The bedroom door opens, and a young dark-haired woman comes out, worried.
_ Mrs ? The housekeeper looks at her, worried.
_ Let me know when he wakes up, Liza. Continue the care and check his constants every half hour until my return.
_ You go out ? The sun is going to set soon, I should accompany you ...
_ You already have a reason to stay. I won't be long, I'll take a walk.
_ Very good… madam ?
_ Yes, Liza?
_ Be careful…
Asaria smiles at her in response and turns on her heel. Liza knows her mistress won't be back until the next day and sighs. She practically raised this child, taking care of her with her own mother since she was five years old, but she never managed to force anything on her. We have to keep the boy alive, until then. She's a servant, not a doctor ... But Madame insisted, so ...
The half-open shower door let out the water vapor it was trapping. Asaria's arm reaches up to the towel, unable to reach it, when the door opens, and Liza holds it out to her. The sun bathes the room in light, but the maid does not want to be happy about it.
_ Hello, Lisa, Asaria said taking the towel.
_ Ma'am, you spent the night out, could you please be more careful?
"I'm fine," Asaria said in an unmistakable tone. I just needed to take a walk, okay?
The steam disappears, Lisa unwillingly observes through the half-open door and notices that the water escaping through the siphon has a bloody color. Asaria abruptly covers her sight, a guilty look on her face… No need to speak, Liza knows that blood had nothing to do here. Two eyes meet, telling more than all the words in the world. But eventually the maid leaves.
_ Liza. Where are you going ?
"Madame seems to be doing very well on her own," the woman said in a broken voice. I'll leave your clothes on the cabinet for you, I'll prepare breakfast.
_ Wait, Liza! I didn't mean ... Please Liza ...
The woman said nothing, and didn't turn around, pulling on the sleeves of her strict coat. Asaria is not his daughter, or his blood sister, but she holds this place in his heart. She feels helpless when she knows what dangers her baby has gotten into, and hurt when Asaria reminds her that she is just her employee.
Asaria's voice then grew softer, almost pleading.
_ I'm sorry ... don't get angry ... please ...
A few seconds of silence sets in before Liza asks.
_ A fruit salad and pear-apple-chocolate pancakes for breakfast would suit Madame?
Asaria gives a childish smile and responds excitedly ...
_ Yes ! Thanks Lisa! I love you !
This childish joy is enough for Lisa to forgive her everything. Her rejoicing can be read in spite of herself on her face, but she manages to keep her attitude ...
_ Good ! Don't be late or you won't get anything!
_ Yes ! Promised!
_ Ah and, madam?
_ Yes ? Asaria's purple eyes have regained their sparkle as she dries off.
_ He is awake.
Asaria feels elated and frightened at the same time. Relieved by Kumail's recovery, she is also excited to be able to talk to him. But on the other hand, it's because of her that he's hurt.
The last time they spoke, things got pretty bad, way more than Kumail saw, and most of all… This is the first boy she invites over to her house.
Well, technically she didn't invite him, but the result is the same: he's here.
She stands, towel covered, in front of her mirror, and begins a self-motivating monologue.
...
_ Do you know who it is ? Whispers a first voice near the bed.
_ No. They really didn't tell you anything ? Said a second, equally feminine.
_ Nothing at all ... Resumes the first.
_ He looks very damaged anyway, poor thing ... said the second. Maybe she just rescued him. Maybe she doesn't know him either! Wouldn't that look like her ?
_ A love story that starts with a rescue, makes the first one with a falsely dramatic voice, Oh, that's… absolutely not like her at all. She would have brought him back to the clinic if he was a stranger.
_ Always breaking the delusions, you suck! takes up the second.
_I don't know about you, but if « She" doesn't want it, I'll take it for sure, the second said with a chuckle, followed by the other.
Kumail clearly distinguishes the conversation but integrates it into his subconscious, into his dream. He slowly begins to emerge from his sleep and distinguishes two figures, two young women with long hair, a redhead and a brunette.
_ ... anyway she can't ....
_ Lili...
_ What ! That's true ! Besides, she never ...
_ Lili !
_ What !
