"You seem eager," Mercury smiled happily at Ceres, as they munched on cereal. 

"Why wouldn't I be?" Ceres remarked with a snarky smile.

"Don't you go waste your time playing that game all day," Natalia inputted.

"You're acting like we don't do that," Damien scoffed.

Ceres rolled his eyes, "You don't have to worry about me. I am the greatest guy around, I won't fall to bad habits."

"There you gloat your ego again," Mercury rolled her eyes while having a large mouthful.

Ceres tickled her and caused milk to flow through her nose. "If I wasn't so confident, you wouldn't have such a cool big brother."

"You bastard!" Mercury tossed her spoon at him but he dodged it with elegance. The spoon hit Damien on the chest.

"This is a Pav Laror' shirt!" Damien began to freak out. "I was supposed to pick up chicks tonight."

"Well too bad. You whore," Mercury scoffed.

"I'll take this," Ceres kissed Natalia on the cheek and stole her bowl of cereal.

"Hey! I haven't ate anything yet," Natalia tried to snatch it back but Ceres gulped it down and threw money in her face. He scoffed, "Go buy some Luna Mocha."

She socked him in the gut and he began to falter, "Am still taking the money."

"Kids, kids!" Lance walked into the kitchen. He was putting on his tie and preparing to go to work, "Why are you so lively in the morning! Don't mess up the place, the maids don't deserve it."

"Mornin'," The four said in unison, being quite used to Lance's nagging.

"Don't you give me that smug attitude," Lance hissed and went straight to the fridge. He grabbed a bottle of wine, open it with his bare fingers and chug it down. 

"Look at this guy, no filter," Mercury joked.

"You want some?" Lance asked with a snarky grin. Mercury shook her head, he's scary when he gets like this. "Then shaddup."

Lance's attention switched to Ceres, "You're gonna play the game all day, aren't you?"

"That's the plan, got a problem?" Ceres asked with a sneer.

"Not a bit, just make sure when I get home you don't smell like a server mod," Lance decided to just carry the entire bottle with him. He grabbed his suitcase, "Am going to work now."

"I need to log in so give me a ride," Natalia got her jacket and got up, kissing both Ceres and Mercury on the cheek.

"Same, my missions keep racking up so I wanna ditch a loser with some," Damien got up, still mourning his extremely expensive shirt.

"By loser, you mean me or the other Virtues?" Natalia called him out.

"Who else is lame enough to take on the job?" Damien taunted, the response he got was a punch to the gut.

"Quit your yapping, let's go," Lance went to the elevator and they followed.

Ceres got up and stretched, "Why were they even here?"

"They are your bestfriends, Ceres," Mercury glared at him.

"Not a good argument," Ceres laughed, they are always here he just wanted to make a rude statement. He headed to the stairs to do as he was anticipating.

"You're heading to play the game?" Mercury asked.

"Yes, any tips?" He asked.

"Yeah, if you spawn in a human friendly city, head to the commercial area," Mercury explained in a serious tone. "There should be a veteran giving a tutorial."

Ceres scoffed and turned his back to her, "I don't need a tutorial."

"This game isn't a joke. It's extremely hard and traumatizing," Mercury warned sternly. Her glare was stubborn, "If you take it as a joke, playing it will just be torture."

"Tsk," Ceres went up the stairs without any more conversation.

He entered his room briskly. It was quite large and well decorated, like an apartment in an apartment. Set of luxurious couches, a large comfortable bed, a resting area by the window, shelves and so on made it feel lavish. There were about three flat-screen televisions within the room and a good computer set up. His own bathroom and even a large closet.

What he came for wasn't mentioned. There was a weird machine built in an extra section of his room, like a office. The machine was like pod that could open up revealing Nerve Gear, a bed and other devices. With this pod, he could connect to the most popular VRMMORPG of all time, Edhene Online.

Edhene Online is a game developed by the genius inventor, Orion Bylte, before his death. It takes place in a fantasy world containing different races, magic like systems, a new environment and adventures. It greatly changed the world, serving as a 'safe place' for people to take out their anger. World Peace was able to be achieved by this game, uniting the world under one flag and one currency. Crime and Poverty were dropping by the minute but still present.

