Liam put the large pot back on a shelve, smiling at Serena.
"That's it for the day. The game will turn offline soon."
"It's a pity."
Despite her words, Serena's eyes clearly showed her tiredness. But her gaze looking at the kitchen was reluctant.
"Can we…"
"What?"
"Sorry. Forget it."
Liam stared at Serena, causing the young girl to fidget.
"I… I wanted to ask if we can continue tomorrow but its stupid. You need to train so you can earn money."
Liam felt his heart sting looking at the pitiable child.
"It's okay. Even if I spend time with you, I will stay the best player in the game. You don't need to worry about me."
Serena stayed quiet, looking at Liam skeptically, not sure where he took his confidence from.
"How can that be? If others overtake your level, they will have more time in the dungeon. You can't fall behind!"
Just as Liam pondered how to convince his sister the siblings left the house. A commotion instantly reached their ears.
"Did you hear, Star Gazer cleared the dungeon!"
"Oh? Did he reach level ten?"
"Yes! It's finally time for us elves to show our might! Let's push those nephilim out of the leaderboard."
"How does this help us? We are still stuck in the novice village."
"No, Star Gazer announced that a video of their clear will be uploaded today. After we know the strategy, how could we still not clear the dungeon?"
"What? Quick, we need to watch it!"
"Yes. Come to my place, we'll watch it together."
"Great! I didn't feel like studying anyways."
The two elves laughed as they disappeared right in front of Liam and Serena.
Liam glanced to the side, receiving an 'I told you' look from his sister. He let out a sigh, seeing the messages of his party members coming in, all of them with a clear urgency.
"Maybe I can't play tomorrow."
Serena nodded her head. Despite her earlier encouragement she certainly wasn't happy hearing this.
Since the mood dampened the siblings decided to log off, returning to the real world.
Liam was lost in thoughts as he left the training room. He felt somewhat lost as he pondered his future plans.
On one hand was his wish to provide a good life for Serena. On the other his obligation towards his new friends and his own desire to have fun in the game.
Ultimately everything can only be achieved after building a stable foundation. I need to earn some money first. In three weeks, the exchange opens…
But if I rise suddenly, I might enter the eyes of the Colvilles again. I don't know if they might trouble us. It wouldn't be bad to have some backup. Maybe I have to join the army after all.
Liam was lost in thought as he opened the door leading outside. Immediately his body shivered. A heavy snowfall engulfed the city. Fierce winds blew, pushing the freezing cold beneath Liam's clothes.
Liam slammed the door shut, taking out his phone, and calling a taxi.
While waiting he looked out of a window towards the dojo's main building.
An old man could be seen on the main square. He wore thin martial arts clothes, his body motionless as he stood in a horse stance.
Snow gathered atop his head but apparently the cold couldn't affect him. His breath appeared as white steam, clearly visible before his nose, moving in a mysterious rhythm.
Liam was captivated by the special aura surrounding master Baker, unable to avert his eyes.
For a few seconds the scene remained in perfect stillness, only the snow falling unceasingly.
But suddenly Master Baker's eyes shot open.
"HA!"
With a forceful shout the old man punched his fist towards the sky. The snow stirred wildly. It strangely disappeared in a line above Master Baker.
If one would look closely, one might recognized the silhouette of a winding dragon form the empty area.
A subdued shockwave spread around the martial artist, pushing away a huge amount of snow, emptying a circle around him.
Liam stared in awe and trepidation. He couldn't see the power unleashed by Master Baker's fist, only perceive it with his instincts.
A strong danger flooded his mind.
This is the power of martial arts?
Liam felt the hairs on his neck stand up as Master Baker suddenly looked directly into his eyes. He quickly clasped his fists, bowing lightly.
Master Baker didn't but on airs, bowing as well and walking back into the main building.
Liam was left with a profound expression, mulling over what he had seen.
I wonder how strong Master Baker is among Starlight Masters. Did he give it his all just now? Probably not.
However, even like this…
Why do I feel that compared to those top figures in the game these Starlight Master appear kind of… weak? If those consoles can bring this much power to the real world, aren't Starlight Masters afraid of being replaced?
Liam allowed his thoughts to wander as he entered the taxi and drove home.
Entering Merida's appartement, his random thoughts dissolved as he was greeted by a happy Serena.
"Look Liam, look outside. I never knew snow could be this beautiful."
Serena dragged Liam to a window, prompting him to watch the scenery outside.
The cities' lights reflected of the falling snow, dying it in various colors, creating a surprisingly lively atmosphere.
The siblings watched quietly for a while until Merida's voice drew their attention:
"Dinner is ready!"
"Oh, I don't know if I can eat something…", whispered Serena carefully.
But Liam could hear the mirth in her voice.
"Why?"
"Because I've already been eating all day!"
Liam shook his head with a chuckle, walking towards the table. Serena's clear laughter followed him.
After a hearty meal the trio gathered before the TV. Liam scrolled through his phone looking for a solution for Serena's education.
Liam would prefer to let Serena go to school as it was important for her to find some friends among her peers.
However, after years of absence the young girl might lack too much which would cause her difficulties in class.
Suddenly an advertisement drew Liam's attention, prompting him to read through their website.
Such a service exists?
Liam was surprised as he found a group specialized on taking care of teens in the game. They organized them to play in groups supervised by trained tutors and some fighters for security.
They were quite fast to come up with such an idea. I'm not sure if this existed in the past…
The existence of such organizations showed the importance people placed on Fate of Crunaboul. There were enough families were both parents turned to playing the game fulltime, needing someone to take care of their children.
This would be great for Serena. If I find a private teacher for the morning she can join this group in the afternoon.
Liam quickly presented his solution to Serena. Although the young girl wasn't thrilled about such a large change, she agreed after some coaxing from Liam and Merida.
The rest of the evening Liam messaged a few teachers, and the caretaking organization called Crunaboul Discovery Group, expecting results by tomorrow.
Thus, he could feel relieved as he entered the game the next day.
Since Serena decided to spend the day at Merida's clinic and only enter the game if she grew bored, Liam directly went to the eagle platform.
After a short flight he was back in Luphenour City.
Just as he was about to reach the teleporters, Liam noticed a few people who stood out among the quiet street.
One of them spotted Liam as well. His eyes opened wide as he gestured to the others, pointing in Liam's direction.
The young man frowned as the group walked towards him.
A tall elf in a red mage robe took the lead. His head was raised arrogantly as if Liam couldn't enter his eyes, but his gaze clearly showed some doubt.
Liam sighed as he read the name floating above the man – Star Gazer.
"You are Bleary Mirage? Quite brave, coming to our elven city. Are you here to provoke me?"
"Square off! This is our territory!"
Star Gazer spoke in an arrogant voice while one of his lackeys immediately lashed out at Liam.
Anger crept into the veteran's mind as he looked at this arrogant face. Obviously, Star Gazer didn't recognize him but how could Liam forget this guy who stood in the back while his men harassed Liam and Serena?
Thinking about how he must've been scolded by his family, Liam couldn't help but show a gloating smile.
Of course, Star Gazer's group interpreted the matter differently.
"B*stard! You came here to make fun of us?"
"Do you really think you are a good player? You're just lucky! We will soon push you off the ranking!"
"You better watch your back."
Liam wasn't in the mood to clear the misunderstanding. He didn't have a single bit of sympathy for the group, feeling that suppressing them might really be the best he could do.