Unholy Player

After coming back home, Adyr and Niva shared a quiet, heartfelt dinner as brother and sister. During the meal, he told her about his conversation with Selina and the promise she had made.

Niva seemed visibly relieved after hearing it. Strangely enough, Selina's words seemed to bring her more comfort than anything the STF could offer.

Once dinner and the usual chores were out of the way, Adyr returned to his room, unplugged the game helmet, and logged in.

—

"What are you doing?" When Adyr opened his eyes, he saw Vesha's face close to his, her large, icy-blue eyes staring straight at him.

"You've been sleeping for a long time," she said, pulling back slightly to give him space. Her expression looked genuinely concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Adyr wasn't surprised. Based on his experience, time in the game moved at the same pace as the real world. Since he only spent about three hours per day inside the game, Vesha must have thought he was sleeping the other twenty-one.

"I'm fine. Just... busy in the other world," Adyr replied with a small chuckle. Out of the corner of his eye, he checked on the Dawn Raven, still resting silently in the corner.

"The other world?" Vesha repeated, clearly startled. She didn't understand what he meant.

"Just kidding," he said quickly, seeing her reaction. "It's a curse. Makes me tired, so I sleep all day." He figured this lie would be easier to believe than the truth.

Her tense expression softened slightly, though she still looked worried. "I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"