Page 51 of Our Final Game

“Oh, um … I guess.” My cheeks burn thinking about Tyson liking me. Does he like me? Or is this like some weird sexual tension thing between rivals? I know Tyson’s attracted to me. He’s never been shy to say so, but more than that? He did kinda hint at liking me back when we were playing together all those times.

“So, you want to upgrade your lance, right?”

“Yeah, sorry.” I snap out of it and summon up my lance, handing it to him. He checks it, nodding after seeing whatever he’s searching for.

“Should be doable for this one here.”

“Okay, and when will it be done?”

“Tomorrow maybe. Come by.”

“Tomorrow … Yeah, okay, that should be okay.” I nod, “Thanks.”

“Sure thing, see ya kid.” He returns a small nod.

I step out of the shop, taking in the now night air. “At least I got something done. But, okay, should really head back now.”

* * *

“Hey there, Lancer!” The innkeeper says when I walk in.

“Hey, Marta.” We finally started using her actual NPC name at some point. I mean, we see her every day. It really does feel like they’re all becoming real people in our eyes. Though none of them can ever use our names. So who’s really real here?

“You’re back before your friend,” she adds.

“Wait, he’s not back yet?” I say, scanning the inn’s lobby area.

“Nope, you’re the first back. Unless he snuck in earlier or something while I was cleaning the rooms. But I’m pretty sure.” She says, a finger on her chin.

“Ah, okay, maybe he’s still out.”

“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be in right behind ya!” Marta smiles.

“Yeah, uh, can you bring some sweet bread up to the room for us?” I ask. I’m starving after all that running around time like a chicken with my head cut off. I need a snack.

“Of course, dear!”

“Thanks, Marta.” I nod before heading to the room.

Once back in the room, I kick the door closed behind me before lying down across the bottom of the bed. I’m sure Tyson’s fine. Maybe he got a lead and decided to follow it? He’s much better at the game than me anyway. Sometimes I feel like I’m slowing him down or something. Besides, he literally worked on this stupid game. I use the control center to change into a regular tunic and run my fingers through my hair with a sigh.

He’ll definitely be fine.

Chapter 24

Tyson

My head is ringing. Wherever I am is dark, dead silence, and moisture hangs thick in the air. I wince while trying to blink myself awake. My vision is still blurred, but I can make out that I’m in a cell. In what’s probably a cellar or basement. I try to sit up, but my ribcage pulses with pain. My breath coming out labored. What the fuck happened? The last thing I remember is being in that alley … And.

Seeing my dad.

Or what I thought was my dad.

I don’t remember anything after that.

Whatever happened, my body definitely fucking remembers. Everything hurts. Did I try to fight whatever it was that attacked me? I clearly lost. I use a potion from the item menu. I don’t have many, and to be honest, I think Rohan put this in my pocket at some point after whining that we need to start being better prepared.

I’ll kiss him on the mouth later for this.