Shyri didn’t stop running until she was nearly at her apartment, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her mind was racing as fast as her feet. The cool night air stung her lungs, but she couldn’t slow down—not after what had just happened. She reached her apartment door and bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she unlocked the door and stumbled inside. The familiar warmth of her apartment did little to calm her swirling thoughts. As soon as she walked in, she dropped her bag and jacket at the door, her legs giving out as she slid down to the ground.
“Shyri! Where have you been?!” Kame's voice was filled with concern as she came rushing from the living room, phone in hand. "I was just about to call you! You didn’t answer any messages and then you disappeared after lunch. Are you okay?" She knelt beside Shyri, scanning her face for any signs of injury or distress.
Shyri couldn’t speak at first, still trying to steady her breathing, her back pressed against the door as she tried to make sense of everything. Her cheeks were still warm, her pulse erratic, but not from the running.
"I…" Shyri finally managed to say, her voice shaky, "I don’t even know what just happened." She let out a nervous laugh, covering her face with her hands. "Oh my god, Kame."
Kame's concern deepened as she sat down beside her, her hand resting on Shyri's shoulder. "What happened? You’re freaking me out here. Talk to me.”
Shyri groaned softly, pulling her hands away from her face to look at her friend. "After we finished eating, I went to see Kalem. I told him what you said about the alert in the game… but then…" She paused, still processing the whirlwind of events. "We ended up playing together in his room. And everything that happened online with Redom and you and your guild. We logged off at the same time, but then…"
Kame raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer. "But then what? What happened?"
Shyri's voice grew softer, more uncertain. "Kalem… he followed me out when I was leaving. And he… he told me he likes me." Her voice cracked slightly at the memory of the confession, still feeling surreal. "Like, out of nowhere. We barely know each other, and he said he couldn't stop thinking about me."
Kame’s eyes widened in surprise, her lips forming an amused smile. "He told you he likes you? Like, full-on, 'I have feelings for you'?"
Shyri nodded, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Yes! Exactly that! I didn’t know what to say, and I just… I panicked, Kame! I told him he’d have to take me on a date first, and then I ran out of there like a complete idiot!"
Kame couldn’t help but burst out laughing, her hand covering her mouth. "You what? You ran away and said that?"
Shyri groaned, burying her face in her hands again. "It was the only thing I could think of! I wasn’t ready for him to just drop that on me."
Kame’s laughter softened, and she wrapped an arm around Shyri’s shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. "Wow. I mean, I’m not surprised that Kalem likes you. You guys have been hanging out a lot lately, and you’re basically partners in the game. But… you really said a date? You sly fox."
Shyri peeked at her friend from between her fingers, her face still red. "What am I supposed to do now, Kame?"
"Well," Kame said, grinning as she gave Shyri a playful nudge, "I think you owe him that date now, don’t you?"
Shyri sighed, leaning back against the door. "I guess I do. But I still can't believe this happened. It’s all so fast."
Kame shook her head, smiling softly. "It’s a lot to take in, but hey, maybe it’s not such a bad thing. Kalem seems like a good guy. And clearly, he’s got your back in and out of the game."
Shyri let out a long breath, her mind settling as she processed everything. "I guess… I’ll figure it out." She looked up at Kame, a small, nervous smile finally tugging at her lips. "Thanks for listening. I needed to get that out."
"Anytime," Kame replied, standing up and extending a hand to Shyri. "Now, how about we make some tea and you tell me more about this whole 'date' situation?"
Shyri took her hand, letting Kame pull her up from the floor. "Yeah," she said, still feeling the weight of Kalem's confession, "I think I need that tea."
Shyri and Kame sat at the small kitchen table, sipping on warm tea as the atmosphere in the apartment gradually shifted to something more relaxed. The initial shock of Kalem’s confession was beginning to fade, but Shyri still felt a tight knot in her chest as she thought about it. Kame leaned back in her chair, grinning at Shyri over the rim of her mug.
