The moment he equipped them, a surge of thrill coursed through him. The moonstone earrings held a remarkable power – they could activate a protective barrier that absorbed damage from enemies that were ten levels higher for a full minute.
Saad's excitement was almost overwhelming, and he couldn't contain a delighted exclamation. Finally, the game was delivering the kind of experience he had longed for. As he glanced at his sister, he could see that Arabella was equally thrilled with her own pair of moonstone earrings. However, a nagging thought lingered in Saad's mind. He couldn't help but wonder about the true intentions behind these carefully chosen gifts.
As he observed his family members rejoicing in their gifts, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Were these gifts truly just tokens of affection, or was there a deeper purpose behind them? He recalled the earlier tension in the room, how his locked vitality and low physical defense had been brought to light. The timing of these powerful gifts seemed almost too convenient. Could it be that his family was trying to compensate for his vulnerabilities? But the main question was, if they were aware of the reason behind his unusual constitution. It was a game after all, there was no way that his character's issue was 'naturally' present.
Saad's excitement began to blend with a growing sense of curiosity. He didn't want to believe that these NPCs were hiding the truth from him, or perhaps they weren't fully aware of the extent of the issues themselves. Whatever the case, Saad knew that he needed to tread carefully. Since right now didn't seem like a good time to bring it up, perhaps he can separately ask the elders one by one, and maybe he can get a clue. For now though, he just enjoyed the leisurely moment after having been running all over the place in the game.
As the day in both the real world and the virtual realm drew late, Saad decided it was time to log out.. Exiting the game, he stretched his arms and yawned, feeling a sense of satisfaction and curiosity mingling within him he turned his attention to the real world. He opened up his laptop and instinctively checked World Tube to check how his video was doing.
To his surprise, the videos he had uploaded of the arachnid attack had gained significant attention. The view count had surged by almost a thousand. It was a thrilling revelation, and Saad's excitement swelled once again. But as he scrolled through the comments, a mix of elation and disappointment washed over him.
The comments section was a whirlwind of reactions. While some viewers praised his gameplay skills and marveled at the intense battle he had to go through at a low level, others were laden with hate and resentment. It was almost as if they had come to just hate comment him.
He noticed mentions of him stealing someone else's prey, and his heart sank as he realized the source of the negative comments. Ruth, the other player who had 'interrupted' his fight with the arachnid queen, had uploaded her own video.
Saad's curiosity got the better of him, and he navigated to Ruth's channel. There it was, a video with a caption that hit him like a punch: "Shameless Prey Stealing." The video played out the same battle, but it was edited to emphasize her contribution and imply that he had unjustly taken her kill. The comment section of her video was filled with accusations against him.
A surge of frustration and anger coursed through Saad. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. Without thinking, he began to create different fake accounts on World Tube. He started disliking Ruth's video, leaving insulting comments in retaliation. Hours seemed to blur as Saad let off steam, venting his frustration through the virtual world. The weight of the accusations, the stress of the game, and the competitive nature of the online space fueled his actions.
Finally, after three hours of digital confrontation, Saad shut off his laptop, his chest heaving with mixed emotions. Exhaustion replaced the initial satisfaction, leaving him to grapple with his actions. As he lay in bed, the glow of the moonstone earrings still vivid in his mind, he drifted into sleep, his thoughts a maelstrom of tangled feelings.
---------------------------------
The early morning sunlight painted a warm hue across Saad's room as he roused from his slumber. The small window was strategically placed to allow the light to fall directly on his face, acting as a natural alarm clock. Sunday had arrived, bathed in its full glory, marking the last day he could dedicate entirely to his virtual endeavors.
