Yuto logged in, his character materializing near the guild hall. Another message from Lilya popped up right away in the game’s chat box:  

[Lilya]: Finally! You’re here! 😁 We’re meeting everyone today—try not to scare them off, okay?  

Yuto raised an eyebrow at the screen. Scare them off? Was he supposed to come with a warning label now?  

[RookieKing]: Why would I scare them?  

[Lilya]: Oh, just a vibe. 😉 Follow me!  

Her rogue avatar dashed across the cobblestone street toward the guild hall. Yuto sighed, adjusted his keyboard, and clicked after her, half regretting his decision to log in.  

---

The guild hall was an explosion of mismatched furniture and strange decorations. Half-eaten cakes, random statues, and glittering banners were scattered across the room like the aftermath of a drunken festival.  

The first player to greet Yuto was a short, heavily armoured knight with a red plume swaying on top of his helmet.  

[Nugget]: Oho! This must be the new recruit! RookieKing, right? Welcome, friend!  

[RookieKing]: ...Thanks.  

Before Yuto could say more, a lanky wizard spun into view. His character’s enormous hat flopped to the side with every movement.  

[Cornelious von Gerbil]: Greetings, newcomer! But you may address me as Corn. Titles are only a formality, after all.  

Yuto frowned slightly at the screen. [RookieKing]: Why would I call you Corn?  

[Corn]: Because it is both simple and sophisticated. A rarity, wouldn’t you agree?  

[Lilya]: Don’t encourage him. He gets like this when there’s an audience.  

Corn gave a flamboyant bow in response, his character’s robes sweeping the ground.  

---

More members joined the fray. Miki, an archer with sleek silver armour, gave Yuto a warm greeting:  

[Miki]: Welcome, Rookie! Hope you don’t mind things getting a little... unhinged. 😄  

Yuto shrugged at the screen. [RookieKing]: As long as nobody asks me for a motivational speech, I’ll survive.  

Miki laughed in the chat. [Miki]: You’ll fit right in!  

A swordsman named Kaze leaned against the virtual wall, typing a single message:  

[Kaze]: Survive... or perish. No in-between.  

[Nugget]: Relax, Kaze! We’re just making friends, not planning a bloodbath.  

Yuto found himself snickering despite himself. These people were ridiculous. He hadn’t expected to enjoy being part of something like this, but he was... almost glad.  

---

The introductions concluded, and Lilya clapped her virtual hands together.  

[Lilya]: Alright! Let’s get started with the Potato Trials!  

[RookieKing]: What even are Potato Trials?  

[Nugget]: Glad you asked. You’ll see soon enough.  

The group’s next quest was to guard an enormous potato from waves of goblin thieves. Yuto’s character swung his sword efficiently, taking down goblins while the others threw out ridiculous commentary.  

[Corn]: Protect the Spud at all costs!  

[Miki]: I’m... pretty sure we’re taking this too seriously.  

[Kaze]: Only fools underestimate the power of starch.  

---

Later, the team entered a maze with constantly shifting walls made entirely of potatoes. Yuto groaned as he bumped into another dead end.  

[RookieKing]: Whoever designed this game needs therapy.  

[Lilya]: Nah, they’re geniuses. Admit it—you love it.  

[RookieKing]: I do not.  

But secretly, Yuto was starting to have fun. Even when he triggered a trap that sent his avatar flying into a pit of mashed potatoes, he couldn’t help but grin.  

[Corn]: Hahaha! Rookie’s initiation is going perfectly.  

[Nugget]: Welcome to the spud pit, Rookie! 🍟  

---

By the time they defeated the final boss—an oversized potato with glowing red eyes that rolled across the battlefield—the chat was flooded with laughter. Yuto’s final hit exploded the Spud Lord into a shower of fries, earning them a “Victory!” screen.  

[Nugget]: Fries for everyone! Victory never tasted so good.  

Yuto shook his head, but he was smiling.  

[RookieKing]: I still hate this game.  

[Lilya]: But you’ll be back tomorrow, right?  

He hesitated for only a second before typing:  

[RookieKing]: Yeah. Same time tomorrow.