Orion Bylte is Ceres' older brother. That's why he was so eager to play it. Due to unfortunate circumstances, an unknown assailant planted a bomb in their limousine after they left Mercury's piano recital. Mercury and Lance were unharmed, they weren't near the explosion. But, Ceres and Orion were in the car while it happened. Orion and his parents died, while he ended up in a coma for 1 year.

Ceres had to recuperate for a period of 6 months after waking up. He couldn't play any games as he was getting used to moving his body once again. He cussed that he wanted to play the game but his helpers were stern with him. So now, since he was functioning, he wasn't going to wait around.

He knew, this is the last thing his brother created before he died. That doesn't mean Ceres wanted to run from it. He wanted to see the world that Orion created. He would have wanted that.

He entered the pod and relaxed on the bed. He put on the Nerve Gear and got comfortable. The pod closed around him and the air relaxed. He felt his breathing being easy and pleasing. Now, he just had to say the words.

"Game Start." 

A spectrum of colors zoomed past him. He could see his body glow as he went rushing through the maze of light. It didn't feel like he was lying down anymore, as if he were actually flying. It was odd, he giggled from both wariness and excitement. With no hesitation, pushed forward to whatever he was approaching.

A bright light shone in his face and it felt like he was standing. His pupils adjusted and he looked around. He was wearing cloth clothing, similar to a medieval serf. His surroundings were gorgeous.

The buildings around him were mostly wood with few exceptions. They were pretty and brought a fantasy-like feel to the environment. The roads were large and made of bricks, on the side of the roads were vendors or idling individuals. Carriages being drawn by horses or other creatures were rushing past, an everyday occurrence here.

A few persons were of different races in the game. Some were short and chubby, dwarves. Some looked young, pale with pointy ears, elves. Some had wings or animal ears, therianthropes. It was an odd sight for Ceres but he expected it.

He looked around for a shop and saw one that welcomed beginners. He entered and greeted the shopkeeper, "Morning."

The shopkeeper nodded at him.

Acknowledging that he was just a quiet man, Ceres just checked his pockets. He took out a 70 Copper coin out of his pocket. With that, he could only buy a dagger and a map. So, he did so and went on with his day. The shopkeeper nodded at him to say his farewells.

He recalled Mercury's advice. That he should go to the commercial area if he is in a human friendly city for a tutorial. Ceres might be brash, impulsive and rude but, he is understanding. He knows when to listen to advice.

He checked his map of the city, he's in the Greensmith Kingdom, in the city of Goé Garr. He went straight to the commercial district.

Coming there, he saw a crowd of players wearing similar clothing to him. They were all new players here for the tutorial. Ceres bumped into someone. It was a short girl carrying a weapon.

She wasn't short, Ceres was just a giant. She wore leather clothing that served as protection, a utility belt around her waist and wearing black, army boots. Hanging from her shoulder, was a tall sniper rifle that seemed like more than her weight.

"A big gun for a small girl?" Ceres sneered at the woman standing before him.

"Well aren't you brave," She sneered back, taking the rifle off her shoulder and held it before him. "Want to see you could handle it then, big boy."

The crowd of new players turned to them and started gossiping. Nobody had the guts to approach the high-leveled woman. Yet, Ceres did it without a care. Ceres was used to the attention, in fact, he even liked it at times. And he loved showing his greatness even more.

"Let me carry it for you then, it's too heavy for a pretty girl like you," Ceres complimented her and took the weapon. It was heavier than it looked, which was bewildering. He struggled to keep it up but he adjusted. It took both hands to keep it up but he showed a confident grin, resting the weapon on his shoulder. "Where you heading?"

"You're an odd one," The woman said with a blank stare. A new player shouldn't be able to handle the weight of her weapon, even with both hands. She has met persons like him before, they all end up becoming monsters.

"Enchanted by my greatness?" Ceres stooped and sneered as their eyes met. She became bright red and flicked his forehead. She quickly caught her rifle before Ceres dropped it.

