Saad decided to run back home since he had nothing more to do, but the journey was quite long. He couldn't fathom why there were still no mounts available in the game. He had seen the people of Seraphia using Draumur, essentially horses with thick, luscious manes and furry feet, which didn't seem too fancy considering the usual mounts of rpg games.
He would even be happy with that, however, there was no mount option for players, so he hadn't dwelled on it much. Most people, including players, either walked or ran. Saad was sprinting at full speed when suddenly he experienced a glitch, tingles coursing through his head as he tumbled into the snow, emitting a groan.
[You have fallen into the snow. HP -1]
Saad grunted in frustration when yet another notification appeared.
[New content is being added to the game.
The server is being temporarily shut down for maintenance. The server will be available at EST: 5:00. We request the players to be patient. CWS]
'What?!' Saad didn't even have time to react before the game abruptly shut down on its own, leaving him to stare at a black screen.
"These damn developers!!!" He kicked his legs, not particularly gracefully, and took off the headset, frustratingly staring at the ceiling. Lazily turning to his side, Saad noticed that the electricity seemed to have come back while he was immersed in his game. Deciding to put his laptop and phone on charge, he also took the opportunity to get out of the suit and put it away before heading off to sleep. Saad wasn't someone who regularly checked his emails, or else he might have seen the maintenance notice that was sent out yesterday.
-----
Saad woke up to the familiar buzz of his alarm clock, signaling the start of another workday. The thought of checking the game before going to work was too tempting but Saad held back.
His routine was predictable but necessary, and he went through the motions of getting ready for the day, the prayer and then having the same old breakfast. Before he rode his bicycle to the factory. As expectedly, while Haroon wasn't outright ignoring him, Amir was. And Saad was glad that the man was ignoring him instead of picking fights.
'Let's see who will have the last laugh!'
Saad whispered to himself in his heart with a determined glint in his eyes as he continued cycling, speeding up a little since he wasn't interested in hearing them talk.
The rhythmic hum of the sewing machines greeted him as he entered the factory. There was nothing new, just the jeans, zippers and his sewing machine. The monotonous yet precise task demanded his attention, and he was keen on delivering flawless work – a determination fueled by the memory of a previous scolding from his supervisor, Farooq.
As Saad settled into his workstation, he focused on the task at hand. The soft whir of the sewing machine became a background melody as he meticulously worked on attaching zips to garments, trying to forget about the game's content that was making his heart beat anxiously.
Saad's day unfolded in the repetitive but disciplined rhythm of the factory, and finally, he was able to get his mind off the game for next hours.
----
As Saad stepped into his room, a sense of urgency overtook him. He bypassed the usual routine, opting only for a quick gulp of water. Hastily, he adorned himself with the familiar gear—body suit, haptic gloves, and the headset. The anticipation surged as he connected to the game.
[Welcome to the Chimerical World System.]
Nexus of Ascendance unfolded before him, its ethereal beauty as enchanting as the first time. The futuristic structures, reminiscent of Greek temples, stood against the ever-changing backdrop of day and night. Saad couldn't resist running his fingers over the glimmering ruins on the marble pillars. Amid this awe-inspiring scene, a whisper, eerily close, reached his ears.
"Old habits die hard. You are as distracted as ever."
Saad swiveled to face the source of the voice, and there, standing before him, was the familiar NPC from his first foray into the game—Aeron. If possible, the developers had managed to enhance his virtual charm. Aeron's flawless physique was now adorned with a sheer, shimmering black shirt that left little to the imagination, showcasing his perfect abs and slender frame.
"Welcome to the enchanting world of Chimerical World System," Aeron greeted, a playful smirk playing on his lips. He tilted his head, letting strands of silver hair delicately cascade onto his neck. "Still getting lost in my stunning physique? Your species truly does have a brain the size of a pea. Enough ogling, follow me for more important matters," Aeron snarkily remarked, his tone casual yet dripping with playful mockery.
