As I chatted with the CEO while nibbling on snacks, a subordinate approached the team leader nearby.

"Isn’t it true that we’re in this mess because of Traveler No. 1?"

"Yes, you could say that it’s about 98% due to Traveler No. 1."

"Then why are we welcoming her so warmly?"

The employee started to edge away nervously as the team leader smiled deviously. But soon enough, the team leader caught hold of him and whispered something in his ear, making him turn pale.

“Got it? It’s a very important event, so go liven up the atmosphere a bit.”

“Yes, sir.”

Watching as the subordinate approached Traveler No. 1 and started laying on the flattery, the CEO nodded approvingly. That was the signal to move on to the “second round,” leading the traveler to a nearby meeting room.

After taking a seat, the CEO asked Yuna to talk about her journey, and she began sharing her stories.

“You know about the Griffins living in the Canyon of Death, right? Well, turns out they’ve been in a turf war with some Wyverns, so…”

While they had monitored these events in real time, hearing it recounted like this was something else.

Once the atmosphere felt right, the CEO asked her an important question.

“So, do you love Arcana Online?”

“Yes! I truly love it!”

Her answer was immediate and sincere. Seeing her enthusiasm, the CEO nodded and presented her with a document.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a job offer.”

The CEO explained that the company highly valued her experience and capabilities and would be honored to have her officially join their team.

Yuna’s eyes widened as she read through the contract, especially the sections on salary and benefits. Not only was the base salary in the millions, but the job also offered a three-day work week and an almost unimaginable list of benefits.

Holding the pen, her hand trembled slightly, her eyes flickering with interest.

"We understand you’re a student preparing for university exams. If you’re accepted into a university, we’re willing to adjust your work hours and fully cover your tuition."

After a moment of contemplation, she set the pen down and looked up with a resolute gaze.

“I'm sorry. I’d rather keep this as just a game.”

“What?! Why? No company would offer a deal this good!”

There was no other company in the world with such an outrageous offer.

But Yuna’s gaze remained firm.

“I want to keep the game as just a game. Even if I regret it later, I believe in sticking to my values.”

I looked at her with a mix of admiration and understanding.

“Please! Join us! I promise I’ll make it worth your while!”

“W-wait! Don’t hug me!”

“Pleeease!”

---

Honestly, the offer was so tempting that I almost gave in, but I didn’t want to turn my precious memories into a job.

Some might think I’m being foolish, but I’m firm in my decision.

After finishing my study session at the library, I gazed up at the dark night sky and took Yong-yong with me to a nearby convenience store.

I picked up some drinks and snacks, and on the way home, I grabbed Yong-yong’s favorite tteokbokki. As I walked in the door, my parents greeted me warmly.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome back! Hungry? I’ll fix you some dinner.”

As I waited for dinner, I snapped a few pictures of Yong-yong happily munching on the tteokbokki. Then, I heard a familiar voice on the news playing on TV.

"Transform the Avalon Empire!"
"Transform the Avalon Empire!"
"Transform the Avalon Empire!"

"Yes! Today’s scene comes from the popular VR game, *Arcana Online*. Doesn’t it look like they’re staging a protest?"

“That’s right. This footage shows one of the largest factions in *Arcana Online*, known as the Red Revolution, staging a demonstration.”

In a panic, I looked at the TV and saw myself on screen.

“That character you see now is Yuna, a Traveler who’s both the leader of the Red Revolution and one of the most influential figures in *Arcana Online*.”

As the reporter continued, my face turned as red as an apple.

“Curious about why they’re staging a protest? Apparently, they’re raising the flag of revolution to rescue the suffering citizens.”

As I stared blankly at the screen, I suddenly became aware of my parents and sister watching the news alongside me.

“Oh my, our daughter looks even prettier on screen.”

“She really does shine.”

“Our little sister looks great on TV.”

Embarrassed, I tried to turn off the TV, but my sister held me in place, and we watched together until the broadcast ended.

“It’s over. Can you let me go now?”

“Why is my little sister so soft and cuddly? Wanna sleep in my room tonight?”

“No way!”

I finally wriggled free, only to see her mischievous grin.

“Shouldn’t little sisters be more grateful to their older sisters?”

“No, they shouldn’t!”

As we were bantering, my parents called us over for dinner.

After eating, I washed up and lay down in bed. I was so physically and mentally drained that I didn’t have the energy to play the game.

With Yong-yong in my arms, I closed my eyes, only to be startled by the sound of my alarm.

W-what… already…?

I turned off the alarm and sat on my bed, dazed, when Yong-yong snuggled into my lap, showing affection.

While petting Yong-yong, I checked my phone and noticed I had 151 missed calls.

W-wait… what? 151 calls?!

Hundreds of unread messages had piled up too, but since my phone was on silent, I hadn’t noticed.

The last time I’d checked my phone, there were no missed calls—just a few photos of Yong-yong eating tteokbokki. What happened overnight?

Checking the call log and messages, I realized they were from everyone in the Frey Guild, starting with Leah.

Could this be because of my appearance on TV?

I called Leah, and she picked up on the first ring.

“Are you okay? Did something happen? Should I come over?”

“I’m fine. What’s going on?”

“You didn’t log in yesterday! I thought something happened!”

“Haha, thank you for worrying about me, Leah.”

Leah explained that she’d been shocked because I hadn’t logged in for an entire day.

After reassuring her that I’d be online today, I ended the call and began returning the other missed calls.

Who would’ve thought everyone would panic just because I didn’t log in for a day?

If I disappeared for three days, would they show up at my doorstep?

It’s nice to have people who care about me.

After checking in with the other guild members, I had breakfast and logged into the game.

Today was Sunday, a day I’d promised myself as a reward for working hard all week.

When I entered my office in the game, an enormous stack of paperwork awaited me. Was this real?

I didn’t play this game to work!

Suddenly, I understood why Leah always seemed to be handling documents. I sorted through the most urgent ones and went outside to see the bustling city full of people and monsters.

This was the Dream City, a place where humans and monsters lived together in harmony.

We named it "Paradise."

However, the city had one rule.

‘Everyone must live together peacefully.’

There were no exceptions. If any disputes arose, they were directed to a reasonable solution.

I heard voices raised in argument from a distance, and the city guards were already moving toward them.

“Do you know what this one-eyed creature said to me? He said my story was boring!”

“All I did was state that the story was boring. Then the human insulted me, asking if I had no parents.”

“It’s true! So, do you?”

“I won’t let that slide, human.”

Just as they seemed ready to start a brawl, the guards led the two away to a specific location.

The place where disputes were resolved.

The *Colosseum*.

It now served as a designated space for resolving conflicts.

The rule was simple.

The winner’s argument was accepted.

Since Travelers would revive anyway, and I periodically revived the monsters, there was no risk involved.

Plus, it helped relieve the monsters’ stress.

This way, we could catch two birds with one stone.