Akrea, the game was inspired by the classic fantasy world of dungeon and dragons, swords and magic, etc.

It also true for its RPG system and mechanics as it was adopted from the classics, renewed for the modern technology.

"The manuals said that all I need is registering my ID and do a full scan contact through the capsule, but is it even gonna fit?"

While my body has improved and I've lost a chunk of weight, it's still far from ideal.

I put my palm on the lid.

*Beep *Beep … *Ziiiing

The sound reminds me of that time in the hospital.

The glass lid itself is actually a screen. Surrounding my hand is a glow of its LED.

! {Warning: Akrea will transfer all of your statistics and synchronize it fully to match both your appearance and senses}

! {You have overpass the recommended weight limit required for the game}

~ {Readjusting Console Geometry...}

*Fwoosh *Bwoosh *Bwoosh

The console expanded itself, giving enough space and room for my plump body to fit inside it. I was in awe of that automation.

"So thoughtful."

My heart suddenly burdened however, "I see. While I can still technically play the game, I won't be able to experience it fully with my sorry state of a condition."

! {Would you like to continue?}

Thinking long hard on it.

"... No."

! {Shutting Down…}

*Fwoosh *Bwoosh *Bwoosh

The console returns to its former shape.

I sighed, 'At least not yet'

The DLC is going to be coming out soon, I know that I should hurry on playing, but at the same time… I asked myself again.

"Is this really what I wanted?"

The answer is right there for me but doubts kept surrounding it like a fog. "No." Is the true answer to this.

What I wanted is clear, I want to change myself and this is just not it.

"Lin!! Come down, sweetie. Breakfast is ready! And get your ass down here, Bein!!"

Mom… still harsh on dad as usual.

"Hum-hm…" I packed everything up and brought the manuals over downstairs.

I see mom in her usual outfit and apron, though without sleeves, her strong muscular arms made me jealous.

Despite her age, her beauty is unlike any other and it especially so with her silver eyes and slightly brown hair. Usually being tied like a bun, but now it's a ponytail today.

"Waaahh, s-sorry, honey. I was talking with my boss, so…"

Unlike mom, Dad is somewhat normal. A typical man with glasses, not particularly fit but not really weak either. Though, he's a little on the latter side of things.

"Yeah yeah, that red hair boss."

"N-No no, this one is a different person, honey. It's a man too."

"Mhmm… Introduce him to me next time then" with a fierce glare pointed at him.

"O-Of course, but like… he's super busy."

Seeing them like this reminds me of the time when I was a kid. Dad used to bring in some women with him to be introduced to me since I was into older women at the time, still is, but Mom misunderstood his intention and to this day, this kind of conversation (interrogation) still ongoing.

"What're we having?"

"Oh Lin, you're here. Come, have a seat."

She brought over a large cheese bread with some bacon for me and what seems to be a healthy sandwich for Dad.

"M-Mom, I told you… I'm on diet."

"Geez, you've been less energetic these past few days. You need to eat some more, okay? Just treat it as if it's your cheat day."

Glancing at dad, "Um… Da-"

*Bam*

Intended to switch the meal but there's seems to be some kind of metal, gripping my wrist. As the ominous darkness slowly making an appearance in my field of vision. I nervously sweat as I eat the cheese bread with a forced wiggling smile.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

A few days passed and I still haven't touched the console nor the game itself.

It was then when I was hanging out with my father on the couch, watching the news while snacking on some potato chips, something big happened.

"Today we have a report that a certain Kentucky boy at the age of 16 has obtained the third legendary class in Akrea."

*Beep*

"Aahhh, Dad, switch it back! I wanted to hear more of that."

"Awawawaaa…"

*Beep*

"... The boy's long-term contract with one of the top guild in America, Draco Outerblast, has been sealed just yesterday and he will remain exclusive for a while…"

Draco Outerblast, I've heard of that name before. They're the ones who dominate through any means necessary to become number one. Every game they played, and at every genre they're in. Their name always at the top 5.

"... Onto the next news, the highly anticipated expansion for Akrea, The Unserving Guardian, has been indefinitely delayed. This announcement…"

That was a surprise, even though the manual has already come with the introduction of the DLC and what it features, for it to be delayed.

Well, I somewhat agree with it though. A rushed game will forever be bad, a delayed game will eventually be good.

This applies with DLC as well, if they're not ready then why hasted it?

"Man, that sucks. Are you gonna be okay playing without it, son?"

"..." I pondered hard on it. Especially since I'm the type who only enjoys a finished game. "It can't be helped, dad. I can wait."

He nodded in sway. Despite his appearance, my father is not much of a game person. Though he shared the same taste as I in Anime, time prevent him from playing for too long.

