บท 21: Isabella's Curiosity

Because of Ling's expression, alas, it finally piqued Hary's attention. In his mind, Ling would never act something stranger if there was no reason behind this.

"Calm down, Ling. How I can understand what are you saying if you talk that way?" Hary responded nonchalantly, then invited him to seat on their respective seats. "Now tell me, what's going on?"

Ling pointed his finger toward his classmates having a loud conversation from afar. "Do you see them?" He asked.

Hary slightly nodded, then cluelessly glanced at them. "Of course. But what about them?"

"Yesterday, I accidentally met them inside the game. And now, I heard them they are going to wait for me in a place where I logged out."

Hary frowned his brows, wondering why Ling was too worried about them. Plus, it was natural to face some of his classmates inside the game since they have the same server.

"Could you tell me about this specifically? To be honest, you are now acting strange since yesterday." Hary didn't hesitate to say the exact thought about him.

"Do you remember what I have said to you yesterday? That I'm the ranker has a screen name of blood." He said in a low tone so that no one could hear their conversation. "If you still don't believe me, let's meet inside the game."

Well, meeting Hary inside the game was the best option he has to prove that he was stating the fact.

Hary's eyelids widened, aware of how serious Ling was when he said those words. At this point, he gradually took a deep breath and smoothly released the air, telling himself that weren't the eyes of a liar. Plus, it was the first time he saw Ling insist to believe in him, so he had no other choice.

"Fine, I believe in you." He shrugged his shoulders before adding these words. "Let's assume that you are that ranker. You are not happy with the result? Everyone is now talking about you, even I, hoping to meet that ranker."

Ling slowly shook his head. "You know me, I don't like getting attention to the others. As much as possible, I would like to hide myself from the dark."

"I think you didn't understand what I was trying to say. To be exact, some of the guilds and pro team wanted to get in touch with you. Why? Since they thought that you are a pro player hiding behind the new character."

Ling was blinking his eyes in confusion, didn't have an idea what were the pro teams or even the Guild. "Hary, please explain it to me briefly."

At this point, Hary explained everything he know about the Guilds, and what were the benefits once Ling managed to join one of them. Of course, Hary also informed the pro teams and how much the earnings of each player that competes around the world.

"I'm not talking about the useless ranker, I'm talking about the big one. To be honest, it's a good opportunity to improve the way of your living." Hary raised his finger as he was giving a signal. "Yet, it makes those things happen once you prove to me that you are that ranker. I have a big influence and a lot of followers on my all social media accounts, everyone would alarm once they found out that I know who is the person hiding behind Blood's character."

Ling paused for a second, thinking about the positive occurrence that might happen to his life. At the same time, the other things could affect his family. Well, he eventually shook his head, knowing his character was not that strong, or easy to say, that he was just got lucky to kill the Battle Orc, the main reason why his screen name Blood spread in the real world and virtual world.

"I don't want to jump to the conclusion that I'm like the ranker that you are thinking. But one thing is for sure, that I'm the ranker who has a screen name of blood." He uttered seriously.

After the homeroom teacher entered the class, that was also the time when their serious conversation ended.

On the other hand, Isabella was secretly glancing at them as she was sure that she heard the name Blood from them. Although she wasn't sure whether these two were talking about that ranker just like the other. Still, their expressions were enough reason to catch her attention.

'I'm aware that I should not do this. But for some reason, that man is getting to my nerve.' She said inwardly, then darted her eyes toward them.

Well, nothing happened during that time until she noticed someone was tugging her uniform and now everyone was looking at her with their curious eyes. Yes, the homeroom teacher was calling their names one by one for their attendance.

"Isabella... Miss Edith is calling out for you." A soft voice from a woman appeared next to him.

She flinched for a second as her wits back to their original state. After that, she slowly raised her and said this word. "Present."

Why she was looking at Ling?

Yeah, I noticed that.

"Quiet! We are not here to chitchat, we are here to study!" Miss Edith exclaimed, knowing if she doesn't stop her students they can use that bully Ling again.

Of course, she had an idea of what was happening in this university. But what she could do? Once she decided to fight for her student, there was a high chance she might lose her job due the student's parents involved had a huge influence, that's why.

The students shut their mouths as the homeroom teacher immediately started the discussion.

On the other side, the sound of the bell spread throughout the University signifying the class for today was officially ended. In their minds, it was the weekend tomorrow so they can play Ranker's World Online all night.

Don't test my patience, Blood! I'll wait for you there until you show up again.

Me too, Randy! I have to ask something from him.

Ling deeply sighed as he heard the conversation of his classmates. In his mind, once he logged in again, his character would respawn in the place exactly where he logged out.

Bam!

Hary hardly tapped his shoulder, "Hey, Ling! Are you still worried about them? Don't forget that I'm on your side so everything will be fine." He said while laughing.

Ling smiled uncomfortably, "Yeah, just help me this once-"

"Move..."

A cold voice of a woman suddenly appeared in their behind. Well, that word wasn't aiming for Ling, it was for Hary. Since they were standing in the hallway, Hary stepped back, seeing Isabella heading to Ling.

"Come with me, I would like to ask something from you-"

And again, someone interrupted their conversation after Mr. Den arrived at the place and grabbed Ling on his neck. "There you go! I'm looking for you for the past few days, don't tell me you are hiding from me purposely."

He slightly shook his head and smiled, "No, Mr. Den. I'm just busy." He responded and fixed his collar. "Why are you looking for me, Mr. Den?"

Mr. Den has a surprised expression on his face, noticing the strength possessed by this young man that could be really useful in basketball. He laughed loudly, then grabbed Ling's arm but this time it was stronger than before. "Come with me! You are going to try out for my team, right, Hary?"

Hary smiled as he admitted if Ling managed to enter with the varsity team, they would spend a lot of time together. Plus, he can tell other important information about the game.

"Yes, Coach Den!"

"B-But wait! I have a lot of something to do!" Ling restrained.

"Choose, you are coming with me. Or do you want to fail in the P.E class? Don't forget that I'm still your teacher, so failing you it's not hard for me."

"Fine!"

Meanwhile, Isabella was watching them for a second. "I just would like to ask if he's playing ranker's world online."