flickering slightly with pixelated light. He picked it up, studying the glowing paths and blinking dots marked ‘Quests.’ There was a quest nearby—just a short walk north. As he started walking, Vanda felt his backpack vibrate. Surprised, he swung it off his shoulder to open it. Inside, he found basic survival gear: a compass, a water bottle, a flashlight, and a small, multi-tool knife. Each item, when he touched it, felt incredibly real. The game was providing him tools; it was both reassuring and bizarre. A rustling in the bushes snapped his attention back to his surroundings. Out stepped a creature that looked like a cross between a rabbit and a parrot, with fur as green as the leaves and wings that fluttered nervously. It spoke in a high-pitched voice, “Hello, Vanda. I’m Pip. I see you’ve got the map! Are you ready to start the quest?” Vanda nodded, still too shocked to speak. Pip fluttered up and perched on Vanda's shoulder, pointing with a tiny paw towards a path that wound deeper into the forest. “We need to find the Crystal of Gaia. It’s not far, but the path is tricky and full of puzzles. Follow me!” The duo ventured deeper into the forest, and soon they encountered their first challenge. A river blocked their path, its waters rushing fast and deep. Across it, the continuation of the path could just be made out, beckoning them. Pip chirped, “We need to cross, but the bridge is out. We must rebuild it to pass. This is your first trial, Vanda.” On the riverbank lay several logs and ropes, scattered, and covered in moss. Vanda approached, examining the materials. His hands moved almost instinctively, selecting the sturdiest logs and
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