You know what’s the best about getting drunk in a VR game? That as soon as you log off, it’s like nothing has happened at all. And, do you know what is the worst?

“Fuck… I overdid it, right?” That as soon as you log in again, the hangover comes hunting you. It’s not like anyone can hear me, as I have just entered, but the desire to swear and moan was too strong. Ah whatever, I should go to the stall and talk with the others.

The streets that just a few hours ago were littered with all kinds of garbage and substances already looked like new. Either someone did an amazing job at cleaning, or it’s some kind of game mechanic.

“Hey there, how are you doing?” I ask as soon as I arrive.

“Grrh! Ssh, what are you so happy about?” Dorian grunts.

“Ha! I guess as hangover as me then! Hahaha!” Maybe it’s still the events of yesterday, but there is probably nothing that can take this happiness away from me.

Rand’s and Mike’s glare penetrate me from my back. Talk about being grumpy, those two must be regretting their alcohol too.

“We have much to talk about, let’s go inside.” I cut short the conversation, right before they kill me, and head inside.

“Before you.” I smile at Lillia and follow after her.

Once inside, unwilling to hold it for any longer, I let out my most shocking news.

“So, I was thinking about going full pro-player.”

"You, what!?" Rand almost burst into a rage.

"Listen. Lately, every time I'm back to my work life, I feel empty. It is meaningless. After all that has happened here, even if it's only been a month, I find everything else dull."

"But Mark, we ha-"

"I know, listen, please. Yes. We have talked about this several times already, back when we played normal MMOs. And we always concluded that it was not worth it. That we would have to spend too much time and resources."

"Exactly! You can't throw everything just because you like a game!"

"It's not that. Think about it. We have always been good. We managed to be in the top rankings both individually and as a guild, in several games actually."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Yes, but-"

"And that was while working. But now, we can spend as much as we want playing, I mean, we can do it while sleeping."

"Sure…"

"Not only that, but we are early! How many times did we have the opportunity to start at the very first moment? We defended the city and can snowball our current advantage and titles."

"Have you thought about the risks?"

"Yes, of course. But the more I think about it, the better it looks. Right now, there isn't even a method to trade in-game items or gold for real money. We are really early, if we build our foundations now…"

"That's not all," Dorian takes the opportunity my pause has created to speak, "has any of you taken a look at the game's adoption?"

Indeed, I think to myself while I let him continue. "It has broken all records, number of copies sold, concurrent players, active players after one month, everything!"

"Look," I intervene again, "I'm not saying you should all follow me. This is a personal decision. I wanted to let you know that I'm seriously considering it. I'm not accepting more jobs, and once I finish my current one, I'll most likely do it.”

Silence. A tense moment where nobody knows exactly what to say or do. Have I started too strong? Maybe I should have eased it in. Maybe if I had extended it over a period of several days…

“I’m in.” Lillia’s sudden affirmation, which nobody was expecting, not even me, turns the balance a bit to my view.

“Are you sure?” And, although the initial idea was mine, I can’t help but ask her. What if we fail. What if I drag her into a black hole from which we can’t escape.

“Yes. To be completely honest with you guys, I have always been tempted by the idea. The only reason I haven’t done it yet is that I was afraid.”

“Afraid? Of failing?” See, that’s what I think too.

A subtle laugh, maybe only a mild exhale through the nose, makes me know that, whatever the reason is, it’s not that. “No, no. Even if I failed, I’m young. It’s not like I can’t go back to my job, or find another one.”

“Then?”

“I-” Her voice about to break, “-I was afraid of losing you all…”

Instead of interrupting her, we let her cool down and settle her feelings.

“You see, if I went and played for the whole day, I would advance much more. I would soon have had to move to other content. Who knows, maybe I would find my way to competitive play. At that point… would we still be playing together?”

“You do have a point… Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I… I was fine as things were. As long as I could play with you, that’s all I wanted.” A second passed with all of us in silence, when suddenly Lillia did a small jump and started gesticulating rapidly. “I- I… I meant all of you!”

I chuckle at the remark, she is lovely when she blushes like this.

“How long until you finish your job?” Dorian asks.

“I’ve got a contract for a month, but it will probably take a bit less than 3 hours a day. So, practically, I will be almost full-time here.”

“Then it’s clear what we’ll do, right?”

At Dorian’s question, Mike and Rand nod.

“What else can we do?” Rand says. “Mark and Lillia have made their mind. Dorian, well, he’s a game maniac, he’d go and quit right now.”

“We are going pro!” Mike concludes Rand’s argument.

“Yes we are! Oh my god, we have so much to talk about!”

At this, everyone stares at me. Seeing their confused looks, I further explain.

“Did you forget? We can establish a guild in Irisgarth. We have a free estate. And I have an idea on how to start making money already.”

Everyone’s eyes go round at the realization, Rand even starts rubbing his hands. There is so much we have to do!

"Oh! And we have a god to get rid of."