“So… let’s talk about your feelings, miss ‘I need a date first,’” Kame teased, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Shyri sighed, placing her cup down and rubbing her temples. “I don’t even know how I feel. Kalem’s great—he’s funny, smart, and he’s got this… aura about him, you know? Like he’s always in control, even when things are chaotic. I like him, but I didn’t expect this.”
Kame nodded, her grin softening into a thoughtful smile. “Sounds like you’ve got a crush on him too, huh?”
Shyri blushed, looking down into her tea. “I don’t know if it’s a crush or just… admiration. He’s been really kind to me, and I like spending time with him, but… this is all so new. I barely know him outside of the game. What if he’s different in real life?”
Kame tilted her head, considering that for a moment. “I get what you’re saying. But from what you’ve told me, it sounds like he’s been pretty consistent. He invited you to his room, played the game with you, and confessed how he feels. He seems real enough to me.”
Shyri sighed again, her hands playing with the edge of her teacup. “Maybe… but what do I do about this date thing? I didn’t think it through at all when I said it.”
Kame chuckled. “That’s easy! He’s the one who confessed, so he should plan it, right? But if you’re worried about where he might take you, we could brainstorm some ideas.”
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Let’s see… you both like gaming, so maybe he could take you to an arcade? Or if you want something more chill, there’s that café by the river—good atmosphere, a bit quieter.”
Shyri smiled a little at the thought of an arcade. “Yeah, that could be fun. But the café sounds nice too… something less intense.”
Kame nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! Somewhere you can talk and get to know each other better. Besides, you’d want to see how he acts when it’s just the two of you, right?”
Shyri chuckled, finally feeling a little less anxious. “You’re right. I guess I’ll wait and see what he comes up with.”
Kame leaned forward, her eyes still playful but now more serious. “So, how do you feel about him? I mean, after everything tonight.”
Shyri took a deep breath, thinking it over. “I like him. Maybe more than I want to admit. But I also don’t want to rush into something just because he said he likes me. I want to take things slow.”
Kame smiled, leaning back in her chair. “Sounds smart. Slow’s good. Gives you time to really figure things out.”
They sipped their tea in comfortable silence for a moment before Shyri’s curiosity shifted the conversation. “So… speaking of figuring things out, how did you manage to get your guild to help out earlier? I didn’t even know you had such a strong guild behind you!”
Kame’s eyes lit up with pride as she set her cup down. “Oh, my guild’s been with me since I started playing that game. It’s called Iron’s Hand, and we’re pretty well-established in the world. We focus on tough quests and protecting towns from overpowered bosses. You know, doing the dirty work no one else wants to handle.”
Shyri’s brows lifted in surprise. “That’s impressive. How did you even find them?”
Kame laughed, thinking back to the early days. “I was a total noob when I first joined the game. Wandering around solo, getting wrecked by low-level monsters. One day, I was in a bad spot—overrun by mobs—and Iron’s Hand came through, like knights in shining armor. They saved me and even helped me level up for a few hours. The guild leader, Alesia, said I had potential, and I guess I proved it. They invited me in.”
Shyri smiled, imagining Kame being scooped up by such a powerful group. “Wow. So you’ve been with them since the start?”
“Yeah, for the most part. And we’ve grown a lot since then,” Kame said with a proud smile. “Alesia is an amazing leader, always thinking ahead. When I mentioned you needed help against Redom, the guild was quick to back me up. They trust me, and they were curious about you too. They wanted to see what you and Kalem were made of.”
Shyri frowned, guilt settling in her stomach. “I feel bad that so many of them got taken out by Redom. I didn’t expect him to be that strong…”
Kame waved a hand, brushing it off. “Don’t feel bad. We knew the risks going in, and we’ve faced worse before. Alesia wanted to help, even if it meant losing a few battles along the way. Besides, now we know Redom’s no joke. We’ll come up with a strategy to take him down.”
Shyri’s eyes widened. “Do you think they’ll still help after losing so many players?”
