Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 88: Payback

Ugh... How long had I been staring at my phone in the café?! I know I need to find my ninth [Mastery], but I could just search for it on my desktop computer. Still, at least I made a decision there and there's no turning back now.

So after our usual hangout along with meeting Kazuki's new friend, we head home and do our usual routine once we arrive. Then after dinner, we're back in our bedroom as Kazuki prepares the visors for our next visit while I do some last-minute research on the [Masteries] I chose for later. Of course, I know I don't have time to make a new weapon for them, but luckily, Ol' Wally is willing to lend me one of his creations for the time being. Taking a deep breath, I turn to my brother.

"So any news from Yuri?" I ask.

"He said he's almost finished with his homework in a few minutes. So this gives us extra time to prepare for real life," Kazuki answers. "But I'm surprised you chose that [Mastery], Hayate. I mean, [Masteries]. I thought you already have the means to fight with [Archery] and [Swordsmanship]."

"I know. But you can never be too careful in a fight. Besides, considering how much attention we have right now, I want to try twisting my fighting style in case of another public confrontation."

"I see. Yuri did mention that you can't use your usual tactics forever against other players, so that might be a good idea, too."

"Yeah, you did put a spin on your fighting style with your new staff, right? I should do the same in preparation for the hike." I sigh while staring at the monitor. "Do you think that book is cursed or not? We don't know what we're going to discover once we unlock it."

"I-I don't know. But I do know that the moment that I open this book, our lives in this virtual world will change. And with the expansion coming up, I can't keep it locked forever. Not to mention that my birthday is coming up and I want to do one last thing before you stop being my [Guardian]."

Right. It will take a while until Kazuki is considered a 13-year-old in terms of law, but there is a chance our partnership in the game will change dramatically.

"Hopefully this time, we might have some extra help if we encounter another [Hidden Quest]. I just hope Zac and Damon will be safe at the entrance..."

"Zac and Damon will what?" Kazuki asked.

"O-Oh... Nothing... Let's get into the game now."

"Um... Yuri hasn't called yet, remember?"

Oh, right... All I can do is lie down on my bed and log into [Isekai].

-----

Once we were back in the city of <Initio>, we decided to wait in front of the crafting hall as promised. It's almost at the promised time and we just made enough potions and expendables for the upcoming trip ahead. A few minutes later, Arthur and Razul arrive, but there are no signs of Yuri yet.

Looking around, I see Arthur yawning and stretching his arms, Razul polishing his guns, and Kazu staring at his staff. At this point, it's getting a bit quiet, so I may need to break the ice a bit.

"Thanks again for volunteering, guys. Honestly, we're a bit nervous to face off against the monsters in

"Don't worry about it, Windy. Glad we're here to help you guys with your personal quest," Arthur answered. "Still, are you sure you don't want us to follow beyond the entrance?"

"It's a bit of a failsafe on our side. We don't know what Kazu's book has in store if we break the limitations this dungeon imposed, but it's better safe than sorry."