Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 75: Another Invitation

A few hours afterward, we're back in our house with our parents already home. Since it's almost the winter holidays, Mom has less work and will have a few weeks off while Dad has already returned from work and decided to continue his AI work here for the holidays. As for us, we have our winter break starting next week. We only have a few homework assignments left and after that, we can focus more on the game and Kazuki's birthday.

After dinner, I'm about to head upstairs with Kazuki when I feel someone grabbing my shoulder. I turn around and see Dad behind me.

"Sorry to disturb you, Hayate. But can we talk in private for a while?"

Private, huh? I'm guessing that it must be the birthday gift plan. Regardless, I shrug and turn to Kazuki. "You better go on ahead. I'll catch up in a few seconds."

"Sure. I'm actually going to read more on the expansion update on the computer until then."

I nod and turn around as I let him go ahead.

"So what do you want to talk about, Dad? If it's about the birthday gift, I already asked my friends to help me out with it."

"Ah, that's good to know. But I want to talk about something else and it revolves about [Isekai]."

[Isekai]? Why does he want to bring that up at this time?

"Um... Okay? What about it?"

"Well, the developers were observing your progress into the game and they are impressed with your in-game achievements so far."

"Uh... Yeah..." That's right. We've also been playing the game to test out some of the features that Dad and his company have added to the game. "I'm guessing you already know about them through the news articles, right? Heck, I'm guessing you might be responsible for that last event that almost gives everyone trouble."

He then chuckles in response, much to my annoyance.

"I can't say that I'm responsible, but most of the developers are trying to fulfill the players' feedback after the potion event. Don't worry, we'll make sure to inform everyone before we can pull that stunt again."

I sigh in annoyance. I love my Dad, but he can be pretty mischievous when it comes to his AI projects.

"Right, right. Back to the subject at hand, I was wondering if you, Kazuki, and your friends are interested in visiting [Isekai Online's ] developer studios. It's their way of thanking you for your hard work."

Developer studios? That's a bit sudden for them to ask. Still...

"Huh? I'm a bit interested, but why tell me all of this? Should you include Kazuki into this conversation?"

"I know. But here's the thing. I was hoping that it will occur two days before his birthday. Just think of it as his first early birthday gift. I know this is a bit much, but you are aware this is an important day both in the game and his livelihood."

Important, huh? Now that he mentioned it, he will become 12 years old in the next few weeks and the game allows 12-years-old and up to play with the [Guardian Player] feature. Don't tell me...

"You're telling me he will able to play without me?" I sigh, realizing the inevitable. "I guess my time as a [Guardian Player] is almost over, huh?"

"Not exactly. As a reward for accompanying him on his in-game journey, you will receive a special title and a [Storyline Bonus] passive skill. You can still accompany him to unlock more skills and possibilities."

My eyes widen when I hear those familiar words.

"Wait, you mean the same passive skill Kazuki's race has? Hang on, did you get involved in the game's story at our expense?!"