Kame grinned. “Oh, they’re even more determined now. Especially Alesia. She’s not the kind of leader who lets an enemy go unchecked. We’ll have a strategy meeting soon—probably outside of the game. You should join us.”
Shyri nodded, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude for the guild’s support. “I’d love to. It feels good knowing there are people willing to help, even with this whole ‘Sinner’ title making things harder.”
Kame reached across the table, giving Shyri’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve got backup, Shyri. In the game and out of it. We’ll take down Redom, and you’ll see—it’s not all bad being a Sinner.”
Shyri smiled, her worries easing as she realized she wasn’t alone. “Thanks, Kame. I’m lucky to have you.”
Shyri finished the last sip of her tea, savoring its warmth as it settled in her chest. The conversation with Kame had left her feeling lighter, more grounded. She set her cup down on the table, stretching as she stood. "Alright, I’m gonna shower and get ready for bed," she said, her mind still buzzing with everything that had happened.
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Kame smiled and gave her a playful wave. "Go on, then. Don’t take too long. You never know who might text you while you’re gone."
Shyri rolled her eyes but smiled as she grabbed her things and headed toward the bathroom. The warm water felt like a blanket, soothing her thoughts as she mulled over the day's events—Kalem’s confession, the intensity of their game session, and how she now had a guild on her side. It was a lot to process, but as the steam rose around her, she found herself feeling calmer, ready to take things one step at a time.
When she stepped out of the shower, her skin still dewy and warm, she wrapped herself in a towel and padded back to her room. The moment she reached for her phone on the nightstand, it buzzed in her hand. Curious, she unlocked it, and her heart gave a tiny leap. It was a semi-long text from Kalem.
Kalem:Hey Shyri, I’ve been thinking… I’m free this Saturday, and I’ve already planned out our date! I know we just met, but I want this to be special. I’ve got a few ideas, so I hope you’ll like them. Can’t wait to see you then :)
Shyri’s eyes widened as she read the message, feeling the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. Saturday. He’d already planned everything? She couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Before she could even fully react, a loud, familiar melody filled the room. Kame had pulled up a love song on her phone, the lyrics crooning about falling head over heels.
Shyri whipped her head around, giving Kame an exasperated but amused look. "Really?" she asked, shaking her head with a smile tugging at her lips.
Kame was sprawled on her bed, dramatically mouthing the words to the song and waving her arms in exaggerated motions. "Yes, really!" she teased, grinning from ear to ear. "This is your love story now, girl! You’ve got to own it!"
Shyri blushed and laughed, her cheeks flushing pink as she flopped down onto her bed. She turned her attention back to Kalem’s text, the warm feeling in her chest only growing stronger as she typed out a quick reply.
Shyri:That sounds great, Kalem. I’ll be there! :)
As soon as she hit send, she found herself smiling even wider. The excitement and nerves blended together in a way that made her feel alive, like this was the start of something she hadn’t expected but was eager to see unfold. Kame’s love song continued to play in the background, and though Shyri pretended to be annoyed, the smile never left her face.
Shyri woke up to the soft glow of the morning sun spilling through the blinds, her room bathed in a warm, golden light. It was her one day off from classes, and she planned to make the most of it. She stretched under the covers, yawning as she slowly came to her senses. The events of the previous day replayed in her mind—Kalem’s text, her upcoming date, and the intense gaming session. But for now, she pushed it aside and focused on starting her day.
After lingering in bed for a few minutes, she finally got up, throwing on a comfortable hoodie and a pair of loose pants before heading into the kitchen. The apartment was quiet, with Kame still sleeping. Shyri moved about silently, grabbing ingredients for a simple breakfast. Eggs, toast, and some fruit—it wasn’t fancy, but it was enough to fuel her for the day.
As the eggs sizzled in the pan, she glanced at her planner sitting on the counter. It was full of assignments, projects, and notes, but she was determined to get it all done early so she could spend the rest of the day playing online. After all, with everything that had happened in the game recently, she was itching to log back in and strategize with Kalem.