_ His eyes…
Lili turns around and sees that Kumail is awake and with his eyes wide open. Taken by surprise, she is unsettled but quickly falls back on her feet. She gets dangerously close to Kumail ...
_ And besides you have beautiful eyes ...
She sits down next to him without embarrassment, a predatory smile on her perfectly made-up face. Kumail is not leading it off. He is still in pain, a lot of strange things have happened, but for the moment, he only sees this pretty mole under his right eye and ... her blouse yet sober, that highlights so perfectly her chest.. Barely awake, he lets himself be enchanted by Lili and her thick fiery hair as she leans towards his lips.
_ Lili !
The cry of the other maid startles Lili.
_ Ok, ok ... you don't have to shout Maddy.
_ I think so!
Lili gets out of bed but before leaving, she leans over and whispers in Kumail's ear "it's just a setback."
Kumail begins to realize what situation he is in.
_ Wait ... Who are you?
"I'm Maddy," said the brunette, and she's Lili, delighted. We are part of the household staff. I apologize for Lili's inappropriate behaviour!
_ "Inappropriate". You didn't see how he enjoyed it girl, the redhead said, winking at Kumail.
_ Shhh! Go on and I tell Liza!
Lili sulks a bit, but Kumail quickly gets back to the main topic.
_ But what happened?
_ What do we know? Lili retorts casually. We were just notified of your arrival, and that we needed to make sure you got well.
_ What do you mean, "my recovery" ...?
Kumail opens with shock his eyes and observes his body from under the blanket. He then notices the bandages and begins to remember… The pain, the blood, the darkness… Asaria. He panics and frantically tries to remove his bandages.
_ Stop, yells Maddy. You are not yet well!
Nothing to do, despite the intervention of the two women, Kumail ends up removing the bandages from his chest to find ... Nothing at all.
_ Nothing…
_ Well yeah you were hoping to find what? Lili asks. A tattoo ? Pff ...
_ But ! There was a huge hole! I was dying!
Maddy put back the bandages, while he remains motionless, utterly lost, and reassures him.
_ Look, I know that you must have some questions that gnaw at you, that this must be all very strange. Our mistress knows, but we don't have the answers ... So there's no point in worrying about things that you can't solve yet. The most important thing is that you stay here and focus on your healing, okay?
_ And who is your mistress?
_ Madam Vasilissa, Asaria Vasilissa.
_ Asaria ...
The name has the effect of a defibrillator on Kumail.
_ Did she find me? Isn't she hurt? And the other guy who was there, he's dangerous! Where did she go? Why is ...!
_ Oh oh oh, slowly we calm down beauty sleep, we already told you we didn't know anything, said Lili. We didn't even know she knew you, but if that's any reassurance, she's fine, okay?
_ Maybe you should calm down and rest. You must still be confused by all of this, but you will soon know the whole story. kindly advises Maddy.
_ Thank you ... I feel pretty good. Can I take a shower?
_ Yes of course, the bathroom is behind this door. There is something to wash yourself and towels. Madame Asaria thinks of everything, ends the brunette with a gentle smile.
Looking up, Kumail realizes the bedroom is easily double the size of his apartment. It's slightly intimidating. But it sticks with the outer frame.
_ This is ... Just a room?
_ Yes, one of the guest rooms.
'We live here,' said Lili, 'but don't worry, we realize that it's big enough to wonder what it makes up for.
_ Lili !
_ What?
_ Ok ... I'm going ... I'm going to take a shower, Kumail said smiling.
Used to living only with Pune, and, in other words, not respecting any rules of decorum, Kumail gets out of bed in his underwear and crosses the room as if it was nothing.
_ Oh and uh ... Girls? Would it be possible to visit a little later? He asks with an innocent smile.
Lili obviously does not hide her devouring scanner of Kumail's body.
_ Yes yes no problem, answers Maddy a little surprised.
He turns around, and Maddy is forced to take her colleague by the arm to turn her attention to more professional activities.
The sound of water is heard as they make up the bed and freshen up. But when it's done, Maddy looks towards the bathroom.
_ Maybe we should go ... No? Whispers the youngest.
_ Uh ... No, said Lili in the same tone with an amused smile, folding up for the fifth time the same towel (which was already folded and put away at the start)
_ Do not tell me that you are thinking of going to join him! Maddy is indignant.
