Exactly.

Exactly, like the game, I thought to myself.

In the game, however, there were ways to turn complex spells like Silent_Cast_Quick_Homing_Fireball into a single word you could say, and as long as you had the mana, it could be done. This action doubled the cost of the spell, however, so it was rarely used.

 Luckily, I knew just the place to go to increase my mana—on Floor 5, where there’s a lake made of pure elixir. The elixir is so dense that it can bring your character up by an entire two levels, but many players were going after it. At least, in the online server they were.

"Stop_Time," I whispered, to no effect. What am I thinking? Of course, I don’t have enough mana for that.

But I should...

“Transmute_Gold_To_Platinum.”

Nothing happened.

Well, at least I tried. Transmutation is a spell that requires so much mana, even for the smallest results. Even if you tried to turn a clump of dirt into a rock, you’d need to have a black mana core.

I walked back toward the desk, waiting in line as adventurers did the same thing I had. Getting their guild IDs and sitting down, either waiting for friends or hoping to be saved. Kids cried in corners, and older members, even NPCs, comforted them.

It’s a sad sight.

In front of me, a man about my age—maybe older—stood. His long brown hair blended nicely with the brown leather armor we all shared.

“Have you seen my sister?” he asked the attendant after getting his ID.

“Your sister?” the attendant asked.

“She looks just like me. Has the same eyes and last name.”

“I’m sorry, you’re the only person with that last name who’s come here today.”

He sighed a small sigh. “I thought so.”

“If you do see her, let her know I’m looking for her.”

The attendant nodded, writing something in a notebook as the man walked away. I got a better look at him—he had an athletic build, with long hair that reached his shoulders, and his eyes were a bright gold.

I placed the book on the counter and walked away, leaving the guild.

After leaving the guild hall, I noticed the sky had a light orange glow; the sun was setting, and it was best if I found an inn to sleep in.

While I was walking  there, many more players joined the city. Unlike the NPCs, who mostly had common hair colors like blondes, black, brunettes, and whites, the players had colors that could be found on Earth, like reds, blues, and purples. They also had a variety of different styles. Not many had adventurer names yet like I did, so their full names were showing.

After walking down the highway again, I went to an inn that I had seen before, an inn called Lunerlight with a butterfly emblem on the logo, and I entered.

The inn had a welcoming ambiance that immediately put me at ease. The first floor featured a spacious dining area filled with sturdy wooden tables and chairs. Soft, golden lighting cast a cozy glow over the room. Highlighting the wooden walls and floor. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked meals. The dining area buzzed with activity as Players and NPCs. Chatting while enjoying their food.

The second floor housed the guest rooms. Lining each side of the narrow hallway. The rooms promised a peaceful retreat, their doors framed by intricate carvings that added a touch of rustic charm. 

I saw a girl adorned with a gold butterfly headpiece. It was the same girl from before, sporting the same gear as mine. She was standing at the counter, ordering food. She glanced in my direction and smiled warmly. I returned the smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie.

"Can I order number 23?" she asked the waitress, her voice clear and confident.

The waitress nodded. She jotted down her order with practiced efficiency.

An older woman wearing a well-worn apron approached me. Her eyes were kind but tired. "What can I get for you?" she inquired.

"Can I have a room?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Sure, there's a free room—room number 23," she replied, handing me a set of keys. "It'll be 8 silver a week," she added, her tone business-like.

She then asked if I wanted any food delivered to my room, an offer I politely declined. In truth I wasn't hungry. The events of today and the fact that I didn't know where my sister was frightened me. My mom, my sister, even my dad...

The room assigned to me was modest. It features a single bed, a desk, and a solitary lamp. It also had a small bathroom with a shower. The sheets on the bed were a light white color. Simple but comfortable.

"This day has been hectic," I mused, sinking into the soft bed, letting the weariness wash over me as I closed my eyes.

It seems this world is an awful amalgamation of both the game and Earth, like mixing ketchup and mustard.