"RPG Creator"... It's a program that lets you make pixel-art RPGs through simple coding and pre-installed assets. It's an old series of programs that remains popular in the 2050s. Many streamers and Vtubers play horror and standard RPGs made from it. The latest version is a mixed bag during its release and the next one isn't going to be released until next Spring, but the most popular must be the RPG Creator MX which was released in 2046.

So I'm surprised Dad was willing to buy the latest one for Kazuki. And for his 13th birthday, to be exact. So when he unwraps both of our presents, Kazuki's eyes widen to see what is underneath the wrappers.

"An "RPG Creator EX"?! B-But how in the world did you get this, Dad?!" Kazuki asks in shock.

"I saved up my paychecks and found a special program that is perfect for your fantasy dreams," Dad explains. "Hope you like it."

"Like it? I love it!" Kazuki quickly raises his new RPG Creator up in the air like a trophy. "I heard you can make RPGs and make some awesome cutscenes through pixel art! I saw them in videos and I wonder if I can make them. But now... I... I..."

Of course. Kazuki has to start hyperventilating. I should stop him before he starts to faint in front of the audience.

"Hey! Calm down, Kaz. Breathe!" I say. "We don't want to lose you on your special day."

Thankfully, it's enough for him to stop panicking and take a deep breath. "T-Thanks, Hayate. But I'm still shocked about this," Kazuki says before he stares at the program cover. "An RPG Creator in my hands? I didn't wish for it, but got it anyway! Not only that..." He turned his attention to the other gift, which is a book called "RPG Creator 101: A Guide to RPG Creating". "You also gave me a guide for it as well! Thanks, Dad!"

"You're welcome, Kazuki," Dad says with a smile. "But you have to thank Hayate for that guidebook. He worked hard finding it, you know?"

"Really?"

As expected, Kazuki turns to me once Dad adds me to the mix.

"Yeah, it was Dad's idea," I admit. "But if there is a credit, you can thank Zac and Damon for finding it for us. It was really hard to find a good guidebook that won't give you bad advice and info about the program."

I turn around to see Zac and Damon waving at us from the crowd. I wasn't lying. If it wasn't for their connections, I wouldn't have been able to find this good book. It has been well-received on Jungle and has some info that can't be found on the official guide on the net. So I'm grateful for their efforts in the end.

"Hayate... You didn't need to do all of that for my birthday."

I chuckle sheepishly as I turn to Kazuki next. "It's not just your birthday, Kaz. Ever since I came back into your life after the incident, you've been my beacon without me knowing. It’s given me a purpose, a chance to be the proper big brother to you that I never was in your elementary school days. It’s given me the motivation to start taking my studies seriously. And after playing with you, it’s also given me a reason to start finding my own path in life. You're not just my little brother. You're a guardian angel getting me out of my monotonous life. So thanks a billion, Kaz. And happy birthday."

With that, I take a deep breath after that long speech. I said my piece and I'm glad I finally let out what I want to say to Kaz...

Huh?

Before I knew it, Kazuki quickly rushed to me and hugged me very tightly.

"It's more than all you said, Hayate. It's because of you that I made new friends both offline and online. You help me travel and discover new things about the game. If it wasn't for you, I would still be stuck at school rereading all of those fantasy novels while wondering if I can do all of that in real life, too," Kazuki says. "You have made my playthrough the very best it was. So thank you for being my partner and big brother."

I... I don't know what to say. I can hear some of our relatives and friends start saying "Aw" to this sight. But what's there to deny? Our lives have changed for the better because of [Isekai]. With all the ups and downs we experienced, the only thing we’re grateful for is how it has driven us to explore the unknown and get out of our comfort zones. I guess accepting Kazuki's invitation did change our lives for the better.

"You're welcome, Kaz." I turn to the audience next. "Well, enough tears from us. How about we'll open up some gifts, shall we?"

"YEAH!!!"

With that, we let the gift-giving commence in earnest. Much to my surprise, everyone had as many gifts as we expected. Relatives and classmates aside, our friends from [Isekai] were able to give us some gifts despite having known them for a few months now. Some were thoughtful...

"A music box that has the theme for Seraph! Thanks, Ol' Wally!"

Wallace grins as I watch Kazuki open the music box that plays the said OST of his favorite novel.

"Your brother mentioned you like the same novel as my kid, so it's better than giving a kid a knife. Don't worry, I'm not that reckless to leave one to you."

At least Wallace has some common sense. Thank god I accepted his offer as his blacksmith apprentice in the game.

Some gifts are awesome beyond my expectations...

"A...robot?" Kazuki asks as soon as he sees a box of what seems to be a model robot kit.

"Actually, in the anime that was from, it's a large magical armor that the main character made and piloted. It's a fantasy one, so I thought it might fit you," Yuri explains.

And some are...too nonsensical...

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"A… "Guide for Becoming a Kid Casanova"?"

"Yep! Since you're going to be like us next year, you should try changing up your image in real life. Be more of a man, work on your looks, and try to woo the l-"

"Zac Osborne... Don't tell me you're going to corrupt my brother with that book?!"

I glare at my friend just as I silently ask Kazuki to give me the book. He doesn't argue as he does so.

"N-No! Why do you think that, Hayate? I'm not corrupting your brother! Really!"

I thought so. Thankfully, he gives Kazuki a real gift in the form of a rulebook of solo RPG journaling. That's something he likes more than his Casanova attempt.

Of course, some are too heartwarming for words...

"Wow! A scarf!" Kazuki said as she stared at a blue wool scarf that seemed to be a bit uneven for a homemade one. "You shouldn't have, Annie!"

