Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 10: Struggle and Familiarity

After our first experiences in the virtual world of <Isekai Online>, all I could say was that I was completely overwhelmed by all we'd experienced. From the game's players and world to the abilities we were given in a form of Masteries, I was just amazed that it had managed to perfectly encapsulate the fantasy world that had described in most of Kazuki's novels.

However, even though we could return there anytime, it didn't mean we could ignore real life for it. In fact, the next day after our first log in, Kazuki and I were walking down to the street carrying garbage bags to our trash bin. Needless to say, he hated the smell we had to endure during of our walk.

"Do we have to take out the trash? Why can't Mom or Dad do it?!" Yeah, that's one of the most common complaints I hear when it comes to this chore. Though I can't blame him for it. The odor was excrutiating for me to take in. I almost fainted becaous of it in fact.

"Family rules, Kaz. If we want to earn our free time for the rest of the weekend, we have to split the chores. And since they already took out the trash, it wouldn't it be fair that we be sloths just by ignoring our turn." Considering our mother's short temper when it comes to chores, I knew leaving to hang out with our friends before they were done wasn't our best option. Though now that we have our <VeilCons>, I might've able to cheer him up. "Besides, if we're able to finish them by noon, we may have more time to play <Isekai> this afternoon."

As I expected, Kazuki quickly smiled just by hearing the game's name. Though, I soon regreted this as he quickly became determined and shouted, "Then let's get this bag into the trash bin! Let's go, go, GO!" With that, he quickly left my side and ran full speed to the bin. He'd only played it once and now, he loved the game as much as his novels. Well, guess I can't complain since he was looking forward to it.

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After spending two hours of getting the chores are done, me and Kazuki logged into <Isekai> once more. This time, entering the game world was different as I ended up with a small headache as we found ourselves on the same bench we were started from yesterday. And judging by Kazu's expression once he appears, he wasn't in great shape either. "You okay, Kaz?"

"Y-Yeah... It's just a vertigo thing..." Yeah, right. Still, it was strange since this was only our second time logging in the game so far. We couldn't have become so nauseated just because of that. "Still, that doesn't mean we have to skip out on our grinding today."

Considering what happened because of the game's launch day, skipping out was not an option, especially when you have a younger brother who just wanted to use magic again. "Well, maybe there's a chance that the chaos died out overnight. We just have to head out to see if they're gone."

"Don't forget, you have to fight some monsters with your [Archery] and [Swordsmanship]. I would like to help you, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to get enough experience to level up as much as me."

I raised my eyebrow just as he explained our plans for today. "What do you mean? Do we have to form some kind of group so we can share the experience?" To be honest, I'd only heard about this usual MMO feature from Zac, but I could remember what the real name of it.

"You mean a 'party'? We could, but you can't get more EXP if we do that. Besides, just because I have the advantage of having a lot knowledge about how the game works doesn't necessesarily mean I have to be higher level than you, Wind. It's wouldn't be fair."

I could see why he thought up with that mindset and it wasn't because he wanted to play solo. "Hey. Me being a newbie in VRMMOs and RPGs doesn't mean I can't be as strong as you. I'm still your older brother and levels don't judge our current standings of respect in here. We all have our flaws and faults, but that's why we are different. Also, just like with age, levels are just numbers, you just have to earn respect by being yourself. Don't act like someone else to get EXP or a reputation."