*Chatter* *Chatter*
Seated in the bustling supermarket food court, a man with black hair and hazel eyes dons an earless earphone, momentarily escaping the cacophony of his surroundings.
The aroma of sizzling dishes from various food stalls wafts through the air, tantalizing his senses. The vibrant chatter of families and friends dining together creates a lively atmosphere, punctuated by the occasional laughter of children.
The man, however, remains immersed in his own world, the headset transporting him to a realm of auditory bliss. Oblivious to the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds enveloping him, he finds solace in the harmonious melodies that only he can hear.
'I'm feelin' lonely ~ ♪.. Oh, I wish I'd find a lover that could hold me ~ ♪.. Now I'm crying in my room. So skeptical of love ~ ♪.. But still, I want it more, more, more ♪..'
An erudite gentleman sporting spectacles gestured from afar to catch the attention of another man engrossed in his earphones. As he took a seat opposite the preoccupied individual, he called out, "Michael… Michael."
Startled, Michael glanced up and hastily removed his earphones. "Ah, Jonas! Where are the others?" he inquired.
Jonas replied, "They've been delayed due to the heavy traffic in Cabuyao." He then added, with a hint of exasperation, "The sweltering heat outside is quite unbearable."
Michael chuckled lightly and said, "I know, right?" He stood up and gestured toward his bag. "Wait here; I'll buy something."
Jonas raised an eyebrow, curious. "Where are you going?" he asked as Michael continued to walk away.
Upon returning, Michael handed Jonas a cup of ice cream and took his seat once more.
"What's this?" Jonas inquired, his expression deadpan.
"A drink, bro," Michael replied sarcastically. "Actually, it's my treat. I realized I never thanked you for piloting my account in Netorare Game, even though I barely played it myself." He dug into his own ice cream, savoring the sweet taste.
Jonas adjusted his glasses slightly and responded, "It's no problem, bro. After all, you're quite the hotshot on the basketball court, aren't you? Your schedule must be incredibly demanding."
Michael offered a faint smile, his curiosity piqued as he inquired, "By the way, just how many alts accounts do you have?"
Jonas confidently responded, "All of the routes," as he scooped up some ice cream and relished it. "Thank you for the ice cream."
"Damn, even the Seduction Route? You're playing that one too? Are you a masochist or something?" Michael quipped, his tone laced with incredulity.
Jonas eyebrow twitched inadvertently, "Yeah, I'm playing it, and no, I'm not a masochist! I have the truest sense of a gamer," he retorted, his voice tinged with defensiveness.
Michael almost rolled his eyes at Jonas' response.
Jonas exclaimed, "Oh, there's a new Secret Endings video. Apparently, you can visit the boss at Event VIII at the beginning to Event IV with the exception of Hero Route."
"Is that so?" Michael's interest was piqued.
"I've been there, and it's quite an arduous journey, you must know where you're headed. She's an incredibly captivating woman, however upon seeing her you immediately die. And rumors said she's one of the most knowledgeable beings, as she's a descendant of the Early Humans that revered the Goddess in fresh." Jonas explained.
Abruptly, a couple and a man appeared before them. The man addressed them with a casual air, saying, "Hey there, what's the topic of conversation?" He displayed the back of his hand in a tight fist and extended it towards Michael, who responded in kind, solidifying their bond of brotherhood.
"Oh, we were just discussing the NCoC, Andrei," Michael responded.
Andrei furrowed his brow and remarked, "That stresstful game? I vow never to install it again." He glanced at Jonas with an inscrutable expression."You, Jonas, are responsible for introducing me to that traumatizing game." he drawled.
Jonas shrugged, barely suppressing a chuckle. "You claimed you possessed the fortitude to handle it."
"It's been a while, Christian," Michael stood up to shake hands with him and acknowledged the woman with a respectful nod. "And Elma."
Once the pleasantries were exchanged, Michael suggested, "Now that everyone's here, let's grab a bite to eat. I'm famished."
***
As they enjoyed their food and engaged in lively conversation, Jonas, Andrei, and Michael couldn't help but notice the couple across from them exchanging food affectionately. Their lips twitched involuntarily.
"Feeling like the fifth-wheel, are we?" Jonas murmured under his breath.
Andrei sneered, "If you devoted more time to Vinder rather than gaming, you might secure a date."
Michael merely chuckled at their banter.
Jonas turned to Michael, "Bro, I thought we are on the same team?"
Christian, overhearing their conversation, asked, "Speaking of Vinder, Michael, you've used it before, haven't you?"
"Hey…"
The group regarded him with curiosity.
"Hah… Fine, I admit I used it, but I deleted it immediately afterward. It's quite exhausting, requiring a sugary coats and consuming a significant amount of time. It's rare to find a woman who truly captures my interest, which is why I believe in destiny," Michael explained.
"Destiny?" Jonas inquired in a low tone, taking a bite of his pizza.
"How about a blind date? You're a rising star in basketball, possess decent looks, and considerable popularity," Andrei suggested. "Moreover, if they learn that you avoid clubs, have no addictions, and are a family-oriented man, you would be quite the catch for any woman."
The couple nodded in agreement as Jonas continued to savor his meal.
"Meeh… You are over flattering me. I'm just average." Michael demurred, taking a sip of his cola.
The group members exchanged glances, wanting to roll their eyes as Michael claimed to be average. They all thought to themselves, 'Average, my ass!'
Suddenly, Andrei gently lifted Michael's chin and, seemingly without thinking, wiped the corner of his lips with a napkin.
Michael grasped Andrei's hand, "Bro, could you refrain from doing that? You know how people are; they jump to conclusions." He then added, "And Elma, please put your cellphone away," before releasing his grip on Andrei's hand.
Elma's face flushed as she panted heavily. "Hah… Haa… Ha," she gasped, setting her cellphone down.
"I apologize, bro. I do that unconsciously with my younger twin siblings after we eat," Andrei explained.
"No problem, just be more mindful next time," Michael shrugged.
"Oh, by the way, my siblings miss all of you because you always spoil them with candies," Andrei mentioned.
"In that case, since exams are approaching, how about we form a study group at Andrei's house?" Christian proposed.
"Sharmaine and Aliah might appreciate that idea," Elma chimed in.
As they continued to talk about small things, the group enjoyed each other's company, savoring the moment of camaraderie and friendship.
***
As Sucura reminisced about his past memories, savoring the last morsels of his meal, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. He stood up, preparing to leave the bustling adventurer's pub, when the animated chatter of a group of adventurers caught his attention.
A bald-headed man, clearly the leader of his party, spoke with grave seriousness. "Have you heard about the Village of Meroeda? There's a rumor circulating that one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Conquest, has been spotted there."
Sucura came to an abrupt halt, his footsteps ceasing as he stood motionless.