"Take it slow, big boy," The woman strode away with a great presence following her. Ceres held his forehead, that hurt way too much. This world is truly extraordinary. "You have a long way to go before you can say that."

She walked up to a raised platform and stood before a podium. She took up an earpiece and put it on. As she cleared her voice, it was heard booming throughout the area. The new players, including Ceres, were shocked. There weren't any speakers, her voice was projected to such a power.

"Hello everyone! I am Valeria Sandoval, a B-Ranked Adventurer from the Detrema Guild," The woman revealed her identity to the crowd. All became silent as she spoke.

"I will leading the tutorial for new players along with Carlos Fallon," She gestured to a tall man standing to the far left. He nodded as everyone turned their gaze to him. "Before we continue, we need to make something clear."

"Those who wish to do services. go to the left," She pointed to where Carlos went. A small portion of the crowd went to the left. Ceres stayed where he was. He is a man of action; working was too boring for him. "Those who wish to do hunting and questing, go to the right."

Ceres went to the right and so did the majority. He wasn't worried about the huge difference between Hunting and Services. People are confident but, from watching livestreams, Ceres knew that the trauma of experiencing a 'death' or facing a monster will force some to go to services or quit the game. He was still stubborn about it, wanting a thrill for a change.

"Carlos will be leading those who chose services," Valeria announced, Carlos gathered attention and marched off with them, heading into town for their guide.

"I trust that you all bought at least a dagger and a map?" Valeria voiced out her question to the crowd. Ceres smugly brought out the mentioned weapons, Valeria rolled her eyes at him.

"How were we supposed to buy that when we have no money!?" A man asked from the back. He was beefy and large, his head was shaved and his eyebrows were wispy. His skin was light and face fat with beady eyes. He wore serf clothing.

"Well, smartass, every player spawns in with 70 Coppers," Valeria scoffed at him. He begrudgingly gripped his fists. "That's how."

"Let's go, I will be carrying you to the West Gate to show you how to hunt," She commanded.

The group followed them as they marched into town. The civilians cleared why so the new players wouldn't get lost as they moved. The city was truly friendly.

"Welcome one of the holy cities of the Greensmith Kingdom, Goé Garr. A friendly city that specializes in wood constructions and trade, this is the perfect place for a new player to rise in power," Ceres liked the sound of that. He wanted to get strong as quickly as possible. He wasn't going to let Damien, Natalia or Mercury boast anymore.

"The surrounding environment is mostly tall forestry with few cliffs and crevices, containing simple prey like House Hares to giant behemoths like Rocky Alpeccas." The West Gate was coming into the view, soon they were going to leave the wall. "With its tight forestry, its hard to know when a monster is around. So you must always be alert."

After a few more steps, the group stopped before the gate as Valeria gave more words. "Seeing that some of you failed to get a map and a weapon, get into groups of five."

People avoided partying with Ceres. They thought he attracted too much attention. So, he stood around as everyone grouped up. He had an agitated expression but he wasn't going to say anything.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"Yo, you can group with us," The bald guy who Valeria called a smartass offered. He already made a group of five.

Ceres had a snarky smile, "Thought you wouldn't ask. The name is Ceres."

The bald guy shook his hands, "Wouder, pleasure to meet you."

The other three introduced themselves.

A pretty boy with long brown hair and bright gold eyes, "Terrence, nice to meet you."

A girl with long black and an apparent bad attitude rolled her eyes but greeted anyway, "Herminia."

The last one who was fidgeting a lot was silent. Ceres immediately took an interest in the girl. He found her so adorable. She was short and had light skin. She had long, straight black hair and glowing red eyes. Her skin was fair and her face made his heart squeeze.

"What's your name?" He asked lowly, his attention focused on her.

She stuttered but finally got her words out, "D- Dorothy."

"That's pretty name, makes sense that it was used for a pretty girl," He flirted with her, she became bright red and shied away.

"Don't go flirting with her just yet. We caught her first," Wouder scoffed and stated cruelly.

