The bell rang, signaling the start of lunch, and the hallways of East Ridge Academy filled with the clamor of students heading toward the cafeteria. Amidst the buzz of conversation and clatter of trays, three figures made their way to an empty table near the corner, each carrying a vastly different aura.

Evan shuffled awkwardly, clutching his lunch tray as though it might tumble to the floor at any moment. His face flushed as he tried not to bump into anyone, his glasses fogging slightly from his nervous breaths. Luke strolled casually, earbuds still in, exuding a calm indifference that bordered on cockiness. Myron, as always, moved with deliberate grace, his polished shoes clicking softly against the tiled floor. His every step seemed measured, purposeful.

They reached the table, Evan slipping into his seat quickly, while Luke sat across from him, leaning back like he owned the place. Myron set his tray down with precision, taking a moment to scan the room before joining them.

“So,” Luke began, pulling out one earbud, his crimson gaze sharp. “What’s this about, Myron? You’re not exactly the type to have lunch with the common folk.”

Evan flinched, nearly dropping his fork. “I-I mean… t-thanks for inviting us…” he mumbled, staring intently at his mashed potatoes.

Myron smiled faintly, his golden eyes gleaming. “You’re right, Luke. I usually don’t. But I’ve been thinking.” He paused, folding his hands together on the table. “The three of us—our paths have crossed too many times for it to be coincidence.”

Luke raised a brow, intrigued. “Go on.”

Evan glanced up, his curiosity piqued despite his nerves.

Myron leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering. “We’re all playing Self-Actualization, aren’t we?”

Luke’s smirk widened. “And here I thought this was going to be boring. So, you’ve figured that out.”

Evan blinked, his fork hovering mid-air. “H-how did you know?” he stammered.

“You’ve been sketching fortifications and mana wells in class,” Myron said smoothly, his tone amused. “Luke here has been drafting strategies during lectures. And me? Let’s just say I notice these things.”

Luke nodded, impressed despite himself. “Alright, Myron. You’ve got my attention. What’s your point?”

Myron’s gaze sharpened, his voice steady and deliberate. “We’re strong individually, but together? We could dominate. Each of us likely represents a faction—Radiant Alliance, Crimson Covenant, Shifting Sands. If we coordinate, we could control the balance of power.”

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Luke raised an eyebrow. “And you know this how?”

Myron smirked, his confidence unwavering. “You’re calculating, ruthless—quintessential Crimson Covenant. Evan? All those sketches of mana wells and fortifications scream Radiant Alliance. And me? Well, I’ve always thrived in the wilderness of the Shifting Sands.”

Evan’s eyes widened behind his glasses. “T-team up? You mean, like… allies?”

“More than allies,” Myron replied, his smirk returning. “Imagine what we could achieve with all three factions working in tandem. The game isn’t just about surviving—it’s about ascending. Why settle for one faction dominating when we could control all three?”

Luke chuckled, leaning forward. “You’ve got guts, Myron. I’ll give you that. But what’s the catch? You’re not the type to pitch this without an angle.”

Myron’s smirk deepened. “The angle is simple. We win. Together, we can outmaneuver every other player, every native faction. I’ve even considered sweetening the deal.” He leaned back, his golden gaze fixed on Evan. “Evan, you don’t have a VR cabinet yet, do you?”

Evan flushed. “N-no… just a VR helmet…”

“Well,” Myron said casually, “I’ve got an extra one at home. Consider it a gift—on the condition that we play as a team.”

Evan’s jaw dropped. “Y-you’d do that? But why?”

“Because,” Myron said, his voice dropping to a serious tone, “I believe in potential. And the three of us? We have the potential to reshape this game. But only if we work together.”

Luke tapped his fingers on the table, his expression thoughtful. “Radiant Alliance and Crimson Covenant are natural enemies, Myron. You’re asking for a hell of a lot of coordination.”

“I know,” Myron admitted. “But think about the possibilities. While others are squabbling, we’ll be building empires.”

Evan hesitated, his mind racing. “But what about the system? Won’t it… punish us for working across factions?”

“We’ll find a way around it,” Myron said confidently. “That’s the point of Self-Actualization—to break limits.”

Luke smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

“You’re ambitious, I’ll give you that. Alright, Myron. I’m in—for now. But if you screw me over, don’t expect mercy.”

If a rich kid wants to pull me into his little game, fine. As long as it doesn’t cost me and I keep coming out ahead, why the hell would I say no?

People like Myron live in a different world, one I’ve spent my whole life staring up at. If he’s willing to throw resources my way, I’ll take them. And I won’t waste them. Let him think he’s holding the leash—for now. Because if I play this right, one day, I won’t just be at his level.

I’ll be above it.

And when that day comes, it won’t be Myron doing the offering. It’ll be me.

Myron inclined his head, his expression triumphant. “Fair enough. Evan?”

Evan swallowed hard, his heart pounding. “I… I’ll try.”

“Good,” Myron said, his voice like steel wrapped in silk. “Then it’s settled. The three of us will forge a new path.”

As the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of their break, the boys stood, their minds already spinning with possibilities. Unbeknownst to the rest of the school, a quiet alliance had been forged in the corner of the cafeteria—one that would soon ripple through the virtual world of Self-Actualization and beyond.