_ What? no… Not at all, answers the redhead, looking dreamily towards the bathroom. But you know that with the mistress we always wait in front of the shower to hand her towel and clothes. He is his guest so it is our duty to be at ... His disposal.
_ That's enough ! Maddy blushes. I'll really tell Liza! You perv!
Lili's little laugh reassures her colleague who throws a pillow in her face. But suddenly Maddy freezes.
One understands the other's gaze, the message is transmitted: there is no change of clothes. Asaria didn't give them any and they didn't think about putting on even a bathrobe. In a house of this stature, it is an unthinkable fault and ...
_ Girls ?
At the sound of Kumail's voice, Lili and Maddy freeze in front of the bed, before slowly turning around. The door opens and Kumail comes out, a towel around his waist, his body wet and his long, silvery hair pulled back.
_ I can't find my clothes ... Do you know where they are?
Lili and Maddy remain unmoved, expressionless. Kumail doesn't know if he said something wrong, or if they didn't hear. They seem weird.
_ You know ? I mean, otherwise I put my underwear back on, but it's still a bit light, right?
After a very long second of awkward silence, Maddy nudges Lili, without any discretion. A curious, whispered exchange followed, not loud enough for Kumail to hear everything.
_ Lili ? Lili ! Go get him some clothes!
_ Why me ?
_ I am your superior by seniority!
_ You were hired three days before me! Lili is indignant.
_ It's an order !
_ You will repay me Clarks, answers Lili, grumbling, but accepting anyway.
_ Sir, would you please sit down, Maddy said then, pointing to a comfortable chair near the bed. Do you have any preferences for your clothes sir?
_ Stop it. No need to "Sir" me. Call me Kumail. Please, the young man insists, seeing his surprised expression.
_ Good. Please would you...
_ Without the address. Please, he repeats again, with an innocent smile plastered on his face.
"So… please sit down," Maddy said with a smile.
_ Lili for the clothes I trust you I let you choose. Kumail said smiling.
_ Count on me, on my way now! Loose Lili, much more comfortable with familiarity.
Lili disappears at the speed of the wind leaving Maddy alone with Kumail ... Still naked under her towel and soaked.
Realizing that the maid is embarrassed, he covers himself up and waits for the clothes Lili gives him before going to get dressed in the bathroom. He then introduces himself to them in the proper form, dressed in clothes he would never have afforded himself in normal times, finding himself truly showcased.
_ Am I suitable for a visit now?
After a light laugh from Maddy, he follows the two maids to find Asaria's house, waiting to be able to see her.
The pressure, the rank, the loneliness ... Kumail understands that he is not the only one going through hardships and having a hard time. But hey, she gets to go through them while living in this luxurious residence and surrounded by servants at least.
The visit brings them to the third terrace. Lili and Maddy had planned their move, as Asaria was waiting for him to come, sitting at a well-stocked breakfast table.
At first intimidated, Kumail doesn't really know how to approach this ... fellow? Friend ? Saviour? Not to mention the fact that past events always seem unrealistic to him ....
_ Sit down.
He obeyed without answering. He sits down and looks at the table which seems huge and surreal to him with all that it contains. Real food.
_ You must be hungry, eat. Don't worry about your absences, Liza warned the dean, so they won't be a problem for you.
Kumail responds with a nod of his head, puzzled, trying to figure out what the things are in front of him. This Asaria has nothing to do with the shy young girl standing in front of him in the cafeteria.
_ Have you lost your tongue? If you don't like it you just have to say it.
_ I just woke up, at your place, with bandages and ... Breakfast?
_ We will have plenty of time to talk. But you need to eat, Kumail.
_ I guess I have no choice, but it would be a lie to say that I am not hungry. And it looks delicious. Thank you.
Asaria smiles gently at him and watches him. Kumail tastes and relishes every bite. However, the fact that he is starving and tasting food that he will probably never have access to again does not prevent him from eating normally, calmly. As if he was used to it. Which pleasantly surprises the young woman.
When he finishes his last bite, she speaks up, and gets more serious
_ Good. What were you doing in front of my house?
