Another figure blurred and faded into white particles around me. Snatching up a dropped short sword, I reflexly rolled to the side as an arrow brushed past my shoulder. Immediately dashing up a tall tree at my fastest speed, I saw an archer under me trembling while swiveling his head from side to side trying to find where I went.
That shot really freaked me out, way to close!
Silently stalking the scared player by lightly hopping from tree to tree, I made sure that my movements were always in line with the light breeze that ruffled the leaves.
After a few minutes of wandering, the tensed up archer finally slightly dropped his guard. Right when he lowered his nocked bow, I pushed off of the trunk of a tree and cleanly sliced his head off his shoulders with a well placed critical hit. Watching his disbelief filled face turn into white, I picked up his dropped quiver and leaped back onto a nearby tree.
"Whew...! I think this was the fifth bandit group I've wiped out today, it's sure getting tiring. Too bad I'm only a quarter into leveling my mask, but at least I've finished the quest." I sighed in relief while wiping off some sweat that had gathered on my forehead.
I had been hunting PKers in the beginner's forest for around two hours already, saving a few people here and there from being robbed. But I have to say, I've been getting a lot of stuff from these guys. After all, the more PK points you have, the higher the possibility of dropping gear when dying. My player tracer was already practically the same color as my hair! I bet if I was killed right now I would lose at least two pieces of gear for certain, if I was unlucky, possibly even up to four.
"Fuuuu…...I'll find a safe place in a tree to log out for the day then."
Finding a sturdy tree that was covered with a lot of large leaves, I climbed up onto a high branch and made sure that I wouldn't fall once I logged back in.
"Log out!"
I stepped out of my capsule and stretched, looking at the capsules located next to me. Both of them were currently in use, that meant Toku and Kai were still both in the game.
Noticing that it was already late at night, I guessed that dad must have already gone to sleep.
Dang, I feel bad about skipping dinner again…..I'll make a small snack for when my brothers log off the game.
Quietly walking into the dark kitchen without making any footsteps, I prepared mini-sandwiches and set them on the kitchen table.
Taking one that I had made for myself, I quickly devoured it and went to my room to prepare for the next day of school.
Hmmmm…..tomorrow was Friday, so I wouldn't have to worry about Eugene transferring yet. At earliest he would show up on Monday, but hopefully, it takes a few more weeks.
Finishing going over my materials for class, I changed into a baggy hoodie and shorts then dove into my bed.
I'm dead tired from hunting player the entire day, although my body feels fine, my mental state was drained. Hopefully, I get a good nights sleep!
And with that thought I shut my eyes, falling deep into unpleasant dreams of the past.
____
((("Mommy! My friends and I made a secret group, and I'm the leader. There are these cool boys in my class as well and everyone loves them!"
"Hehehe! Yuri darling, you make sure you don't fall in love too soon before mommy tells you to okay? You're still too young for that, wait until you get to college." A beautiful woman gently teased me while hugging me tightly.
Responding to her with a bright innocent smile, I cheerfully agreed and enthusiastically hugged her back.
"Okay, mom! I promise I'll only fall in love once I graduate high school!" I yelled out with a warm promise.
Hearing my answer, she chuckled and lightly kissed my cheek.
"Now aren't you a good girl huh? Come here!")))
____
"Ha!?" I suddenly awoke with a start, sitting up drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.
"Gugh….well….it's really been a long time since I've had that dream," I whispered to myself while slowly getting my mind back on track.
Looking around my room in reassurance, I once again promised my mother as I did in the dream.
"Don't worry mom, even if you were only teasing me, it was your last words. I promise to keep them."
Tiredly placing my hand to my head, I smiled slightly with a troubled expression.
"It must be because of Eugene moving here, ugh, this is why I didn't wish for him to come…..but let's not think about that for now."
Shaking the thoughts out of my mind, I got out of my bed and changed into my uniform. Combing my hair into a more presentable state, I splashed water on my face to wake myself up. Finishing my usual morning routine, I put an innocent smile on my face and walked into the kitchen.
"Yo Yuri, thanks for the sandwiches yesterday night," Toku said while slowly munching on a piece of toast.
"No problem! I feel bad for not making dinner these days because of the game." I responded with a cheerful laugh, sitting down across from him and picking up an apple.
Seeming to remember something, he looked at me for a moment and then spoke.
"Dad and Kai left early this morning because Mr. Franco arrived the other day. They'll also get home later than usual." He stated with an unreadable expression on his face. "Also, I've wanted to ask you this Sis. What's your username in Sapphire? I've been so busy with certain things that I've completely forgotten."
…...Ah, here comes the expected question. No problem, I've prepared for this!
"Oh! I forgot to ask for yours as well, mine's Yuka! I'm a level four ranger right now, too bad I'm not on the leaderboard. Those people are crazy, but I bet you and Kai are on there right?" I innocently lied while grinning at my little brother.
I'm so sorry for lying! But it's fun keeping my identity as Lynx a secret, I really don't know why, maybe a bit more freedom in the game?
"I'm Lapis, Kai's Beryl, we're both on the leaderboards. You should know that already though right?" He said while monotonously munching his bread with a blank expression.
Hahaha…..no I had no clue who's on the leaderboards at all…..except for the little bits of information I caught around the town. Maybe I should have just asked Lyssia for the basic information ahead of time.
Glancing at the clock, I finished eating my breakfast and got ready to leave. Right as I was about to say goodbye to Toku, he shocked me with an immensely surprising fact that caused my brain to short circuit.
"Oh, that's right. I'll be staying at my girlfriend's house tonight so I won't be home."
…
…
…
Lies.
M-my little brother that never does anything until he's interested actually got a…..GIRLFRIEND?!?!
The world is ending, help.
Spinning round and staring at him with my mouth gaping open. I caught an amused light dance in his eyes for a split-second.
"T-Toku, since when did you get a girlfriend without me knowing….?" I stuttered while composing myself.
"Oh, I actually confessed to her last week. She accepted and we started dating pretty recently."
…
What?
"Hey, is the world ending soon? A girl is actually interesting enough to catch your attention?!?!"
"Big Sis, I'll let the family meet her this weekend. She's a...very peculiar girl." He responded with a slight smile showing on his face.
Did my little brother just smile for the first time in forever?
I'm not sure how to process this information, but with a smile, he actually doesn't look bad at all. I'm not surprised he managed to charm the girl he was aiming for.
With my mind still reeling in shock, Toku kicked me out of the house and closed the door, his face once again expressionless.
…
I-I don't know how to act in front of younger girls…..I think I'll just act myself?
But what exactly is acting myself?
With my mind still stuck in my thoughts, I jogged to school while contemplating how to deal with my new little brother's girlfriend.