Breakfast was quick and satisfying. She finished her plate, cleaned up the kitchen, and set herself up at the small desk in her room. Opening her laptop, she dove into her work.
First, there was a reading assignment for her literature class, which she finished with ease. Then came some notes to review for an upcoming quiz, and finally, an essay draft she had been putting off.
Shyri focused intently, determined to get everything crossed off her to-do list. The hours passed quietly, her fingers flying across the keyboard, her mind sharp and clear as she worked. Every time she felt the urge to check her phone or think about gaming, she pushed it away, knowing that once her tasks were done, she could relax and enjoy herself guilt-free.
By mid-afternoon, she leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head. The last assignment had been submitted, and a wave of relief washed over her. She glanced at the time and smiled to herself—there was still plenty of time left in the day. With everything done, she was free.
She walked over to her bed, grabbing her gaming headset and controller, her heart picking up with excitement.
Just as Shyri was about to log into the game, the front door creaked open, and in walked Kame, her backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. She dropped her bag by the door with a tired sigh, kicking off her shoes as she made her way into the apartment. Shyri, who was already seated at her desk with her headset on, paused, noticing Kame’s arrival.
"Just in time," Shyri said, half-smiling. "I was about to log in."
Kame waved her off with an excited expression. “Hold up on that," she said, moving toward the couch and flopping down. "I’ve got something way more interesting."
Shyri raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh? More interesting than logging in?”
Kame nodded vigorously, sitting up straight. "Yeah, way more interesting. My guild leader wants to meet up. In person. At a sushi bar downtown."
Shyri blinked, surprised. “Wait, in real life? Like, you know them offline?”
Kame grinned. "Yup, I’ve known them for a while now, but we keep it mostly guild stuff. And get this—they want you to invite Kalem too."
Shyri’s face shifted from surprise to confusion, processing the fact that Kame knew her guild leader in real life and had never mentioned it. "You never told me you were close with your guild leader," she said, crossing her arms and giving Kame a playful look of suspicion.
Kame shrugged. "It just didn’t come up. But now that things are heating up with Redom hunting you guys, the guild wants to strategize for real. You and Kalem are a big part of that, so they want you both there."
Shyri hesitated, glancing down at her casual gaming clothes—comfy sweats and an oversized hoodie. "Uh, I can’t go dressed like this."
Kame laughed, her eyes bright with amusement. "Obviously. Get up and put on some actual clothes, will you? We’re heading to a nice sushi bar. You’ve got time before we go, but trust me, you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed."
Shyri got up from her desk with a small groan, her mind still spinning from the unexpected invite. "I’m still shocked you knew your guild leader offline this whole time," she said as she moved toward her closet. “And you never thought to mention it?”
Kame gave her a sheepish smile. "I mean, it didn’t really matter until now. Plus, I like to keep some mystery, y'know?"
Shyri shook her head, rummaging through her closet for something decent to wear. "Right, mystery. That’s totally it."
Pulling out a pair of dark jeans and a casual, fitted sweater, Shyri glanced at Kame over her shoulder. "So, how serious is this meeting?"
Kame sat up, more serious now. "Pretty serious. Redom isn’t just a powerful enemy; he’s got connections everywhere. The guild leader thinks this is going to be a long haul fight, so we need to strategize.
Shyri nodded as she grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom to change. "Okay, I’ll text Kalem and let him know. I still can’t believe we’re having a real-life strategy meeting over sushi.”
“You better believe it,” Kame called after her. “And you might want to dress nice. First impressions and all that.”
Shyri smirked as she closed the bathroom door, already texting Kalem. She still couldn’t get over the fact that Kame knew her guild leader in real life, but as she changed, she figured there was a lot she didn’t know about Kame involving the game. At least tonight, she’d get a better understanding of just how deep her connection with the guild ran.