"Who says she's yours already?" Ceres straightened up and made their height difference clear. "And when did you become the leader?"

"I am the one who formed this group," Wouder growled at him. The other three watched silently as the two faced each other for dominance.

"Didn't you get the memo, little bitch," Ceres sneered. Despite Wouder offering him a spot early, he was ready to degrade him either way. "Am taking over."

"The fuck you just called me?" Wouder stepped forward and tried to size up on him. Ceres's staggering height created the opposite effect.

"Little Bitch, need me to say it in ASL?" Ceres mocked him.

"You piece of sh-!" Wouder threw a punch at him, Ceres caught it with ease. He prepared to return the gesture but someone caught his arm.

"Calm down, big boy," Valeria calmingly stopped them. Ceres unable to escape her strength nor was Wouder able to retaliate. "Do we have a problem here?"

Wouder put his arm around Ceres's shoulder and they both mustered up fake grins. "Nothing at all! Just some boys roughhousing!"

"Well save that for after the tutorial. We'll be hunting now." She pointed to the large gate that was opening for them.

The group followed Valeria in, stepping from the city straight into a canopy of large trees. It was eerie yet so settling, the mood of the forest told of horrors and rewards.

"Remember, most importantly, stick close to your group and follow the crowd," Valeria stopped them before they wondered into the forest. "There should be at least one person in each group with a map."

"If you get separated from the crowd DO NOT make any noise. Use the map to quick head back to the city," She sternly warned them. "If confronted by a creature or monster, stand your ground and attempt to scare it off. If that fails, go for high ground."

"We've got that all cleared up, right?" She asked the crowd and they all nodded. She looked back to see if Ceres was still present, he looked bored but still there. "Let's go."

"The most basic rule while roaming the forest is to avoid making noise unless on confrontation. Predators are attracted to sound and the scent of blood, always be aware of that," She pointed out as they treaded slowly through. The group was dead silent, only Valeria could be heard and the rustling of bushes.

"Always be aware of your surrounding, and don't undermine above you," She made sure to advise them about that. "Some of the strongest predators attack from above."

"Hey, Doll," Ceres's group was walking at the back so he decided to get some small talk with the girl he was so interested in.

"D- Doll?" Dorothy was surprised.

"Yeah, Doll," Ceres gave her a genuine smile, that made her blush. "It's the nickname I came up with for you. Like it?"

She stared at her feet as they kept waling, "It's kinda.. embarrassing."

"Exactly, that's why I chose it," Ceres chuckled and paid attention to their trail.

"What's- what's that supposed to mean?" She was confused, looking up at him since they wouldn't make eye contact.

"It means I like seeing you flustered," He suddenly made eye contact with her and she flinched. Ceres noticed that but smiled anyway, "You're adorable when you get like that."

"You're... moving fast..." Dorothy muttered but she was still blushing.

"Want me to move slower, doll?" Ceres sneered and held a hand out for her.

"No... but," She hesitated for a bit. In the end, she took his hand smirked. "I think you'd want someone better than me.."

"Get a fucking room," Wouder bite out suddenly. They will still following the guide's path as she explained more important topics.

"Jealous because you didn't make the first move?" Ceres pulled Dorothy in and put his arms around his shoulder. Taking every chance to ridicule him.

"I already did," Wouder confidently stated and glared at Ceres. "She's in my party now."

"When since this was permanent?" Ceres sneered, he was paying attention to Dorothy. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable or feel like an item. She was smiling meekly, feeling comfortable in his giant hands.

"It only makes sense that we stick together after," Wouder wasn't backing down. He wanted them under his control but here they were getting closer to each other. He knew Herminia and Terrence wasn't going to defy his will. These two were the challenge.

"Well, how bout we let the little lady choose," He stooped down to her level and put his hand at his ear. "Who do you choose, Doll?"

Dorothy got flustered with all the attention surrounding her. She frowned and immediately got anxious, "I- I don't know..."

"It's alright, Doll," Ceres patted her head and didn't persist. She was beginning to prefer him more now. A sinister grin manifested upon him, "I guess we will need a tie breaker."

