Chapter 23
Rohan
Iflop down on a bench in the courtyard of the town, kicking at the gravel.
Nobody knows anything about this stupid town’s leader.
He couldn’t have gone far, there’s no way.
I tilt my head back to let my skin warm under the sun.
Feels good, almost like the real thing. I wonder if Tyson’s found anything.
Hopefully he has. Speaking of Tyson. Ugh, keeping a distance has been harder than I thought.
Thank God he came up with the idea of splitting up cause I don’t know how much longer I could do any more of his hungry gazes.
He’s not been very secretive about wanting me since the first time.
It’s too much.
Even if Tyson and Zero are the same, which obviously they are.
I’ve accepted that, but I don’t know if I could ever let myself accept that it was him I had a crush on.
And we’ll probably just go back to hating each other as soon as all of this is over.
It’s just because we’re stuck in Understory, it’s making me think this could work when I know it can’t.
Tyson already has everything I want.
I can’t let him have this.
When we’re out, I’ll delete this game and get over whatever stupid crush I had. There are other guys.
But if he looks at me like that again tonight, I won’t be able to do shit about it. I’m so fucking weak. For Tyson Moon. Oh, somebody take me out right now! I drag my hands over my face with a long groan.
“I should probably head back. It’s getting late, and Tyson’s probably got some info for sure,” I sigh.
The night lanterns turn on as I walk through the town square.
The lady merchant I bought some potions from earlier smiles at me as I walk by again.
I figured we should stock up on supplies.
We’ve been getting by so far with the monsters we’ve encountered without using much, but it seems like every quest it gets more difficult.
On top of that, from what I remember, that tower is not anywhere near even Tyson’s level.
I don’t know how that’s supposed to work out.
Maybe I should go get that special weapon crafted while we’re stuck looking for this idiot.
I step into the weaponsmaster’s shop, the bell ringing upon my entering. He’s quite a big guy. He looks exactly like he lugs weapons all day.
“What can I do for ya?” the weaponsmaster asks.
“Uh, I was hoping I could upgrade my lance with this,” I say, pulling out the special metal Tyson gave me and handing it to him. His eyes light up with excitement like he’s just seen his last meal on earth.
“Oh, this is good stuff, kid,” he gapes.
“Uh, yeah, a friend gave it to me.”
A friend.
I hated him about two days ago.
Wait, how many days have passed in the real world, I wonder?
Or are we just asleep in our rooms? But then this would all be a dream, right?
This is all so ridiculous I’ve stopped trying to make sense of it a long time ago.
I’m sitting in a weapons shop with a person that’s literally made up of codes.
A bunch of numbers. But he feels so real to me.
He’s not a clue in the world that he’s not real either.
“Well, that friend must quite like you a lot,” he chuckles.
“Oh, um … I guess.” My cheeks burn thinking about Tyson liking me.
Does he like me? Or is this like some weird sexual tension thing between rivals?
I know Tyson’s attracted to me. He’s never been shy to say so, but more than that?
He did kinda hint at liking me back when we were playing together all those times.
“So, you want to upgrade your lance, right?”
“Yeah, sorry.” I snap out of it and summon up my lance, handing it to him. He checks it, nodding after seeing whatever he’s searching for.
“Should be doable for this one here.”
“Okay, and when will it be done?”
“Tomorrow maybe. Come by.”
“Tomorrow … Yeah, okay, that should be okay.” I nod, “Thanks.”
“Sure thing, see ya kid.” He returns a small nod.
I step out of the shop, taking in the now night air. “At least I got something done. But, okay, should really head back now.”
* * *
“Hey there, Lancer!” The innkeeper says when I walk in.
“Hey, Marta.” We finally started using her actual NPC name at some point. I mean, we see her every day. It really does feel like they’re all becoming real people in our eyes. Though none of them can ever use our names. So who’s really real here?
“You’re back before your friend,” she adds.
“Wait, he’s not back yet?” I say, scanning the inn’s lobby area.
“Nope, you’re the first back. Unless he snuck in earlier or something while I was cleaning the rooms. But I’m pretty sure.” She says, a finger on her chin.
“Ah, okay, maybe he’s still out.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be in right behind ya!” Marta smiles.
“Yeah, uh, can you bring some sweet bread up to the room for us?” I ask. I’m starving after all that running around time like a chicken with my head cut off. I need a snack.
“Of course, dear!”
“Thanks, Marta.” I nod before heading to the room.
Once back in the room, I kick the door closed behind me before lying down across the bottom of the bed.
I’m sure Tyson’s fine. Maybe he got a lead and decided to follow it?
He’s much better at the game than me anyway.
Sometimes I feel like I’m slowing him down or something.
Besides, he literally worked on this stupid game.
I use the control center to change into a regular tunic and run my fingers through my hair with a sigh.
He’ll definitely be fine.