章 25: Ripples (I)
A short while later Liam was lying on a couch in the living room. His eyes were red, his body feeling terrible.
Serena was exhausted from the day's events, falling asleep on top of Liam.
Next to him stood Kathrin, carefully nursing him and apologizing continuously for being one of the people who threw a bag at Liam.
The young man could only smile wryly as the burning in his throat gradually subsided.
At this moment orderly footsteps could be heard from outside. The doorbell rang.
With a command from Merida, a screen next to the door revealed the outside view, showing a tall man and woman duo in tidy uniforms.
Liam's mouth opened staring at Merida in disbelief and accusation,
The woman didn't show any guilt as she explained:
"Those criminals didn't ring."
A moment later Merida opened the door, letting the visitors in.
Two people entered the apartment, wearing red uniforms with black boots. Scabbards were tied to their belts, hiding dangerous cold weapons.
Liam still wasn't quite sure why guns didn't develop well in this world.
"Citizens. We are private Gerjo and Lieutenant Taver from the Federation army, Falva Division.
We apologize for any inconvenience today. The criminals in this district have been apprehended.
Now, please let us talk to the brave fighter chasing away the criminals and I also must ask all of you to register as you might be called up as witness."
The uniformed woman spoke with a hint of warmth, contrary to the lieutenant next to her, whose expression made it clear that he didn't enjoy being here at all.
When Kathrin pointed at Liam and praised his heroic deeds the male soldier looked at him with disregard, not impressed by the young man's current state.
Nevertheless, the female private didn't forget what they came here for, approaching Liam with respect.
"Liam, right? Thank you on behalf of the city for standing up during troubled times."
"Everyone would have done the same. Don't mention it."
Liam was somewhat flustered as everyone looked at him with kind eyes. A warm feeling settled in his heart.
"Oh, you would be surprised how many people don't have the same courage.
You have reacted exceptionally and even proved that you can fight. The army could use people like you. Are you interested in joining?"
Looking at the woman in surprise, Liam came to understand what was going on.
Still, the army had a good reputation, and it was an honor being invited by them.
Liam was contemplating the offer seriously, his judgement influenced by the sweet feeling of experiencing the genuine gratitude of others.
But after a moment his eyes drifted to Serena still sleeping on his body. He carefully patted her head while speaking up:
"Thank you for the offer but I have someone to take care off."
There was no need to take risks with the army if he could earn money safely from the game.
The private didn't show a change in emotions.
"A pity, but we respect your decision. If you ever change your mind, you can reach out to us here."
With those words the female soldier handed a small card over to Liam, who received it calmly.
Suddenly the lieutenant spoke in a deep voice:
"He already declined. Why are we still wasting time here?"
"Apologies, Sir."
Under the rude man's urging the two soldiers quickly left.
"I often heard that some martial artists think they are better than us common people, but this soldier was really insufferable.", commented one of Merida's workers.
"Hush! Are you crazy? Don't let them hear you!"
"Why? What can they do? The federation is still governed by law and order!"
"Don't be naïve they have a thousand ways to take revenge!"
"Shut up! Both of you!"
Merida suddenly spoke in an authoritative tone, bringing silence to the room.
***
An hour later in a high-rise building close to the majestic red oak tree.
Close to the top was an enormous appartement. It was luxurious, with its own gym, whirlpool, a screen rivaling theaters, and more. A single picture on the wall was worth more than a whole group of lower-class citizens.
At this moment a door opened, a tall woman stepping out. Her face looked slightly tired, with a fair skin, curly brown hair reaching her shoulders, and captivating green eyes.
She wore the clothes of a martial arts student, her feet bare, exuding an athletic vibe.
Despite a day of playing, she didn't feel much increase in her strength, as she already had a decent cultivation beforehand, reaching the marrow strengthening stage at twenty years old.
Only two more stages and she would be able to draw starlight into her body, making her an official starlight master, respected throughout the federation.
But right now, the young woman didn't look like a dignified starlight master at all, stretching her body and sitting down on a large dark wooden dining table.
"Young miss, any wishes?"
A calm female voice came from a middle-aged woman in the kitchen.
"Just some water."
A moment later the servant appeared, pouring a glass of water.
"Thanks Daphne."
"Daphne, pour me one as well, please!"
"Right away, young master!"
The young miss looked to the side where her younger brother left his bedroom. His short black hair was parted in the middle. He wore beige, baggy clothes with metal pieces inlaid, partaking in the modern trend.
If Liam was present, he would recognize the siblings as Silva and Felix who trained in the same dojo as him.
Felix was excited as he approached the table, talking to his sister:
"Silva! It's unbelievable, right? The virtual world is so real! All the older games look like sh*t compared to Fate of Crunaboul!"
"Language, Felix."
Felix rolled his eyes, ignoring the remark.
"How far did you get?
Ahh, never mind. You never played games before. If you have any questions, just ask me!
By the way, what race did you choose? And what class? Maybe we can team up!"
Silva smiled faintly looking at her eager brother.
"I choose nephilim and want to become a tank."
"Nephilim tank? Ahh, sister… why? If you want to become a tank you should've chosen dwarf or orc. Why go with nephilim?"
"Their story sounded the most interesting. But don't worry, I have met an expert. He said that nephilim can become strong magic tanks."
"An expert? This early in the game? Be careful that you don't get tricked! You know that those guys can spin the most outrageous lies if they fall for you!"
Felix noticed the unpleasant expression on his sister's face.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have said this."
"No. You are not wrong. But I've matured a lot since then."
"Exactly! I say you don't need some expert. You can make it in the game on your own, with a bit of support from your brother!
Look, there was already a server announcement today! They also didn't have an expert among them! This only shows that everyone can make it in the game!"
Silva looked at her brother with a strange expression.
"How do you know that there was no expert in the team?"
"Isn't it obvious? Team TMMBC?! Which expert would accept such a team name?! Wouldn't they lose all face? Where can you brag with such a name?"
Suddenly Silva couldn't hold it in, letting out a loud laugh, echoing like chimes under the high ceiling.
Felix was surprised, about to ask a question.
Ding!
At this moment a conspicuous sound rang out, a metal door sliding to the side and revealing a spacious escalator.
A middle-aged man and woman steeped out, their faces showing pleasant surprise upon hearing their daughter's joyful laughter.
"What's going on? You seem to be in a good mood.", spoke the black-haired man in his deep voice.
Felix and Silva perked up.
"Mom, dad! We just came out of the game."
"Mhm. How is it?"
With their mother's question, Felix began praising the game to high heaven. But Silva noticed the somewhat conflicted emotion in her parents' eyes.
Soon she managed to get her question in:
"Mom, dad? What did you come here for? Especially dressed so formally?"
Silva's mother sighed faintly as her father spoke up:
"Silva, the family dinner has been brought forward."
"Oh? To today?"
"Yes."
The air was somewhat oppressive. But Silva soon steeled her face.
"I want to go!"
"Are you sure? We told you before. You don't need to fight for the succession. We can just drop out. It's not a big deal, really. Our lives would still be great."
Silva looked into her parents' faces. They had this talk before. With his parents' blessing, Felix indeed dropped out of the race.
But Silva could feel that this matter still weighed on her parents' minds.
Their branch of the family didn't have it easy, with her father's older brother always being the favored one.
But now that the virtual world appeared, the cards were shuffled anew, and no one could tell what the future might bring.
Silva was more determined than ever to put her vicious uncle in place.
クリエイターの想い 
Mykrail
Mykrail Working to give side characters some backstory, hope you enjoy <3
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