Shyri had assumed the guild meeting would be a virtual call, maybe something on a chat server or a group video. She hadn’t expected this—an in-person gathering at a sushi bar with her and Kalem being invited as if they were major players in some grand strategy. As she tied her shoes and grabbed her jacket, she couldn’t help but glance at Kame with a newfound curiosity. There was something about her now—an air of mystery that hadn’t been there before. The fact that she knew her guild leader in real life, and had kept that little secret, made Shyri wonder just how much more there was to know about Kame.
“You’ve got some surprises up your sleeve,” Shyri said, raising an eyebrow as she watched Kame scroll casually through her phone.
Kame looked up, smirking. “What? You didn’t think I was all just games and memes, did you?”
Shyri chuckled. “Honestly? I thought you’d be the last person involved in something this... serious.”
Kame shrugged, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Well, now you know.”
They grabbed their bags and left the apartment, walking together toward the private bus stop. The school had a convenient system that allowed students to travel anywhere within a ten-mile radius. It was a perk of living near a big city, and one that Shyri often forgot about until moments like this.
As they boarded the bus and settled into their seats, Shyri couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be more than just a casual meeting. The idea of meeting someone who had coordinated their rescue from Redom—the guild leader who’d lost so many players to the huntsman—made her stomach churn with both nerves and curiosity.
The bus glided smoothly through the city streets as they sat in comfortable silence. Shyri stared out the window, the thoughts swirling in her head only interrupted when the bus pulled up to their destination. As the doors opened, they stepped off the bus, and Shyri immediately spotted Kalem standing by a streetlamp, hands tucked into his pockets, his eyes scanning the crowd.
The moment his gaze landed on them, his face lit up with a warm smile. “Hey, you two,” he called out, waving.
Kame grinned and waved back, nudging Shyri. “There’s your man.”
Shyri rolled her eyes, her heart skipping just a little. "Not my man," she muttered under her breath.
As they approached, Kalem’s smile didn’t waver. "You ready for this?" he asked, his eyes moving between the two of them.
Shyri gave him a half-smile. "I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this isn’t just some virtual meeting."
Kame, walking ahead of them, looked over her shoulder with a playful grin. "You’re welcome."
Shyri glanced at Kalem, her heart settling a little as she matched his stride. “So,” she asked, “what are you expecting from this?”
Kalem shrugged lightly, still smiling. "Honestly? I have no idea. But I’m curious to see what this guild of Kame’s is really all about."
With that, the three of them walked down the street toward the sushi bar
As the three approached the sushi restaurant, Shyri’s eyes widened at how upscale it looked. The large, traditional wooden doors opened to reveal sleek interior designs with elegant lighting, bamboo accents, and a tranquil fountain near the entrance. It wasn’t just a casual spot—it was fancy, a place where people came for more than just a meal, but an experience.
“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Shyri asked, glancing at Kame.
Kame gave a sly smile, pulling out a small, intricate-looking invitation from her pocket as they entered. The hostess at the front desk, dressed in a refined uniform, looked up and immediately nodded as Kame handed over the invitation.
“Ah, right this way,” the receptionist said, her voice soft and professional.
Kalem and Shyri exchanged glances, both of them silently wondering what exactly Kame had gotten them into. The three followed the receptionist deeper into the restaurant, weaving through the dining area and toward the back, where things seemed to grow quieter, more exclusive. The hum of the general crowd faded as they approached a set of sliding doors adorned with traditional art.
Kame didn’t seem phased, walking confidently as the receptionist stopped at one of the doors and slid it open. The room inside was a VIP section, and immediately it became clear this was no ordinary meeting. The atmosphere shifted as soon as they stepped in.
Seated at the low table, facing them, was a young woman—perhaps just a few years older than Shyri and Kalem. Her sharp, yet elegant features gave her an air of authority despite her youth. Her long, dark hair was meticulously styled, and she wore a sleek black blazer, giving off a polished and commanding presence.