After a slight shuffle, bolstered by a brief internal pep talk, he swung his legs out of bed. Moving swiftly, he quickly got out of bed, eager to seize the day. Determined to maximize his gaming time, he decided to have a swift breakfast that would sustain him for the next six to seven hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
A splash of water on his face awakened him further, though his stubble had grown in, he opted not to shave his prickly beard. Slipping on his slippers, he headed to the kitchen to prepare a simple yet delightful breakfast. The aroma of freshly made flaky paratha mingling with the scent of roasted chickpea curry and rich milk tea filled the air, eliciting a hungry rumble from his stomach. The golden paratha looked tantalizing, and the chickpea curry's flavors danced on his taste buds, providing a delightful start to the day. A cup of milk tea rounded off the meal, leaving his stomach content.
With his appetite sated, he returned to his room, carefully locking the door behind him. Slipping into the skin-tight VR suit, he settled onto his bed and donned the VR headset. Excitement flickered in his eyes as he logged into the captivating game world of Seraphia, greeted by a welcoming message.
[Welcome to the Chimerical World System.]
As the virtual landscape materialized before him, Saad found himself standing within the confines of his cozy in-game room. The daylight streamed in through the windows, signaling that time was of the essence. Saad's immediate task was to equip his light armor; after all, he had logged out the previous night still wearing the Young Master's clothing set. The armor settled comfortably onto his form, imbuing him with a sense of preparedness. Armor in the game wasn't merely a protective layer; it symbolized his identity as an adventurer, an embodiment of his aspirations.
Shifting his attention to his quest log, Saad was confronted with a list of objectives that demanded his focus. This Sunday was his chance to maximize his progress and complete as many quests as possible. One particular quest stood out to him: the [Arachnid Bane Sizzle Serum]. Not only was it the first quest on his list, but it also promised a quick infusion of funds. With determination, Saad resolved to embark on this quest. He believed that it could provide him with a swift monetary boost.
With this intention in mind, he decided it was time to pay a visit to his master, the Ashen Witch. There was a glimmer of hope that she might offer hints or guidance on locating the required plants for the quest. After all, being a herbalist herself, she held valuable knowledge that could prove immensely helpful.
Saad expertly navigated the well-trodden paths of Seraphia, his heightened agility allowing him to move with remarkable grace. As he moved, a question lingered in his mind – the absence of a [mount] function. Given the size of Seraphia, it seemed odd that such an option wasn't available. He considered making an inquiry about it at the guild, a plan he intended to execute once he received his next quest.
Upon arriving at the Ashen Witch's dwelling, Saad paused for a moment before summoning the courage to knock on the door. He hoped fervently that his visit wouldn't lead to another cleaning quest. There was an inexplicable irritation that accompanied each increase in his chore mastery. Was it a blow to his alpha male ego, or a stark reminder of the real-life chores he had to contend with daily?
The door swung open, revealing the enigmatic figure of the Ashen Witch. Draped in a flowing dress that seemed to harmonize with the chilly air, the witch projected an aura of mystique. Her once-bound gray hair flowed freely, enhancing her resemblance to a legendary enchantress. Saad found himself entranced by her transformation, his curiosity piqued.
"Ah, my dear pupil Kael," Ashen Witch welcomed him with a faint smile, her eyes holding a blend of amusement and an underlying depth that didn't go unnoticed by Saad. A slight unease settled in his stomach – why was she in such a good mood? "What brings you to my humble abode on this day?"
Since Ashen Witch hadn't extended an invitation inside, Saad remained on the doorstep, preparing to engage in conversation. He cleared his throat, his determination bolstered by his purpose. "Master, I've come seeking your guidance and assistance. I'm in search of Sparkling Moon Water bottles, Fiery Fly Essence, and information about the locations where Everbloom Berries grow. Would you be able to..."
Before he could finish his sentence, an abrupt interruption occurred, and a sense of foreboding settled over him. The familiar cryptic message materialized before his eyes, causing his heart to race in apprehension.
['A mysterious and ominous fate is at play.']
'Oh no,' Saad thought with a tinge of anxiety.
As if to compound his predicament, the situation took an unexpected turn as he suddenly felt a white warm substance land on his head.
[A Stinky Winter Raven has Pooped on Your Head]
[You Will Be Emitting an Unpleasant Odor for the Next Hour. Charm -10.]