I became an antagonist teacher in RPG WORLD

Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past

The scene shifted. She was older now, working a part-time job after graduating from high school. Her parents had finally made up after years of constant arguments, and for a brief time, it seemed like things might get better. But then, another tragedy struck.

Her parents were involved in a car accident—both had been drinking again. "I thought they'd finally stopped..." Marina's thoughts were filled with despair as tears streamed down her face.

Her world darkened when she heard the news of their deaths, her heart sinking into a pit of sorrow.

The scene shifted again, this time to the funeral. It was a dreary day, the clouds thick and heavy, releasing a slow, steady drizzle. Marina stood at the gravesite where her parents were buried, her face pale, dark circles under her eyes. She looked hollow, empty. Rain mixed with her tears, drenching her as she stood there holding a single flower in her left hand.

Why did it have to end like this? she thought, her mind numb with grief. You promised you'd change... but you didn't.

She let the rain soak through her clothes, not caring about the cold. She felt as if she were drowning in her own sorrow, unable to escape the suffocating weight of her loss.

✵ ✵ ✵

After the funeral, Marina found herself adrift, struggling to move on from the past. To escape the pain and monotony of her life, she immersed herself in a game called Fantastic Worlds. Every day after work, she would lose herself in the virtual world, finding solace in its challenges and adventures.

One evening, while she was engrossed in the game at her desk, a voice broke through her concentration.

"Hey, I didn't know you also play this!" said a woman with short brunette hair, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's quite popular recently."

Marina looked up, startled and a bit nervous. "Erm, I—" she stammered, not expecting anyone to notice her playing at the office. She had always kept to herself, never imagining someone would catch her in the act.

The woman introduced herself as Emilette Hartz, an office worker like Marina but her complete opposite. Emilette was always surrounded by coworkers, her lively personality drawing people to her. Marina, on the other hand, had a darker, gloomier atmosphere. She didn't care much about her surroundings, as long as she got her paycheck.

"WOAH, YOU'RE ALREADY AR90!" Emilette exclaimed, her voice filled with shock and awe. "I'm only at AR78," she added with a pout, clearly impressed by Marina's progress.

"Wait, you also play this game?!" Marina blurted out, her voice rising in surprise.

"Yup!" Emilette replied with a grin. "It's my favourite way to unwind after work. I didn't expect to find someone here who's so far ahead!"

Marina couldn't help but smile, feeling a connection she hadn't experienced in a long time. For once, she found herself engaging with someone who shared her interests, and it felt oddly comforting.