I Don't Need To Log Out-Chapter 311: Time Before the End

Mei already knew some things.

Back at the academy, she'd begun to suspect.

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The way Arlon carried himself, the way he fought, the way his presence lingered in the eyes of others—it was too distinct.

She had considered the possibility that the Arlon who had killed a Demon alongside a savior, the one whispered about by NPCs and saviors alike… was the same Arlon who'd sat across from her in the academy's cafeteria.

Of course, no one would believe it.

Why would someone like that—someone who had already killed a Demon—pretend to be a student?

He was too young, too quiet. Too normal.

But then again, this was a world of magic and swords. And in Trion, the impossible was often just an everyday inconvenience.

Still, she didn't accept it right away.

Not until Arlon disappeared.

After he left the academy, she used her family's connections.

Her father was a big name in Trion. One of the untouchables. The leader of the Eternal Council—the largest mixed-race organization in the entire world.

Mei didn't even know what their group really did. Few people did.

But when she asked… the information came back quickly.

Too quickly.

The Eternal Council had already known.

Arlon the guide, Arlon the savior—they were the same person.

That was when she understood what he meant that day—when he said, "I will leave."

He wasn't just stepping away from the academy or the city.

He would leave their world. The one she lived in. The one filled with magic and swords.

He would step into a different world entirely. One that wasn't made of blood, war, and survival. Or maybe it was, she didn't know.

And he had no intention of returning.

At least… not then.

She thought the reason he would reject her was because of that—that they lived in two different realities.

That he would be too far gone, and she would still be grounded in the rules of Trion.

She was ready to find a way to follow him. To reach the world he lived in.

But now, after seeing him again…

After seeing his hesitation and hearing the truth in his silence…

She realized the truth was simpler.

He hadn't rejected her because of where he came from.

He had rejected her because of someone else.

It was obvious now.

But it also meant one thing.

There was still hope.

Mei didn't believe in forcing things. She wouldn't try to break them up, or scheme, or play dirty.

That wasn't her style.

If there was going to be a chance, it would be because she earned it.

Not because she took it.

So she smiled—genuinely, softly.

And asked the question directly.

"Is it June?"

Arlon blinked.

He hadn't expected it to come out of nowhere like that.

He didn't answer.

But he didn't need to.

His silence was the answer.

Mei's smile didn't fade. It became something quieter. Sadder, but not bitter.

Beautiful in a different way.

"I see," she said, her voice light. "She seems strong. And kind."

Arlon didn't reply to that either.

He couldn't.

But before the air could grow heavy again, Mei shifted the tone.

She changed the topic without missing a beat, asking about things he'd done, places he'd seen, even the Gamers.

She talked like an old friend catching up over coffee.

And Arlon, confused but relieved, followed her lead.

They talked for a while longer.

Until finally, she stood.

"If you need help," she said, "you can ask."

Arlon shook his head. "The freedom of Trion is close. It won't be long now."

She nodded, accepting that answer.

And then she left.

No more dramatic goodbyes. No final confessions. Just a glance over her shoulder, a smile, and the soft closing of the door behind her.

Would Arlon see her again?

He didn't know.

But he hoped so.

---

Before Arlon could leave the room, Zephyrion entered.

He carried the usual weight of command in his stride—but this time, there was something else under it. Tension, maybe. Urgency.

Arlon realized then that Zephyrion had probably been waiting for a while.

Making the ruler of an entire world wait just to talk to a friend… not the best diplomatic move.

Still, Zephyrion didn't seem to mind. At least, not outwardly. His posture remained composed, though there was no denying he was in a hurry.

"Zephyrion," Arlon greeted him with a nod.

"Arlon." The man gave a brief incline of his head, glancing around the quiet room. "I take it your visitor has left?"

"She has."

"I see."

Without needing to be prompted, Arlon launched into a rundown of what had happened the previous day.

He spoke plainly, with clipped efficiency—about Vlora, about the ambush, about Reeb and Asef.

And finally, about the cost.

Four members of the Gamers Guild—Zack, Evan, Carmen, and Carole—lost.

Returned to Earth permanently.

Arlon also explained how he had told the remaining members not to log in today. There was no more need for them to. Their role in the battle was over.

Zephyrion was quiet for a moment.

"I see," he said finally. "I had hoped to thank them myself. They deserved that much."

Even though it was Zephyrion who had trained them—provided guidance, resources, support—he never saw himself as the hero.

The saviors were the ones who bled for Trion.

They were the ones who fought at the front lines, shouldered the pain, and stood when others fell.

And he'd wanted—no, needed—to express that.

"They'll hear it from me," Arlon said, his tone firm. "I'll make sure of it."

Zephyrion nodded once. Grateful.

Then Arlon added, "Today is probably the day."

There was no need to elaborate.

Zephyrion understood instantly.

Asef.

The final battle.

He had offered his help once before. Willingly. Confident that together, he and Arlon could handle anything Asef might throw at them.

And truthfully, if anyone in Trion was strong enough to stand beside Arlon, it would be him.

But Arlon had declined.

Not out of pride. Not out of disrespect.

But because after facing Asef—after seeing him with his eyes—Arlon understood something that Zephyrion didn't.

Strength wasn't the only requirement on that battlefield.

Survivability mattered more.

And Zephyrion, powerful as he was, was still vulnerable in ways June wasn't.

June would go back to Earth if she died.

Zephyrion would die completely.

In the chaos of a fight like this, that made all the difference.

Arlon didn't want to be protecting someone who couldn't afford to fall—not when his full attention needed to be on Asef.

He would protect June, yes.

But if it came down to a moment where her life and Asef's overlapped—where he had to choose between saving her and killing their enemy—he knew what he would choose.

June would go back to Earth.

Asef… would not return if killed.

That was the difference.

That was why he refused Zephyrion's aid.

The ruler of Trion didn't argue. Perhaps he had already guessed as much.

Or perhaps he understood now, even if it hurt his pride a little.

When their conversation ended, there were no grand words. Just a quiet understanding.

A nod between two warriors standing at the edge of something vast.

Afterward, Arlon returned to the inn in which June logged out.

There was nothing more to do here.

Nothing more to prepare.

They would head out as soon as June logged in.

The last battle was waiting.