On either side of her sat two men—both large, with muscular frames, clearly security or close associates. They wore expressions of quiet vigilance, watching closely as Shyri, Kalem, and Kame entered.
The young woman’s eyes met Shyri’s first, and then Kalem’s, studying them with calm intensity before her lips curled into a small, welcoming smile. “Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth but authoritative. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you both. Kame’s spoken highly of you.”
Kalem gave a polite nod, his usual easy going demeanor slightly more reserved. Shyri, meanwhile, couldn’t help but feel a little out of her depth. This woman exuded power, like she was used to being in control of situations far more complex than the average player would ever deal with.
Kame, seemingly unfazed by the formal setting, gave a relaxed wave as she stepped forward. “Shyri, Kalem, meet Alesia,” she said, gesturing toward the young woman. “Alesia’s the guild leader of Iron’s Hand.”
Alesia smiled slightly at the introduction but kept her eyes on Shyri and Kalem. “I hope you found the journey here pleasant,” she said, gesturing for them to sit. "We have much to discuss."
Shyri swallowed, feeling Kalem shift beside her, both of them taking their seats across from Alesia and her silent guardians. The room was filled with tension and expectation, but Shyri could tell this wasn’t just about small talk or pleasantries. The guild leader had a plan—and they were about to be drawn into it.
Shyri swallowed, feeling Kalem shift beside her, both of them taking their seats across from Alesia and her silent guardians.
Alesia cut through the thick silence with her next words, her voice smooth and precise, carrying the kind of confidence that only came from power and experience. “Let me introduce myself properly,” she said, leaning forward slightly, her sharp eyes flicking between Shyri and Kalem. “I’m Alesia Raithe, daughter of Marcus Raithe—founder and CEO of RaitheTech.”
Both Shyri and Kalem exchanged quick glances. RaitheTech was a major name in the gaming industry, known for creating some of the most cutting-edge technology and games in the world. It explained the poise, the control, and the sense that Alesia wasn’t just another player—they were dealing with someone from a different world of influence.
“These two men,” she gestured to either side of her, “are not just my personal guards but my right and left hand in the game as well.” The man on her right had a calm but intense expression, his dark eyes steady. “This is Dorian, my strategist and enforcer.” His presence was imposing, and though he didn’t speak, his quiet nod conveyed everything they needed to know—he was the muscle behind Alesia’s plans.
“And this,” she pointed to the man on her left, who had a more laid-back demeanor but carried the same weight of experience, “is Royce. My guild’s top tactician and one of the best PvP players in Iron’s Hand.” Royce gave them a smile, but there was a sharpness to it, as if he’d seen countless battles and outsmarted more than his fair share of opponents.
Alesia continued without missing a beat. “Iron’s Hand didn’t become one of the most powerful and widespread guilds in the game by accident. We grew because we are a family, and I don’t mean that in a sentimental sense. We function like a well-oiled machine. We recruit the best. We protect our own. And, when necessary, we crush our enemies with precision and force.”
Her words were laced with authority, each one making it clear why Iron’s Hand had its reputation. “My father’s resources have helped, of course,” she added casually, as if her family’s wealth and power were just a minor detail. “But it’s the players—the ones like Dorian, Royce, and Kame—who’ve made Iron’s Hand what it is today.”
Shyri and Kalem listened closely, the weight of Alesia’s words settling over them. This wasn’t just any guild. Iron’s Hand had reach, power, and resources that went far beyond the typical gaming clan. They were talking to someone who not only understood the game deeply but also had the real-world influence to shape it in ways other players could only dream of.
Alesia leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms as she studied Shyri and Kalem. “Kame has told me a lot about you two,” she said, her tone more relaxed but still sharp. “You’ve already made waves, especially with Redom hunting you. But if you want to survive that kind of threat—and maybe even defeat it—you’ll need more than just luck.” She glanced at Kame, who smiled reassuringly at Shyri and Kalem, then back to them. “You’ll need allies. Strong ones.”