[Entering Realm...]
Rhys felt as if his mind was traveling through a long tunnel. It wasn't a bad feeling, but it was not a good one either.
Rhys was reluctant to go back, especially in his current mental state, however, he wanted to complete the mission when he could. The rewards were enticing enough to get him to continue his pursuit.
His mind snapped back, and now, he was back in where he left off.
The phone kept ringing and ringing. Over and over and over again.
Rhys's attempts at focusing were futile.
But, he didn't want to pick up the phone.
His mission was far more important than a simulation...
However, he still felt guilty.
He still felt terrible leaving that phone behind.
Because it was not only an annoying sound but his children's calls for help.
Footsteps sounded behind him. Heavy, loud ones which seemed to catch the attention of the other workers.
Suddenly, the phone was picked up by a big, wrinkly hand.
"Takahashi, Shut off the damn phone idiot! It's getting on my nerves!"
He threw the phone against the wall, instantly killing the sound and the phone itself. Rhys was shaken.
'He's kind of like my father...' Rhys thought, panicked.
Although, the two did not look anything alike. What struck Rhys was not their appearance, but their personality. Belligerent, easy to anger, and close-minded. While it was a dangerous combination of traits, it was also a common one. Especially in those who surrounded Rhys.
They were immature children with the privileges of adults.
But like everything else in his life, Rhys was already used to it.
As the sound of the phone died, a pang of overwhelming guilt started to bubble from the bottom of his heart.
He wanted to keep a cool head, but that was easier said than done because humans are a combination of heart and head. What dictates your thoughts, the mind, the center of rational and logical thinking, or the heart, the center of emotions and impulse?
For Rhys, it was more the heart than the mind.
But, he felt slightly number than usual...
[System reminder: Do not answer the phone]
'The phone's already destroyed, System...'
Was his System dumb?
He couldn't answer the phone if he wanted to.
He couldn't answer the cries of his children even if he wanted to.
He was stuck between saving them and completing the mission.
It was a simulation, the System said it was a simulation.
It should be fine...
Rhys gulped.
Just work.
That is all that matters.
Was this the mind of a salaryman?
Was this it?
He was just supposed to accept it? That the children were going to suffer and continue doing so?
Rhys felt heartless just leaving them behind. But, thinking about it further, those feelings were most likely not his.
If you were told it was a game, you would likely not care for the events that occurred within. Because there were no consequences to your actions. Rhys found it odd how he cared so much.
'Is that true, System?'
'[Yes]'
No wonder why.
He rubbed his temples. The work was starting to numb his mind. It was a familiar feeling, albeit in most cases an unwanted one. However, right now, he welcomed it with open arms.
He wanted a distraction. His emotions were all over the place. On one hand, he felt deeply saddened, desperate, and heartless, and on the other, he didn't care at all. They mixed as well as oil and water, and both conflicted with one another.
It was as if he, no, Takahashi was crying for help. But the strange thing was the fact that it seemed more like desperation than anger. Rhys bore a certain resentment towards that woman who was his "wife", but Takahashi was more sad than angry. In fact, he didn't feel much anger from him at all.
There was a sense of understanding from Takahashi towards her, which Rhys only partially understood. They seemed to have a lot in common, after all. But it was only partially.
Suddenly, something wet dripped on his table.
His face felt warm.
Tears. It was tears.
'Takahashi...'
His vision started to cloud as tears formed and spilled out of his eyes.
'Ah, how annoying...'
Rhys was getting a little irritated.
"Stop crying! You keep doing this, retard! Every day I swear!" The boss yelled. He was also getting annoyed with Takahashi's antics. He slammed his fist on the table, making a loud 'Bang!' sound.
'I wish'
Rhys rubbed his eyes, attempting to clear his vision.
The tears did not stop, but Rhys persisted in his work.
Time passed, and slowly, the tower of papers was getting shorter and shorter. While he continued his work, his boss kept piling more and more to keep him busy.
His eyes were getting heavy as his breaths started to slow. His mind felt muddled, unable to process anything else than what he was doing currently. His wild emotions, paired with his constant need to focus made it harder for him.
The System stopped reminding him as if it finally understood that Rhys could comprehend his task.
'How much time has passed since my arrival, System?'
'[8 hours]'
'4 hours in the real world...'
'I still have plenty of time.'
He felt his lips.
They were dry and chapped. He could feel the individual creases on them almost as he licked them.
'Ah, I forgot to drink water.'
He had been too focused. His eyes started to dim.
He filled a small, paper cup full of cold water. As he took a sip, he felt the refreshment all over his body. But now, it was time to go back to work. He was forgetting. Forgetting his basic human necessities. The mind-numbing feeling was getting stronger and stronger.
He felt his stomach growl, his body urge for a taste of SOMETHING. However, after years and years of constantly studying, he developed a habit of neglecting his needs. It was a poisonous habit, one which reaped the happiness of Rhys and many others who attended his school.
He somewhat understood why many of the kids ended up turning to smoking, alcohol, e.t.c. It was a way to let them escape from their life. Rhys even considered it a few times. But of course, everyone had their own reasons.
But now, he was getting tired.
He wanted to rest his eyes.
He stared at the bright white light and looked at his dim surroundings. Many new faces appeared as the old ones had already left, back home to their wives and children.
The lighting. It was...comforting.
"I want to sleep..." He muttered quietly.
He drew in a deep breath.
Slowly, he closed his eyes, giving into the-
[You have completed the mission: Suit and Tie]
[You have received 15 exp]
[You have received +3 all stats]
[You have unlocked new functions: Shop, Inspect]
[You have unlocked a new Archetype: Salaryman]