Lucas and Kael walked back through the forest toward Nexus Haven, the adrenaline of the fight still buzzing in Lucas's veins.
The light of the setting sun filtered through the canopy, casting long shadows across the path.
"Well, rookie, not bad for your first real hunt," Kael said, his voice breaking the companionable silence.
Lucas glanced at him, a small smirk on his face. "Thanks. I might actually survive this game after all."
Kael chuckled. "You're not there yet, but you're getting closer. Just remember, teamwork is optional. Efficiency isn't."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll keep that in mind."
As they reached the towering gates of Nexus Haven, Kael came to a halt. He turned to Lucas, his expression softer than before.
"This is where we part ways, rookie. I've got some business to handle, but let's exchange Game Contacts,"
[Kael "ShadowStrike" Varen has sent a friend request, would you like to accept]
[Y / N]
"Shadowstrike?" Lucas asked with a small chuckle caused Kael to redden up a bit. But he shrugged it off.
Despite Kael's cocky attitude, he'd been a solid ally, and Lucas had learned a lot in just a few hours.
"Thanks for helping me out," Lucas said, extending a hand.
Kael eyed the gesture for a moment before shaking Lucas's hand with a firm grip. "No problem. You've got potential. Try not to waste it."
With that, Kael turned and strode off toward a shimmering portal near the market square, after giving Lucas his own loot. Lucas watched him go before heading toward the Quest Shop, exchanging his loot for Nexus Coins.
The inn was a cozy space filled with the soft glow of enchanted lamps.
Lucas approached the counter and booked a room for a small fee of one Nexus Coin, sinking into the simulated comfort of the bed.
He opened his menu and scrolled through his inventory, taking stock of his loot.
Inventory:
Ravager Fang x3
Ravager Core x1
Nexus Coins: 105
Lucas stared at the currency icon for a moment, his mind drifting. One Nexus Coin was worth two dollars in the real world. That meant…
He whistled low under his breath. "That's over two hundred bucks."
The thought was staggering. For a few hours of work in the game, he'd earned more than he'd made in a week of part-time jobs back in the real world.
This could really change things.
The hum of excitement stayed with him as he logged out, his vision fading to black as the game disconnected.
Lucas blinked as his consciousness snapped back to the real world. He sat up, the VR headset snug over his face. Carefully removing it, he took a moment to reorient himself in the dim confines of his small apartment.
The sounds of the city filtered in through the cracked window, a constant reminder of the life waiting for him outside.
He set the headset on the makeshift desk beside his bed and stretched, his muscles stiff from hours in the game. A small, tinny chime from his phone drew his attention.
[Thank you for playing Ethereal Nexus. You have logged off successfully.]
Beneath the notification was an option that caught his eye.
Convert Nexus Coins to USD?
Lucas stared at the screen, his pulse quickening. He tapped the button, and a sleek interface opened, showing his balance of 103 Nexus Coins.
Conversion Rate: 1 Nexus Coin = $2.00 USD.
Convert All Coins?
He hesitated for a moment, his thumb hovering over the confirmation button. Then, with a decisive breath, he tapped it.
The screen flashed, and a loading bar appeared.
Converting… Complete. $206.00 has been added to your linked account.
Lucas's jaw dropped as he quickly opened his bank app.
Sure enough, the money was there, the balance jumping from the meager double digits he'd grown used to seeing.
He leaned back against the wall, staring at the screen in disbelief. Two hundred dollars might not seem like much to some people, but to him, it was a lifeline.
Rent was overdue, groceries were running low, and his sister needed supplies for school.
"This game," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "It's not just a game. It's a chance."
The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator. Lucas got up, stretching again as he walked to the small kitchen.
He opened the fridge, pulling out a carton of milk and pouring himself a glass. He drank slowly, his mind racing with possibilities.
Two hundred dollars from one session. If he could do that every day — or even a few times a week — it would change everything.
He glanced at the tiny room he shared with his sister, their belongings crammed into every corner.
A bunk bed took up most of the space, with the top bunk currently hidden by a blanket curtain where his sister, Mia, likely sat, studying.
Lucas rapped gently on the frame. "Hey, Mia. You still up?"
The blanket shifted, and Mia's face appeared, her glasses slipping down her nose. "Yeah. Just finishing homework."
"Need anything? Dinner or... supplies for school?" Lucas asked, his voice careful.
Mia blinked at him, surprised. "I thought we were short this month."
Lucas hesitated, then smiled. "We were. But things might be turning around."
Mia raised an eyebrow but didn't press him. "I'm good for now. Thanks, though."
"Alright. Get some rest soon."
She nodded and disappeared back under the blanket, her quiet determination reminding Lucas why he was willing to dive headfirst into a virtual world.
Back at his desk, Lucas stared at the VR headset, a mix of gratitude and resolve building in his chest. Ethereal Nexus Online wasn't just a game.
It was an opportunity to change his life, to provide for Mia, and to finally get out from under the weight of their struggles.
He opened his phone, scrolling through forums and guides about the game. Discussions about quests, strategies, and the in-game economy filled the screen, and Lucas absorbed every detail he could.
When he finally climbed into bed, his mind buzzed with plans for his next session. He'd push harder, level up faster, and learn every trick he could.
As he closed his eyes, he felt a flicker of hope, something he hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, the future didn't seem so bleak.
Tomorrow, everything begins again and he wasn't determined to stop… He needed to get more, aim for a thousand!