Aeron turned away, his multiple sets of wings trailing on the floor, leaving a shimmering trail of silver dust. Saad, still flustered, finally regained his bearings and retorted, "There's hardly anything to ogle at, you know."
The angel spoke with an air of indifference, "I know you're thrilled to see me again, but aren't you curious about the maintenance event?"
Saad, eager to know more, quickly asked, "Maintenance event? What happened? Is there an update? Please tell me that they fixed my curse!"
Aeron continued walking down another corridor, with Saad trailing behind. Noticing that they weren't heading towards the Nexus of Ascendance, but rather a separate route, Aeron sighed.
"I'll say this only once," Aeron began, "I know your attention span is that of a child, but can you focus on what I'm about to tell you for a few seconds?"
Saad grumbled in response, "You still have that attitude problem. Instead of giving you a new outfit, the developers should have worked on your nasty personality."
Aeron chuckled and mocked Saad, "Maybe you should stop being so obsessed with how I look and, for once, keep your mouth shut or you might miss important information." He then began explaining about the blessing from the God of animals, Hati, "The God Hati has bestowed his blessing on humans. Now, humans can use celestial beings as their mounts and familiars. You must have seen people of Seraphia using Draumur and other livestock." Aeron looked towards the arcade window, looking at the changing day and night and the season, "It's a step forward, but humans still don't stand a chance against other races. Don't waste your time."
Excitement bubbled up in Saad as he questioned, "So, does that mean I can finally have a mount?"
Aeron stopped and looked at him with a sigh, "Why do you lack delicacy so much? Despite having a good face, why is your charm so low? Are you trying to become a muscle brain?"
Saad grumbled, "Don't forget, I'm cursed. Try living with a curse that always strikes you at your weakest and having no vitality."
Aeron chuckled, tucking a silver strand away with a sly smile, his laughter carrying a hint of mockery. "Oh, darling, don't whine so much. The Gods would never be so cruel to their precious humans. Besides, complaining won't help you."
Saad grumbled, staring at the angel and for a while they just walked and Saad could see a strange portal in the distance. "What is this place?"
Aeron scoffed, a sarcastic grin playing on his lips. "Oh, I thought you'd never ask. How I adore your enthusiasm," he replied, not bothering to hide the mockery in his tone.
"I really hate you," Saad grumbled with annoyance.
Aeron simply ignored the comment, stopping in his tracks. "This place is the vault of heaven, and I am your guardian angel," he explained.
Saad looked confused. "What does that mean?"
Aeron sighed, fluttering his wings in annoyance or perhaps amusement. "I've been waiting for Kael's soul to be summoned so I could perform my duty."
Saad found this information amazing since this wasn't written anywhere on the blogs. Did all players know this or was he the only one who didn't ask? "Do all players have an angel?"
Aeron nodded as they reached the portal and replied cryptically, "Some don't need an angel, and some prefer devils." He turned back and then leaned in, making Saad step back with surprise.
"What are you doing?" Saad asked, not trusting Aeron one bit and the angel just clicked his tongue and sighed as he gripped Saad's chin and placed a kiss on his forehead, rendering the male speechless and shocked.
[You have received the blessing of a higher being.]
"Go now. Don't waste my blessing." Aeron of course, seemed to be having a lot of fun as he pushed the still struck and horrified Saad to the portal.
"See you later~ Don't die." Aeron smiled and then there was darkness.
[The game is now synchronizing.]
[Please wait patiently.]
[Sight synchronization 100%.]
[Touch synchronization 100%.]
[Taste synchronization 100%.]
[Hearing synchronization 100%.]
[Smell synchronization 100%.]
[Please open your status window for a detailed look at your character. Good luck with your journey in Chimerical World system.]
Saad gasped as he opened his eyes, finding himself laying in the bed and blinked before he pressed his fingers on his forehead and then groaned loudly.
'Damn developers!!'