End Online: Volume 4 (25 page)

We start a joyful conversation, reminiscing over all the
eventful moments that have happened over the past few weeks since we arrived at
Swordbreak. There are many comments that we all burst out laughing over, while
others that cause everyone to stare at me with accusing eyes. After an hour,
however, the conversation suddenly turns serious.

"Lost," Sir Laurence says with a frown. "That
Chronix didn't give you too many troubles lately, did he?"

"No, I haven't actually seen him for a while. But
apparently he has people watching me."

"I doubt that. He probably doesn't even have the time to
worry about you right now anyway."

"What do you mean? Do you know something about him?"

"I was disgusted that he was bringing real life threats
into the game, so I put his uncle's business in a difficult situation. I
imagine his whole family is caught up in the trouble by now."

"What!!? You attacked his family's business!? Wait, what
kind of person are you in real life, to do that?"

"No. Like I said, this is only a game. I have more dignity
than to go that far. I merely put a bit of pressure on it. At least this way,
he won't bother you for quite a while."

"I see... But still, that is quite harsh."

"He brought it on himself."

We change the subject and talk about other matters, but as the
night comes to an end, I finally break the news that I have been dwelling on
for some time.

"Everyone," I say solemnly, "I won't be playing
End Online for the next three months."

The atmosphere around the table instantly sobers up, and
everyone looks at me with a mix of surprise and awkwardness.

"What do you mean three months? Why so long?" Verde
seems to be the most surprised.

"I will be taking my GED. I never finished school, and I
vowed that after my last item sold at auction that I would finally do it. It is
something I simply must do, so I will devote myself to study for the next two
months before finally taking the test."

"That isn't something any of us can really argue
with," Mason says with a sigh.

"Thank you for understanding."

"But, we can't simply let things end there. Let us share
our real life contact details and when we all come back together, how about we
form a guild?" Everyone smiles at Mason's idea and we unanimously agree.

I notice that Verde's eyes don't reflect her smile, her
condition is something that Sir Laurence and I are still unable to find a
proper answer for.

Rather than heading up to the rooms in the inn, we all slowly
log off one by one.

***************************************************

-Jude-

"What do you mean you are being suppressed!? I thought you
were on the rise in the business world!?"

I cannot help but express my astonishment at the man in front of
me. The man is none other than Mr. Johnstone, the one who not too long ago was
moving up to the middle district.

"I don't understand either. One minute everything was going
well, the next... nobody would give me the time of day. Even some of my closest
acquaintances started turning a blind eye to my predicament. I sincerely hope
that you won't be the same."

Mr. Johnstone looks slightly dishevelled, with his hair in a
slight mess and dark rings under his eyes. The look is nothing but pitiful for
someone who was as prestigious as he was merely a month ago.

"Of course not! We have known each other for such a long
time. How could I possibly not offer a helping hand?"

"You have my undying gratitude, Jude.”

"Please, think nothing of it. I'm sure that when the time
comes to return the favor, you will be there for me as well."

"Just say the word when the time comes and it shall be
done. As for now however, I am displeased to say that I must leave you. My
family is gathering to discuss the problem so I must be present."

"Have a safe trip, Liam. I look forward to hearing from you
soon."

As the man stands up and takes his leave, I stare at his back
with utterly cold eyes.

'You had prestige, status, and a promising future before you,
yet you managed to anger someone you clearly shouldn't have. You can suffer in
your own pit of doom alone, fool! I can't believe I thought of marrying off one
of my precious nieces to your family!'

***************************************************
***************************************************

-Hollis Silvester(Lost)-

The weather slowly begins to change as three months pass by in
the blink of an eye and the world enters the middle of summer. Outside my
house, I open the mailbox with excitement.

"It's here!" I call out to myself, seeing the letter
in the mail.

I hastily roll myself into the house, my excitement causing me
to nearly lose control of the wheelchair and shamefully fall to the ground.

Inside my house is quite humid and muggy, even with several
windows open. There is nothing that can be done in a poorly insulated house in
the middle of summer with no air conditioning.

Despite the heat, the perspiration on my face is actually caused
by the nervousness of looking at the letter. The envelope is addressed to me
from the Board of Education. That's right, these are the results from taking
the GED three weeks ago.

I had studied relentlessly for two months after putting ‘End
Online’ down. I had always been one of the brighter students back when I was at
school and I retained most of my knowledge, so I covered most of the stuff I
had already learned relatively quickly. As for all the new information, I
surprised even myself by how fast I was learning it. It was like my brain was
starving for knowledge and soaked up every last bit like a sponge.

Using a small knife from the kitchen drawer, I slice the side of
the envelope open and slide out my test results. I feel my heart rate increase
as I open the neatly folded piece of paper, a sliver of doubt appearing.

My eyes widen in surprise as soon as I see the results. Not only
did I pass, but I did so with extremely high marks! My marks aren't as high as
what a genius would score, but they are all well above average.

Today, I
moved one step closer to getting my sisters back.