"Sorry, mom, I'm not used to the game yet. I completely forgot time there. It won't happen again I promise."
"Stop talking and get ready. You're completely late already for school."
Just before he boarded the unmanned car.
"I'll let it go since it the first time. Next time I'll be telling your father if you lose yourself in there again."
The car started driving as soon as se he closed the door. All cars are unmanned nowadays, except for sporting cars. Those are for professional circles only, like Formula 1. All common cars are driven by AIs, reducing drastically the number of car accidents and thefts.
Ever since last year, Samuel got back to school. He barely knows anyone there and most people don't care about him. At first he caught people attentions because of his condition. But as people got used to him, they just lost interest. He doesn't like interacting much with people either so that's just fine to him.
Samuel arrived just in time for the last morning class.
Because his father made him study a lot, he's finished studying everything in high school course already, but his parents' gloomy feelings about him losing most of school years are the reason is still going to the school's last three years at least.
As soon as the class finished, a young boy with blond hair and emerald green eyes approached him. The boy had white skin and looked quite handsome. If not for the lack of a mature feeling, the boy would be probably quite popular among the ladies.
"Samuel! Thought you wouldn't come today. How are you? Anyway, I have big news. I'm playing LEO!"
"How did you get the game? Although you have the money, your father would still not accept the price."
"Hehe, he actually gifted it to me and my brothers. He said his business instincts are telling him this game might be an opportunity so he bought 3 pods and tasked me and my brothers to explore inside a little for chances."
"That's more like him. Your father instincts are incredible most off the time.:
"He's just a old man. Anyway, the game is amazing. You wouldn't believe how real it looks and feel. It felt like another world for real! But just thinking about combat like with that much reality got me scared. That's why I choose the Merchant class."
"It fits you. Although you say that you don't, you actually enjoy making money as much as your father. You just don't admit it. Anyway, where did you start?"
"I choose a village called Seregard. It just felt right you know?"
Samuel gave a rare grin.
"So coincidences does happen sometimes. I'm playing too, I don't have money like you. I was selected in the release event for a free pod and services."
"For free? Damn, you were way too lucky. Did you save a country in your last life?"
"Class is starting you should go back, anyway I'll add you later. I need your help with something."
George ran back to his own classroom. Samuel barely knew anyone at school, his friend George is the only exception. George was born in an american merchant family who came to Brazil when he was very young. His family's really rich, but also really strict with their spending. They don't let their children spend much on nonprofit hobbies like games. Probably, that's the secret to the family's success.
After school, Samuel contacted George and sent his in game name so they could find each other. On the way home he was already planning his next moves. Unlike before, he probably could play for an even longer time.
Back at home, Samuel wanted to get inside the pod immediately, but he knew if he did, his father wouldn't like it. He had to be careful not look like he was addicted to it.
So he pretend to be studying for half an hour, did his exercises and took a shower. After telling his mother that he was going to play, he finally got inside.
[Status]
Name: Windbow
Title: None
Rank: Civilian
Guild: None
Level: 3 (36%)
Class: Archer
HP: 60 / 60
MP: 10/ 10
[Attributes]
Strength: 1
Vitality: 1
Agility: 3
Dexterity: 5
Intelligence: 1
Will: 1
Free Attribute Points: 0
[ Bow Mastery - Apprentice 1/10 - 22%]
[ Double Shot - Apprentice 1/10 - 18%]
"Bow mastery it's really hard to level up. If not for Grind's quest I'd still be at 12%. And that's for the first level only!"
As Samuel saw his status, he was disgruntled by the slow pace his skill increased proficiency.
[Friend Request]
Do you wish to accept "Love Money" as your friend?
[Yes] [No]
[Friend Request Accepted]
"Hey, it's me, George. Let's meet at the fountain."
"Ok."
Found his friend George looking around restlessly. The only difference in their clothes was the bag that the Peddler classes have on their backs.
