You sniffled as you rested beneath a large dark oak tree in the woodland forests— You were lost. So lost. You were also hungry, cold, tired and battered… you just wanted to get to a village and have a good meal.

“ Ooohh, why do you cry, Player~? “

You heard someone speak to you— A Illager. But he wasn’t attacking. He just gave you an unnerving smile and then offered a gloved hand.

“ Come with me. I’m sure the Augerer would be delighted to see what I’ve found. “

Taking his hand, you walked until sundown to a large mansion. Inside, the already quiet mansion with only murmurs, it grew completely stagnant when eyes were laid on you.

A Player. A real, living, breathing Player. They’d have to keep you away from the Thaumaturge.. they’d always wanted to dissect a Player.

You were rushed to the Augerer, who stared you down as you sat in a cushy leather chair across from her. Normally they would’ve just killed you for EXP… but… you were vulnerable. Easy to manipulate with your distressed state.

So why not indoctrinate— . . . Introduce you to Illager customs and life? Having a Player on their side. Oh it’d be beautiful. They could hardly imagine the power they’d have!

“ …I suppose you could stay. “

She said after examining your face, letting go. Her nails, despite being gloved, hurt and left little indents on your skin…

“ Properly dress them, room them and we will run the psychical and mental tests and.. perhaps the magic abilities test tomorrow. “

The Augerer pat your head a bit too rough. Like you were some sort of pet.