Speaking of games though, in light of this situation, I think it works in my favor. I can continue thinning down my weight until the DLC be released.

With it being "Indefinite" no one but the devs know exactly where it'll be coming out.

There is no time, it might just be a prank and it's coming out tomorrow or maybe not, either way, I have to work harder.

I need that weight loss, I can feel it.

Several months passed.

*Pant *Pant

Almost at my limit, jogging around the park. My vision keeps on shaking, I stopped before it gets worse and then rested at the bench.

*Pant *Pant

The same bench where I got called as a pig. However, this time, I'm no longer the same pig who couldn't even jog for one turn.

I managed to slim down and gain a fairly bit of muscles, not really, and it was thanks to Mom's private training. It was hell but thanks to her, I can have this kind of body which I thought it would be impossible for someone like me to achieve in all lifetime.

The reflection of water on the ground reveals the change in my appearance. My neck no longer doing that thing under my chin, "Hehe, to think all of this could be possible without an extreme diet. Really, sometimes you just have to leave it to the pros."

The park still hasn't changed, the atmosphere is so nice. "Right, those girls aren't here. I wonder where they went. Maybe, playing Akrea? The DLC came out just now after all, so that might be the case."

I should probably head back too, can't wait to eat that grilled cheese again. It's been my meal since a long time ago.

The moment I went home is the moment I anticipated the most. Dad chewing on breakfast and Mom preparing my meals. They both have a smile on their faces, and it's everything I could hope for.

*Munch *Munch

"So, are you finally going to play that game today, son?"

"..." I keep on chewing and don't know what to respond. Deep inside, I want to play it, but if that ended up destroying the atmosphere we have now…

*Smooch*

Mom kissed me on the side of my head, "Sweetie, you don't have to worry about anything. As long as you don't neglect your schedule, everything is going to be fine."

"Yes, son. Also, tell you what, your mother... and dad here, are going to play the game too!"

"What?"

That's news to me.

"But, haha. I was told that there's going to be a slight delay for the consoles due to the high demand. Dad bought them too late."

Sulking.

"You guys…"

Mother gazed at me with a smile and dad has a bright one on his face.

It touches my heart, this warmth.

To have a family such as this, I feel like I'm the luckiest person on earth.

The steps I took to my room becomes heavy. I can feel it, the change that I'm about to make. This path seems inevitable, but I'm planning to not give myself in again.

I don't want to repeat the same mistake… Again.

*Beep … *Beep

! {All Statistics are Clear}

~ {Would you like to enter the new world?}

"Yes."

*Fwoosh*

The lid opens… and as it closes with me inside, all kinds of attachments attached themselves to me. Syringes filled with medicine, straps all over my body.

! {Please be at ease}

~ {This one-time procedure will guarantee your safety while you are connected to the world of Akrea}

~ {Warning: Each new user registered after post-update of the Unserving Guardian expansion will be transferred to a unique location, different from one another}

*Fwoosh *Bwoosh *Bwoosh

Finally, the headgear. Completely covering my face like a gas mask with tubes connected to it, just like in the hospital.

! {Please read our term of service}

It's long, but the most important thing about it is that the company is not responsible for any mental damage caused by the game.

Anything that was captured through in-game recording is the user's own property.

And any addiction caused by the game, the devs will not be held responsible for it as well. This one made me laugh my ass off.

! {Are you agree with our term of service?}

"..." with a smile on my face, I clenched my fist tight as my heart racing, I answered, "Yes."

! {All Preparation Completed}

~ {Directing you into the game…}

Like a tv being shut, my vision went blank soon after.

It's flickering, my sights are adjusting themselves. Then instantly, my eyes open and I saw… a Cave… no, it seems that I'm inside it instead.

Cold, I hear dripping waters. Echoing sound.

"Where am-"

*STAB*

My eyes opened wide, it's staggering. I can feel my hands shaking. As soon as I lowered my sights, I saw… a giant blade went through my chest, and a horrifically powerful music rang in both of my ears.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Tears fell as it shook from my sight elevating. "NGH, NGAAAAHHGGHH, HAAAGH, Haaaa…"

My visions fading away.

'L-Log… out…'

! {System Function: Logout - has been disabled}

~ {Please return to the Surface and enter the nearby Safe Zone to re-enable. The process will be done automatically}

"So it seems… The Anomaly has already begun." Eerily ominous voice, muffled by something.

As I turned around, I see where it came from.

Clad in a broken white armor with a cloak and a helmet resembling that of a typical fantasy soldier serving under the ancient religion, a holy knight... Paladin.