After nearly three hours of work, Melina finally finished cleaning the last of the destruction. She looked at her father, who was standing there holding a shattered fragment in his hand.
"Do you think they will pay?" Melina asked.
Wendell looked at his youngest daughter, at the worried expression on her face. He couldn't keep the sigh within his lips. "Haa, I don't know, Sweet-heart. That group was full of strange individuals. Although, that black-haired girl with the dark ink on her arm seemed to be a semi-upright person. If they pay, it will probably be thanks to her."
Wendell's voice dripped with admiration. "That girl was actually a cultivator, and she was from The Black Swan Sect, no less. Yet, that black-haired girl wasn't afraid. The young man even fought her and even won."
Seeing the admiration in her father's eyes, Melina couldn't help thinking back. The image of a handsome brown-haired boy pushed into her mind. His imposing figure and relaxed smile made her heart flutter.
But, the image of a gentle black-haired boy was able to push away the other, bringing a sweet smile to Melina's lips. "That Cain boy was sweet, like an innocent puppy. I'm worried those people are going to corrupt him."
Wendell shook his head. "The life of a cultivator isn't for an innocent boy like him. He will need to lose his innocence or lose his life. That is the sad truth of the cultivation world. A cultivator's life is always hanging by a thread, teetering between life and death."
Melina resolutely shook her head. "No, you're wrong. He is going to be okay. I can feel it."
Looking at the concerned and determined look in his daughter's eyes, Wendell sighed. "You really like that boy, don't you?"
Melina blushed. "Dad, don't tease me. He was kind of interesting and really sweet, that's all."
Wendell laughed. "Well, it won't be easy for him to claim my sweet daughter's hand! I'll peel at least a layer of that boy's skin off!"
Melina pouted, shaking her head as she blushed. "Dad! I told you, it's not like that!"
…
Cain sneezed, drawing everyone's attention.
Jaime chuckled. "I wonder if someone is thinking about our handsome leader?"
Jenna giggled, teasing him. "Probably that cute little shop girl. I saw the way she kept looking at you~." Little did Jenna know, she was spot on.
Jaime smiled. "Well, Imma log off for the night. I have a few things to take care of."
Jaime tapped the tattoo on his wrist twice in quick succession, bringing up a secondary menu.
[Time: 9:03pm]
[Menu Customization]
[Logout]
After experimenting for a few minutes, they had found this second menu. Even the people without cultivation like Jenna and Jaime could access it.
Saying his quick goodbyes, Jaime pushed the button at the bottom of the menu.
His body became semi-transparent before shattering into a cluster of tiny indigo lights. The scene was quite beautiful.
Aisha shook her head. "This game does everything over the top. I even forgot we were in a game."
Everyone else just nodded silently, looking at the space where Jaime was standing. Everyone except one.
Rella didn't seem to notice the disappearing lights, and she didn't question their conversation. "Now that he is gone, maybe I can finally take a bath in peace."
Aisha and Jenna both scrutinized Rella.
"I'm also going to go." Timothee suddenly spoke, hopping off the bed. "Nana would want me to eat dinner soon. Bye, bye. I'll be back in the morning!"
"Goodnight, Timmy," Aisha said, giving him a sweet smile.
Sticking his tongue out at her, Timothee hit logout, vanishing in a burst of blue light.
Aisha frowned, watching the lights. She mumbled, "I can't believe I already miss that troublemaker."
Jenna giggled, seeing Aisha's distant expression. "I also miss the rowdy boy."
Aisha nodded, glancing at Cain. "Are you going to log off as well?"
Cain got a distant look in his eyes as he responded. "Well, Belle doesn't ever get home until eleven, so I will stick around a little longer."
"Belle. Is she your sister?" Aisha asked, a soft glint in her eyes.
Cain nodded, his face brightening as he thought of his twin. Cain spoke for several moments about his sister, talking more in these few minutes than he did in the past few hours.
The three girls in the room could feel the love and admiration flowing in Cain's voice. They all became lost in their thoughts, their expressions unreadable.
After a moment, Aisha smiled at the boy, gently patting his leg. "Well, don't get into too much trouble when I'm not here, okay?"
Cain nodded his head, a resolute look on his face. "I won't. I'll be careful."
Aisha chuckled at his seriousness. "Good, you better. Well, goodnight, all of you." Aisha smiled, disappearing in a flash of green light.
Seeing it was only Cain and Jenna left, Rella stood up. "I'm going to finally take my bath. Hopefully, no one teleports into the room this time~."
Jenna giggled, looking up at Rella with a mischievous grin. "Do you need someone to wash you back?"
Rella stared at Jenna, boggled by the words of the beauty before her. 'Why is everyone hitting on me today?! What is going on? And why does my heart flutter every time?!'
Jenna giggled at Rella's shocked face. She could practically hear the girl's confused heartbeat. "Haa… Unlucky~." Jenna sighed, her sweet voice tingling Rella's eardrums.
Before Rella could snap out of her shock, Jenna stood up. "I'll be back in a bit. Imma go explore the town for a bit. You wanna come, Cain?"
Cain nodded, excitedly looking at Jenna.
Jenna smiled, reaching her hand out and taking Cain's. "Then let's go."
Cain wrapped his hand around Jenna's, feeling her silk-like palm. "Okay."
Rella couldn't help but feel slightly jealous, looking at their connected hands. But, Jenna didn't seem to notice as she waved over her shoulder. "See ya later, cutie~ We'll be back in a bit. Enjoy your bath."
For the first time tonight, Rella found herself alone in the room. A few hours ago, she wanted nothing more than to be alone in a warm bath. But, right now, she felt extremely lonely, wanting nothing more than to see the faces of the troublesome group.
She wanted to hear their obnoxious jokes. She wanted to see them laughing and laugh alongside them. She wouldn't even mind being teased. She just didn't want to be alone anymore.