"A-Are you sure? I-I don't think I made it very well compared to sis's..." Annie says as I see her face blushing red.

"Are you kidding?! I’ve never had a wool scarf before. Mom did try to make one, but no offense..."

"I won't hear it," our Mom scoffs. Yikes. At least it's not enough to piss her off from that past mistake.

"I'm sorry if I accidentally offended you, Ms. Palmer. But I'm glad you like it, Kazu."

Despite it not being well-made in my eyes, it is kind of her to give something that is made with her two hands. Annie could be a good partner for Kazuki if he notices her advances.

"Well, that's one happy Annie down," Arin says as she approaches me with a smile. "I have a feeling those two will have a good time together both online and offline."

Zac then approaches Arin next and says while putting his arm over her shoulders, "Maybe we can have a good time with you and me together if you know what I mean."

I roll my eyes at his cheesy attempt at flirting. But suddenly, Arin smiles and pushes his arm away as she answers, "Thanks, but one, you're not my type. And two, I'm a lesbian."

OOOHHHHHH!!!

Damon and I laugh at her sick burn. I've never seen anyone diss Zac off like that until now. Is it mean for us to laugh at his failed flirting attempt? Yes. But then again, he doesn't get a hint no matter what he does to get girls.

"Don't worry, Zac. Maybe next time," Damon comforts him. "Come on, the chocolate chip brownies are on us."

Damon and I leave with Zac to give him time to sulk while leaving Kazuki to enjoy the rest of his gifts.

----------------------------------------

After the gift-giving, we then play some minigames with Kazuki. I won some of them while Kazuki and my friends did the same with others. I can't name all of the moments I've experienced there, but let's just say I had a lot of fun for a while, which is saying something after was launched a few months ago.

Eventually, it is the adults' time to shine through a karaoke session. There is no way I was staying for Dad and my uncles' cringey old-timey singing, so I decided to head out and stop by the hallway next to the elevators to get away from them for a while. Kazuki should be hanging out with Sheridan, Yuri, and Annie by now and Zac and Damon are playing Click party games with Arin and some of my cousins. It's exhausting, but the whole party is worth it to prepare in the end.

"Hayate?"

My eyes widen to see Kazuki approaching me with a wave and joining me in standing around for a while.

"Hey, Kaz. I thought you were hanging out with Yuri, Annie, and Sheridan by now."

"I know. But Yuri wants to play Crash with Zac, and Annie and Sheridan want to do their own thing for a while," Kazuki explains. "Besides, we haven't had any time together ever since the party started, right?"

I chuckle once I hear his answer. "Good point," I say. "We haven't had such a lively birthday party since my 16th. Maybe we can thank for the new friends we made along the way. Not only that, we managed to find something new about ourselves by playing it and meeting the NPCs, and learning the lore of the virtual world. After the update is released, it will be a new beginning for both of us in the new year."

I thought he was going to be happy with my small speech. But when I look at him again, I notice he's frowning for some reason.

"Yeah... About that..." he starts. "Now that I'm 13 and out of the [Guardian Player] restriction, does that mean we have to start playing the game separately? It feels too soon to end like this."

Right... That feature only applies to minors 12 years old and under. The moment we log back in, my time as a [Guardian Player] ends there. So I understand his concerns. However...

"That's true. But I’ve told you again and again. Even if I'm not a [Guardian Player] anymore doesn't mean I have no reason to keep on playing. I’ve already made so many friends and enemies to ignore the game. And thanks to you, I have a reason to look forward to visiting that new kingdom in . So don't count me out of the game just yet."

It's true. It's all true. I'm so excited to see what's beyond . And with many mysteries surrounding the [Mana Landmarks], the mysterious plague, and those royal magicians, I can't leave until we solve them completely.

"Hayate..."

I turn to Kazuki with a big smile. There's no turning back for me now. Sure, I have a lot on my hands with my studies and stuff, but it's better than doing nothing but hitting the books all my life.

"You're right. Even if we can't play together at the same time as before doesn't mean we're not done playing together literally!"

"That doesn't make sense, but it's true," I chuckle. "My only hope is that we won't make any more enemies than friends. We already made one after stopping those disasters."

"Yeah. Who knows what kind of culprit would have our heads for ruining our plans? But that's nothing compared to our teamwork, right?"

We exchange fist bumps as soon as we agree to this. "Yep. Once the update releases, we'll do everything to keep getting stronger so no villain can stop us from what we can do for the people and players of !"

"YES!" Kazuki cheers as he pumps his fist up. "We got a lot to do before and after the update releases. New features, new skills, new dungeons..."

"And we have a studio tour coming up," I add. "It's a prelude to the new year and there's so much more we can discover. Let's make 2051 an awesome year we have for ."

As soon as I said this, I felt something cold on my cheeks. I look down and see that Kazuki is giving me a glass of orange soda. I know what he's trying to do, so I accept it and raise it in front of him.

"Here's to another year of . Let's give it our all for the [Monarch of Light] update!" Kazuki shouts as he also raises the glass.

"And here's to another year where we can make new friends and discover new things both in real life and the virtual world!"

We clink the glasses and drink the soda to finalize our toast. We don't know what the future of us within the game is. But we don't care. The whole point is to enjoy the journey. I'm not rushing into it anymore. If I do, then that's that. We're enjoying it with our friends, living our lives with our parents in the real world, and continuing to travel around the virtual world.

I want to discover who I am.

I want to discover the magic and mysteries we can find.

This isn't the end of our story.

It's only the beginning of our Artificial Fantasy life.