"I should have left you standing there like the outcast you are," Wouder spoke in pure animosity.

"But ya didn't!" Ceres mocked him. He really stood out, a good man with the attitude of a villain.

"What's going on back there!" Valeria yelled from the front of the crowd. She took her rifle off her shoulder and took aim before her, "I told you to stay alert!"

Before the crowd was a huge boar. With several branching tusks and a diamond shaped spot of fur by its nose. It had dark red fur and a thick skin, being extremely muscular and its breath heavy. It had many battle scars and had to be twice the height of Ceres.

"The hell is that thing!?" Individuals in the crowd shrieked in terror. This was the trauma Ceres pondered about earlier. The traumas that lead to them going to services or quitting the game.

"That's a Sombre Boar, they are hostile to everything and anything," Valeria began charging a powerful shot in her rifle. The wind was beating around her as time past. She bit her lip in frustration, out of any creature to encounter, it had to be this one "A Keter Variant..."

Some individuals fled; the sight of the massive monster was too much for them. Dorothy was terrified, holding onto Ceres's hand for security. Ceres was pleasantly baffled, the game offered so much adventure. He was eager to jump right in.

"You fucking idiots! I told you to stand your ground when facing a predator!" Seeing that some of them ran off, the Sombre Boar charged forward with dangerous speed. Valeria wanted to charge her shot more but if it persists, some would die.

"Blue Monday!" She yelled and the bullet was discharged! The force that came out with it was insanely powerful. The shot went into the boar's skull and hollowed a large hole in its path. With its last breath, the boar attempted to approach them but faltered to the ground after a few steps.

Valeria walked over to the beast and kicked it in its throat, the wind blasted at impact. Its neck was cracked and slanted now. It looked like overkill but, she was taking good precaution. These types of boars are known to get up after receiving the most powerful attacks.

A lot ran back to the city or got lost trying to escape. Half of the crowd stood before her. Valeria sighed, she's going to be reprimanded when she gets back. She climbed up the boar's corpse and sat on it.

"Look, as hunters we have a simple rules," Valeria sighed, deciding to continue the guide. "We don't kill for no reason."

"It's either for self-defense or for resources from the corpse, Taking animal lives for no reason is not respected and you can legally be punished for it here in Greensmith." 

"Excuse me, Miss Sandoval, about that rifle," Someone from in the crowd spoke up, catching her attention with good manners. "I doubt that a rifle could produce a shot so powerful, even with its size."

"You're right, there's another reason for its power," She held her palm forward. Suddenly, wind started to swirl rapidly around her palm. Becoming so fast that it was visible. "It's a magical energy in this world of Edhene, I used it to boost the power of my rifle."

"It's called {Essence}," The wind became so powerful it made her dark hair float in a flowing manner.

"Everyone has an {Attribute} to a certain type of {Essence}," She continued to explain. "You could use any type but using the types you have an {Attribute} to will make you power increase in that specific type. Those you don't have an {Attribute} to will never grow stronger and some can kill you."

"We will be returning to the city now, the guards will find those who got lost.... If they are still alive," She took out a long rope from her belt and wrapped it firmly around the beast. She was dragging it along with her, her strength is tremendous!

"Once we return to the city, head to the Training Fields where you will learn your {Attributes}."

~וווווווו×~

They returned to the city as planned. With no hassles, except for a few new players still lost in the forests. Hopefully not dead.

Valeria dropped them off at the Training Field, she left to go trade in the Sombre Boar's corpse for money. There wasn't a big crowd waiting to find out their {Attributes}, no one was in a rush. They looked to made some friends or relax from the tensions. Upon returning to the city, he got separated from Dorothy and others. Probably done by Wouder but, Ceres didn't care.

Ceres didn't want to wait around. He was eager to find out his {Attribute}, the idea of using 'magic' appealed to the childish side of him. And with his giant ego, he believed he was destined for a strong type. He marched confidently into the building where they did the procedure.