"Hey, George. How're you doing?"
"...Samuel?"
"Yeah it's me. What's the problem?"
"Bro, how are you this handsome? Is that your real appearance? If you look like that in a few years then I'd never bring my wife even close to you!"
Although people couldn't change their looks in character creation, the system scan noticed the body condition of the User and made a projection of his real looks in a healthy state.
"What's this nonsense. Anyway how are you doing in the game?"
"I've been trying to unlock every production skill I could. I've got Alchemy, Tailoring and Leather Working already. I'm trying to get Blacksmithing too, but that old man is very stubborn."
"Leather? Can you work with leather already?"
"Yes, but only very basic stuff."
"Keep this then. You can take all extras and just pass me the equipment you make."
He passed George all the leather he had stacked. George was surprised again.
"This is wolf leather? And not one or two, but 44? Who are you? Are you really my brother?"
"Stop overreacting. Can you make equips?"
"I can make a level 1 set that's better than beginner clothes, but that's all."
"Do a set for me and you can sell the rest. You get exp that way right?"
"Yeah, thanks bro. Ha ha ha! When you and me work together we can conquer the world! We'll be famous! This is our chance, Sam!"
As soon as George got into his delusional mode, Samuel left him. He was heading to Grind's house.
This time, there were lots of players around. Grind was inside his house. Looks like he didn't like this crowd blocking his door.
With some effort he finally got to the door.
"Grind, it's me, WindBow. Please open up."
Everyone thought he would be ignored just like everybody else. But Grind appeared at the door and let only that Archer in. Why did he get preferential treatment? Some players were already contacting the GMs.
"Those bunch of fools. They kept pestering the whole day. Never mind them, what did you need me for, kid?"
"I'm going to the forest soon, but besides Skinnig, I can't collect anything else. Could you teach me how to collect other materials, like herbs?"
"Ah, you're a greedy kid. But that's good, I think our potion shop is urgent need of herbs. The demand increased too much with your and the other adventure's arrival. Talk to Beth, she could teach you about herbs."
"Thanks Grind. Do you need anything too? I'd feel bad if you helped me like this everytime."
"If you can, get those damn brats out of my place! I can't even take a nap at my own home because of their noise!"
"Oh, that's very easy. Just get out and shout that you're going to send anyone who doesn't leave now to jail."
"But we don't have a jail here."
"I know, but they don't. This should scare them for some time until they notice."
"I like it. You have devious ideas, kid."
[Grind found you interesting. Favorability increased by 2.]
Samuel got out and headed to the west area. He heard Grind angry voice and big crowd of footsteps shortly after. Looks like their plan really worked.
At the potion shop, he found a woman sleeping at the counter. Her hair looked as if it was just caught in an explosion. The woman's very big and round glasses were beside her and she wore a white coat over her mature body. He guessed she was probably around the thirties.
"Excuse me lady, sorry for disturbig you."
"If you're sorry then don't disturb me! I don't have anymore potions so take care of yourself better out there."
"I'm not here to buy, I want to help you. Grind told me you might be out of herbs."
"Grind?"
The lady lifted her head slowly. She rubbed her eyes and wore her glasses. She looked exactly like a mad scientist, a groggy one.
"Why didn't you say so? Please how many herbs did you get? Show me!"
"Actually, I haven't got any yet. I don't know a thing about herbs, so if you teach me I will bring you any herb you want."
"What? Then you're actually us... You said any herb?"
His instincts alerted him of something, but he chose to ignore it. He was eager to get the gathering skills unlocked.
"Yes, as long as you teach me how to collect herbs I'll bring any herb you ask me."
She gave him a wide grin. In her eyes there was a mischievous light.
("****. I can't believe I just said it.)
Beth pushed herself closer, almost letting her big chest touch Samuel's arm and said in a seductive tone that would cause someone hearing to misunderstand the situation.
"Hey, handsome. I have a very exciting quest for you!"