Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 141: Invisible Path

The next day couldn't have come sooner and I have mixed feelings about it. It's still winter break, which means more [Isekai]! The bad news: Hayate is helping out Mom for her journalist job. I mean, he could try relaxing in the game for a while. But since it's his last year of high school, he said he needs a way to earn money while finding the right college and major for him. And I get what he's trying to do. Ever since the [Sign Creation Ceremony], he's been more pumped up about life after graduation than ever before. Sure, he hasn't figured out what kind of career he wants yet. But he's trying and he won't give up until he finds his calling. Unfortunately, our original plans of setting up our shop in <Lucet> will have to wait. I can't set it up without his help and who knows what could happen if a mage without a [Woodcrafting Mastery] tried constructing a stand all alone?

But before he and Mom leave for work, I quickly take this chance to catch Hayate in the living room with a phone in my hand. "Hang on! Don't leave yet!"

"Come on, Kazuki. Haven't I told you this is an adult's job?" Hayate asked. "Besides, I'm only doing this job as a favor from Mom. I thought you said you're okay with being alone at home for today."

"I know. But I just want to let you know about my plans for today. Since I'm allowed to log in alone and we're now in a brand new city in [Isekai], I was hoping I might take this time to go around and do some [Quests] for my first excursion as a solo player..." I sheepishly grin, knowing what will Hayate say next.

"Geez... For someone who wants to hang out with me all of the time, you can be a bit selfish to want to escape from my watch sometimes."

I gulp. Of course, he figured it out. He is not wrong about the last part though.

"But like you said, you're already old enough to log into [Isekai] at any time. As long as you take breaks back in the real world, I will let you play it as long as you like."

My sheepish grin turns ecstatic once I hear his answer. "Don't worry! I won't overwork myself both online and offline!"

Hayate chuckles. "Yeah. Besides, I've already done a lot in the game. I think it's time you take the reigns solo for a while. Unless you want me to take those [Hidden Quests] like in the <Tested Wilds> and Dahlia again?"

I flinch. Oh, man... Why does he have to say it like that? It's not like I'm jealous of his achievements or anything! Nope, nothing like that at all!

"Hayate! Are you ready? The equipment is now packed up!"

Phew... Saved by Mom... I quickly push Hayate to the door with the biggest grin on my face. "You heard her, Hayate. You should get going now!"

"Okay, okay! I've already packed most of the lunch for Dad when he gets back. Also, your lunch is in the fridge. You just have to put it in the microwave and type "0-3-0", not "1-0-0". I'll call you when I get back."

"See you later, Hayate!"

Hayate waves at me before he walks out of the door. With him gone for a day and Dad busy with his work in his half-day, I have the whole house to myself! I would try going out for ice cream, but neither of them trusted me to leave the house unattended even though I'd turned 13. Besides, I've got my emergency stash of chocolate back under my bed and other things to worry about. So I freshen up and prepare my [VeilCon] for another [Dive In] into the world of <Volo>.

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