_ I came to take news on your absence, he said, as obvious.
_ Why ?
_ Why ? Why what ? Kumail repeats, incredulous.
_ Why come? We don't really know each other and seeing what I did to you last time ...
"You had nothing to do with it," Kumail said, shrugging his shoulders. I know it. I also came because I had a question for you. Well, now I have plenty, but I need to know that first. He continues when he sees that she is urging him to do so. That day, did a party take place, a party you were invited to but were not at it?
_ Hmmm ...
Asaria thinks and looks at Liza who confirms to her. Kumail remains silent upon hearing the response, so Asaria continues.
_ My turn. Coming to my house, you were attacked, seriously injured. It took you four days to recover ... Does the "Oath of the Horatii" mean anything to you?
Hearing these words come out of Asaria's mouth, it clicks. As if all the pieces in his mind came together. And he understands at that moment, that his life takes a decisive turn. He slowly nods his head. He needs to breathe, get his air back. He knew it was true. He knew he wasn't crazy. But now he is fully aware of it. Someone else confirmed to him what he went through. And everything becomes real.
_ So ... The infinito Mundo ... The nexus?
Asaria nods.
_ The Infinito Mundo is another world. A world in its own right. The carriers of the Nexus, those who help players get there, can activate the portal at will.
"Went there the other night," Kumail whispers more to himself. It was… so strange. A world with people who live there ... so different ...
_ You were in one of the level-free, explains Asaria. Usually, we arrive in the Shooting-Star Sphere. The other is the Black-Eyed Sphere. Then there are five other Spheres, but they are not accessible to beginners.
"That's… a lot of information," Kumail said.
Asaria activates a hologram from her high-tech watch. She scrolls through a few documents before finding the one she is looking for: a document representing the seven spheres of the Infinito Mundo. Each has a name, and the level required to access it is noted.
"For every victory a reward and for every defeat a penalty," Asaria said. And once in the competition, you can't get out of it. We go up or down. You go up: you live. you hit rock bottom: you die. There are methods to strengthen yourself, as in all games, but the principle remains fairly basic.
Hearing this, Kumail senses that the hearty breakfast he has just gobbled up is trying to turn around ... The onset of a fit kicks in, but he takes it upon himself. No way he's gonna embarrass himself in front of Asaria.
Asaria seems to have see it coming and continues, unfazed.
_ You are in the game now. You can't turn around anymore. But you can still train, and I have something to help you with that.
_ For the moment, you are safe. If you prefer, you can go home, to think about an answer.
...
Kumail can't organise his thoughts yet. Everything seems to a hair to be a terrible joke. Yet he feels that he really hurt, under his shirt, his fingers still feel the scar left by this man who was very real.
It's real.
And he's not ready.
It's one thing to fight in a video game where the only risk is having to restart a level.
He only had one real fight and he nearly died.
He was unable to defend himself.
His life so simple, that strange hope when he saw Asaria, so simple and so shy, slowly turned into something else. The fear that was beginning to find its place in Kumail's bowels was chased away by a thin hope. Asaria is here. She will know how to help him, strengthen him.
Of course she could, the young man whispers.
The residence, the servants, the food ... Is the Infinito Mundo exactly like the world he lives in? A world in which only the richest succeed?
He thinks back to the luxury she lives in, her incredulous question about food when she had forgotten that what she had was exceptional, and that others like Kumail could only dream of her comfort.
A feeling of jealousy is felt but it is quickly swept aside. He may say to himself that it is trivial, that it has no place in his mind, repress it ... but despite all the delusional information his brain has received today, he really only thinks one thing: how beautiful she was ...
And every time he thinks back to Lili's words to him at the portal, his thoughts race. "She never lets anyone in, Kumail. You are the first".
The night goes by without even realizing it.
At dawn his things are ready.
_ Pune!
_ Sir. How ... What are you doing ...?
_ We are moving.
In one go, he makes the trip with his butler by his side, a huge bag under his arm, and arrives at Asaria.
_ So. When do we begin ?
The girl who was drinking tea while watching a holo turns her head when she sees Kumail precede Maddy. She smiles at him, and puts down her cup.
_ Now.