There were several crystals that were chipped into an orb, placed in decorative solid structures. There were many attendees running around doing errands, some waiting for people to come. Ceres went to the immediate {Affinity Stone} and an attendee stepped before him.

"Hello," She greeted with a professional smile.

"What's up?" He responded in a casual fashion.

"Are you here to check your {Attributes}?" She asked him.

"Did the clothes give it away?" Ceres smirked.

She giggled and fanned him away. Ceres didn't think it was that funny but he wasn't going to ruin her joy. She got her composure, "You just have to place your hand on the stone and pour your energy though."

Ceres didn't question it. He knew this was a magical world. So, as commanded, he placed his hand on the cold stone and flowed is energy through. He did feel a strange power channeling from him, the feeling was surreal. The clear orb became shrouded in a dark and white mist.

"You flowing too much," The woman was astonished by how much he produced.

"My bad," He stopped but he made sure to remember the feeling. It was incredible.

The attendee then placed her hand on the orb and closed her eyes. "Your {Attributes} are Positive Energy and Negative Energy.."

"Is it powerful?" Ceres questioned with an eager grin.

"It's certainly quite rare, you're the only person I've met with it..." She was hesitating, she didn't want to disappoint him but, "But it isn't as powerful the {Obstinates}."

Ceres liked the sound of that, he was disappointed that he didn't get one. Nothing could change that, so, he decided to focus on the positives. "Does anyone out there have an {Obstinate}?"

"From your batch, no. But about 5, including you, have rare {Attributes}." She explained.

He took note of that and nodded. "I'll remember that. What's your name?"

"Sabrina Angel, you?" She didn't expect him to ask. Almost no player care about the city's attendees.

"Ceres Bylte," He grinned. Her eyes widened, she recognized that name immediately. The defiant child of the Byltes. "I'll treat you to coffee sometime."

She smirked, it's rare to meet someone like him. "Well! I'll be waiting!"

He stepped out of the building and examined his surroundings. He pondered if there was anything else he wanted to do. He didn't have enough knowledge to continue playing, he wanted to log out of the game and do some research. Someone caught his eye once again. Sitting on a bench, he noticed Dorothy crying.

He jogged over to her with genuine concern. "What's wrong, Doll?"

"I- I- can't-!!" She tried to explain but something snapped in her. Leading to her bawling to become uncontrollable.

Wouder walked over, knowing that Ceres wouldn't leave without an explanation. "She has an {Attribute} to {Enchantment Essence}"

"What's so wrong with that?" Ceres asked.

"She will be a burden on an actual battlefield. All she can do is heal and boost others, not herself," Wouder made sure to say it loud enough for her to hear. Her cries worsened, she didn't want to rely on anyone while fighting. She didn't want to be a burden.

"I don't see what's the problem," Ceres said nonchalantly. He stooped down to Dorothy and wiped away her tears, she froze as she stared into his bright blue eyes. "I will fight for her."

Dorothy felt sick with herself. There she went being a burden once again. She got up abruptly and ran off, not looking back as her eyes were till teary and red.

"What-?" Ceres was astonished. He has never gotten that reaction before.

"You're moving too fast, buckaroo," Wouder sneered. If he could break them up, he could control them.

"Fuck off, Wouder."

~וווווווו×~

Ceres decided to log off after that. In a bad mood, he took a shower and got changed. Heading down to the dinning room to eat with his family and friends.

Lance came home early so he was able to make spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf and lasagna. Mercury, Natalia and Damien were setting up the table to eat. Ceres helped Lance carry the dishes onto the table. They sat down and enjoyed the meal.

Ceres had an obvious frown. He ate his meal like glutton but in a rude manner. Gulping down bite after bite, his mind lingered on Dorothy. Slowly, he was becoming infatuated with her.

They noticed his solemn rage and shared glances, wondering who should address it. Natalia decided to be the adult in the situation, "So how was your first day?"

"Peachy," Ceres bite out and stuffed his mouth with a chunk from the meatloaf.

"So much details, ever thought of being an author?" Lance scoffed. He ate his meal with manners compared to the others. 

