The two continued walking.
After they had walked about a block, they heard a shout ahead.
A girl was crouching by the roadside, feeling around on the ground for her fallen glasses.
A player walked up beside her, bent down to pick up her glasses, and handed them to her.
The girl put on her glasses. When she saw the player's face clearly, she blushed.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"You're welcome," the player said. "Do you need any help?"
"I... I'm lost," the girl said. "Could you take me to the inn?"
"Of course." The player eagerly held out his hand.
The girl hesitated, then placed her hand in his palm. They walked away hand in hand.
Ponzu watched the pair disappear into the distance, her mouth twitching.
"That's way too contrived," she said.
"She's an NPC," Odin said. "That's how she's programmed."
"Does that mean anyone who comes along can do that? That guy was obviously a player. Did he come here specifically for this?"
"What else?" Odin said with a laugh.
They walked a little farther and passed an alley.
Cries came from the alley. Several men had cornered a girl inside, advancing on her step by step with wicked grins.
"H-help!" the girl cried.
Ponzu rushed over and stood in front of the girl. "What do you think you're doing?"
The men glanced at her and tried to force themselves on her, only to be beaten off moments later.
The girl crouched on the ground, clutching her head, her shoulders trembling.
"It's all right now," Ponzu said soothingly. "They're gone."
The girl raised her head, her eyes red.
"Thank you," she said. "C-could you take me home?"
"W-what?" Ponzu pointed at herself in surprise.
Lady, take a good look at me. I'm a woman.
"Pfft!" Odin