the inn, I took in the sights of the capital as I walked toward the square.

I had been focused only on dungeons and wandering around villages in plains and mountain areas, so this was my first proper look at the capital.

As expected of the great capital of an empire, it was an impressively clean city.

The streets were well-paved, and the sound of footsteps echoed cheerfully as people walked on the smooth stone. The stone buildings lining both sides of the street were unique in shape and color, each exuding its own charm.

The streets were bustling with lively shops. Their signs bore golden lettering, proudly displaying the names and symbols of the establishments.

In front of a bakery, the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. I could see NPCs standing around the bakery, but there were also players among them. It seemed that players preferred bread as a cheap and portable option to fill their hunger gauge.

Finally, I arrived at the wide central square, where a fountain shaped like a dragon stood in the middle.

Clear water spouted from the dragon’s mouth, filling the fountain. Benches and flowerbeds surrounded the fountain, providing a resting area for people.

I marveled at the impressive sight of the fountain.

"Wow, this is amazing."

Back in the time I was active, there were only two empires, hastily established by humans fleeing from the demon hordes.

To see one of them develop so much—it was nostalgic.

Alpharion Empire had grown, and I imagined the capital of the Betarion Empire would have a similar view.

Step, step.

As I admired the fountain, I heard footsteps approaching me from behind.

"Rain! You’re here already!"

"Did we keep you waiting? We’re not too late, are we?"

I turned to see two figures approaching.

One was a petite woman with pink hair, Beimerung, a mage. The other was a tall woman with red hair, Chris, the shaman.

"Hello, sisters."

I greeted them politely with a slight bow.

I wasn’t sure why they had asked me to meet in a place like this today, but since I had promised to hang out with Chris, I’d be spending time with them today.

"Ha ha, isn’t the capital of Alpharion Empire amazing? Even I was surprised the first time I saw it!"

"Yes, it’s a very advanced city."

A medieval fantasy setting. An empire’s capital. It certainly was much more developed compared to the frontier towns I had visited.

Then again, even in modern Seoul, there are still slum areas, so maybe it’s not so different.

"We’re taking you to a special place today, Rain. Beimerung found a shop the other day, and I think you’ll love it."

"Oh."

A place I would like? That piqued my interest.

I followed as Chris and Beimerung led the way, each holding one of my hands.

---

"Gasp..."

I sat at a neat outdoor table, looking around the shop in amazement.

I had never been to a place like this in real life, but this...

"A café?"

"Yep! Amazing, right? The owner is a player who specializes in life skills. Apparently, they’re famous for being a

 master in this area."

"They're especially known for making great drinks and desserts. They gather the ingredients themselves and have a reputation for recreating modern desserts really well."

The drinks here were more expensive than in real-world cafés, but they provided long-lasting buffs, such as reducing the increase of fatigue.

It was surreal to be enjoying the atmosphere of a café while admiring the fantasy world of the empire’s capital. This was how the economy worked in the multiverse, catering to players.

After a short wait, Chris’ order arrived.

A yellow-tinted, transparent drink with ice cubes floating on top.

It looked like lemonade. How fancy.

I gaped at the beautiful color of the drink.

"Hehe, what are you doing? Go on, give it a try."

I closed my eyes and took in the refreshing scent of the lemonade. The fresh lemon aroma tickled my nose, bringing a cool sensation to my mind.

As I took the first sip, the ice clinked together, making a clear sound. The tartness of the lemon spread throughout my mouth, wrapping me in its refreshing embrace.

"Wow!"

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

The lemonade was a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The soft sweetness of the sugar and the tangy bite of the lemon danced on my tongue, instantly washing away my fatigue.

Was this intentional? My sisters had great taste. After all the non-stop farming since the dungeon opened, this refreshing drink gave me a much-needed boost.

As the cold drink slid down my throat, it felt like finding an oasis in the middle of a desert.

I took another sip, savoring the taste as the fresh lemon and sweet aftertaste lingered in my mouth, lifting my spirits even further.

"Ooh...!"

The crisp, tart aftertaste made me shudder with pleasure.

It was delicious! So refreshing!

I couldn’t stop sipping the lemonade.

Chris and Beimerung stopped drinking and just watched me, grinning.

If it's so good, why don't I drink it?

I finished my glass of lemonade and held out my empty cup.

Then, timidly, I said

“...Sisters, are you finished?”

I omitted the words, “If not, I'll have some,” but they must have gotten the message.

Chris held her stomach, smiled, and ordered another glass of lemonade.