Beast Realms: Trapped in the Game

"What exactly is so special about people with black hair? Why does it make them so different from everyone else?" Wein couldn't help but ask, curiosity gnawing at him.

On Earth, hair color was simply genetics. If a black-haired person and a blonde-haired person had a child, there was about a fifty-fifty chance the child would inherit either color.

So why, in this world, did it seem like black hair only belonged to these so-called Elite Families?

"It's just always been that way since the beginning," Alfa explained, crossing his arms like it was common knowledge. "There are exactly four Elite Families. It's said their ancestors were personally blessed by the God who created this world."

Wein's eyes narrowed. God? A real one?

"These families aren't like normal people," Alfa continued. "Their combat aptitude and weapon mastery are far superior. They're also more intelligent and physically gifted.'"

So there really is a God in this world? And these families are His chosen? It all sounded like a fairytale. What's His endgame here? Wein wondered silently.

"But what does that have to do with black hair?" Wein pressed.

Terr chimed in. "It's said that before they were blessed, everyone's hair was lighter in color. Even the ancestors of the Elite Families had silver, blond, or brown hair. But when they received God's blessing, their hair turned as black as the night. It became the symbol of their bloodline. From that moment on, every child born from those four families was marked by black hair—and they always had exceptional aptitude, sharper minds, and stronger bodies. People say they stand between humans and gods."

Wein was stunned.

A Black hair… is a divine mark?

Alfa snorted. "Hah! It's rare to hear you explain things properly, considering how lazy you are when it comes to studying."

"Hey! Uncle, why do you always have to call me out?" Terr pouted. "Of course I had to learn about this! My family was terrified I'd accidentally make trouble with someone from one of those families."

His voice dropped, eyes sliding guiltily toward Wein. "Oh no… I think I just did."

"Hah! Your parents were right to worry about you all along," Alfa teased.

The two continued bickering while Wein quietly absorbed the information.

Amazing… people blessed by a God, naturally gifted in combat and learning… how incredible is that? But that also shows how different I am from them. I'm not good at fighting. I'm not even good at studying. All I'm good at is gaming. I could play forever and never get bored.

But if black hair was truly a symbol, it would only bring him trouble if the Elite Families discovered him. Even though he wasn't from this world, they would probably assume he was some illegitimate child from one of their bloodlines—and they likely wouldn't just let him walk away. 

Besides, I've only just arrived in this world. I'm still trying to figure things out. 

In a place where beasts and power rule, I don't even have the means to protect myself. If someone wanted to get rid of me, I wouldn't stand a chance. 

For now, his plan was to quietly obtain a new identity through the Alliance and, just like in the game, climb the Beast Tower step by step.

He had no intention of appearing in front of those powerful families.

"Can you... keep this a secret for now?" Wein asked, his voice low.

Alfa and Terr stopped their bickering and stared at him in surprise.

"Huh? Why's that?"

"I don't remember anything," Wein explained. "I just woke up alone in the Ratcha Realm. I don't know what happened or whether my life is in danger. If I go back now, without my memories, I might be putting myself at risk."

Alfa studied him, frowning in thought. He eventually nodded, realizing Wein's caution made sense.

"Right! Not only doesn't he remember anything, but he's also super weak. Uncle, Brother Wein is only at Level 1," Terr added.

"What?!" Alfa's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're only Level 1? No way! Children from the Elite Families usually receive their titles by the age of ten. You look around Terr's age, yet you're still Level 1? That's incredibly shocking."

"Exactly! Even I was shocked. He's even worse than me!" Terr added, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

Wein's face twitched. 

Seriously? Did you just insult me right to my face?

Wein sighed heavily. "That's why I don't plan to inform them yet. I want to ascend the Beast Tower first, so that no matter what happens, I'll at least be able to protect myself."

It was the only reasonable path Wein could see.

He wanted to climb the Beast Tower, gain strength, and eventually find a way to leave this world—without ever getting involved with the Elite Families.

After all, those four families were probably the guardians of this world, blessed by divine power. He was just a foreigner here. Meeting them might expose his strangeness, something he couldn't risk.

"Then, it's settled!" Terr said brightly. "If that's what you want, I'll support you, brother! Let's climb the Beast Tower together."

Alfa frowned. "It would be better if you didn't drag him down with you."

"Hey! Uncle!" Terr grumbled.

Alfa turned to Wein. "Since we've met, let's call it fate. I'll make you a weapon to help you. Do you remember what kind of weapon you're using?" He gestured toward the weapons hanging on the walls. "Or maybe there's a weapon here that feels… familiar to you?"

Wein's expression froze.

He was already clumsy with chopsticks—how was he supposed to handle a weapon? He had no combat or weapon skills whatsoever.

How am I supposed to tell them I'm a total noob?

But then he remembered the weapon he'd always used in the game—the one that felt most natural in his hands.

"A longsword," he muttered.

The words slipped out naturally, and to his surprise, they felt right.

Inkshroud—the longsword he'd found in the Level 50 Realm. It had been his favorite weapon in the game, his most trusted companion.

Sure, he'd never actually wielded it in real life—it was just a VR game—but it was still the weapon he'd prefer to choose.

Well, I can always learn. If I'm stuck here… I'll just have to figure it out.