"Nothing, I went to the tutorial like Mercy said and met someone new." He stated vaguely, wanting to drown his sorrows in more food.

"Awww you did listen to my advice," Mercury thought he was gloomy because he died trying to fight a monster. She was so relieved when he found out it was something else,

"Someone new? A girl?" Damien immediately caught on. He's a sucker for romance.

"Bingo," Ceres muttered.

"A girl?" Natalia asked with a frustrated expression. Ceres didn't understand why she was frustrated, she has a boyfriend. "You want to talk about that?"

"Just a girl I found interesting. She got {Attribute} to {Enchantment Essence} and was crying over it, I said I would fight for her and she ran away," Ceres sighed after remembering what happened.

For a few seconds, they all shared glances and erupted in a fit of laughter.

"Don't you laugh at me you sweaty bastards," Ceres growled at them. Once again, taking another strike to his ego.

Their laughter became more chaotic with that remark. It took a good minute for him to calm down.

"Don't worry about it. A lot of players spawn in wanting to be a badass warrior," Mercury continued to eat her meal despite smiling brightly. "But the game says otherwise and they either quit or choose a different path."

"Isn't there anything that can be done to change it?" Ceres asked.

"No. Once a person creates an account, no matter what they won't be able to create a new one," Lance went into the fridge and grabbed a large flask of vodka. "She is stuck with that {Attribute}."

"You're really into that girl huh?" Natalia glared at him and took sip of her water.

"Yeah, did I mention how adorable she is?" Ceres recalled her flustered expression. Natalia's glass cracked.

"Maybe you should ask her to be in your {Party} tomorrow," Damien suggested. He wanted to see this story bloom.

"Or just forget about her," Natalia suggested. Mercury kicked her under the table and they glared at each other.

Ceres smiled pleasantly. "Tomorrow.." For some reason, he felt like it was the first and last time he was playing. He felt excitement after realizing that his adventure only starts here. And if he plays his cards right, Dorothy can be in it.

"Yeah. Tomorrow."

~וווווווו×~

Dorothy took off her VR Gear and sat up on the edge of her small bed. She turned on the lights and as per usual, it was very dim. She could feel herself breaking up already.

She grabbed a bottle of water and brushed her teeth. It would take an entire jug for her shower so she decided to do so only if needed. She sat back down on her bed and recalled the events of today.

Dorothy lives in poverty, if it weren't for Edhene Online she would have to live in it till death. Before her father died, he made sure to buy her the game since she could make money from it. Now she is an orphan, lives alone and struggles to pay rent.

She lives in a 'Ghost Apartment'. They are called Ghost Apartments because they are so cheap and awful that only the damned will live in them. The rent is 10 International Dollars/IND, which is cheap but that is way too expensive for her. Affording a good meal was hard enough.

That's why learning her {Attribute} was so heartbreaking. She hates being a burden, she wants to be able to help. Which is why she wanted an affinity to something that would help her fight but, like the universe despised her, her {Attribute} couldn't help herself much in battle. She could only help others while also being a burden since she can't protect herself.

If she had a good {Attribute}, she could have been at least a mage or paladin. Her body isn't suited to physical combat since she was so weak. If she was an warrior, she could have made money hunting by herself.

Now, her only hope is to become a decent priestess. Some Priestesses are useful in battle with their special boosts and healing, being paid well if they become hired mercenaries. The chances of that was low but she couldn't give up now. It's her only hope.

Her hunger was apparent. She grabbed a packet of ramen to eat. She couldn't afford a stove so she threw the seasoning on it and ate it plainly. It tasted awful but she was used to it by now. Since she used some water earlier to brush her teeth, she couldn't afford to get another to quench her thirst. Situations like these she's trying to escape.

She felt bad for how she responded to Ceres. It was just too much for her to handle in that situation. In her heart, she wanted to party and stick with him. But now, she might be a burden to him. She didn't want to drag him down, wanting to be partners and not the protected.

She had rent to pay tomorrow. Gripping her fists and recalling her father's last words, she knew she couldn't give up now.