The next day, I met up with Marie, Kaiser, and Elizabeth for lunch.
We went to eat at a fast food place, and against all expectations, Elizabeth ordered three extra-large meals. What kind of training was she doing to stay in such perfect shape and still eat that much?
"Elizabeth, do you play any sports?" I asked.
Elizabeth: "Nothing specific. I just really like going on long runs, so I eat a lot because of that—I burn a ton of calories every day."
"Got it, got it," I replied.
Kaiser: "Jhon, how's it going in the game? Made any progress?"
"You guys go first. I've got way too much to say," I answered.
Marie: "Kaiser and I have become kind of a two-player team now. We've reached level 11 and each unlocked a new formula."
Kaiser: "Yeah, and all I do is keep her from getting herself killed by constantly healing her."
"Wow, you guys are impressive—a real dynamic duo! So? When's the wedding?" I teased.
Kaiser blushed.
Marie: "Cut it out, Jhon! We've told you like a thousand times, it's not like that between us!"
I noticed Elizabeth's mood drop a little. Did she feel left out of the group?
"And you, Elizabeth? Any progress? Or are you too busy cleaning up your brother's crap?"
Elizabeth: "I've reached level twenty-four and got my base sword skill mastery up to level two! Hehe."
"WOW, that's awesome!" I replied.
Then all three of them asked how far I had gotten.
"I reached level thirty-one. Got some crazy formulas and powerful items... but nothing worth celebrating. It wasn't because of me anyway—it was all thanks to that skill. I shouldn't even be in the game, so there's nothing to be proud of."
Marie: "Come on, Jhon, that's not true. I'm sure you still had to work hard to level up that much!" she said, trying to cheer me up.
"No. I just abused my ability again," I said, coldly.
Then an awkward silence fell over the table. It lasted several long seconds.
Eventually, we all left soon after. I had ruined everything—it was obvious.
I went home.
After spending hours lying in bed trying to sleep, a thought struck me.
In just a few hours of gameplay, I had become stronger than most players.
What could I become in those months alone on the island... if I started progressing and conquering it—before the other players arrived?
It wouldn't even be hard with VerbTank. In fact, it'd be pretty easy. I could actually do it.
I don't know what the Game Master will think of me for ignoring his warning—but he can't do anything to me. He already tried.And I'm above the system now anyway.So it's practically an invitation—to become the strongest.
That night, in the silence of my room,the selfish desire to be superior to everything else…was starting to come back to life inside me.
I was making the same mistake from my past life.