The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 39: Results and Tribulations. (Part 2)

Ideally, we would have been finalising our preparation for Areithia Online's third tournament. The problem was, three of our members now had Mana Hearts and entering the game proved quite painful as Vanter had tried to test. When it came down to it, Areithia Online's system still couldn't replicate the intricate structure of the Mana Heart and the difference between our virtual and real bodies was too much to handle.

Then there was the other problem, the stalkers outside our building. Zen eventually woke the morning after and not long after filling her in, a guest appeared. Stella, the member of the Violet Oath who had assisted me and one of Zen's biggest fans. She currently sat on one end of the dining table as Zen, Vanter, Aria and I stared back at her.

Stella was clearly nervous, "I-I am here on behalf of the Clan to negotiate." Despite her rather bright hair, and punk rock appearance, the callous confidence she had shown me before was gone in front of Zen.

"Negotiate what exactly?" I asked folding my arms. Though I was the one who had told them to send Stella, I was honestly surprised they sent her alone. From the pat down we gave her, there was no one else listening in.

"For Zen to return to the Clan," Stella gulped as Zen frowned at her. Zen was still tired. Like me and Vanter, the world around us was constantly pushing pressure on our bodies due to the lack of mana. Zen's mastery of Aura however had already proven much greater than ours as she converted the energy to a mana she could use. Though there were repercussions for that as well, for someone like Zen it compared to putting on another 10kgs.

"Why do you even need me?" Zen asked. She sat in the chair directly opposite Stella. "Master Powell is cunning enough to control the clan and my disciple sealed Callus' abilities."

"While that's true. There's a big whole left in the Clan. We ask that you return to fill in that void and help guide the Clan to a better future. You have the right of the victor. There are many people arguing that you're already the new Clan Leader."

I frowned, "Don't be swayed Zen. They just want to use you again."

"That's not true!" Stella snapped pleadingly.

"It's not true for you," I pointed out. "How well could you speak for the others in your clan."

She paused, already knowing I was right. Before she could speak however a plate of toast, bacon, eggs and sausages was put in front of her.

My Dad smiled, "I know the conversation is pretty serious but it's breakfast time. Please eat." He placed a serving in front of us, an extra-large one for Zen. He kissed her on the forehead, "Zen, I don't mind whatever decision you make, I'll support you regardless."

"Thank you, Arthur," Zen smiled sweetly in return and Dad took his own food to the couch, leaving us in relative privacy.

Stella watched the interaction, eyes widening with every step of it. She couldn't speak but her mouth hung open.

"Stella, I love that man with all my heart," Zen looked at her, happy for herself but pityingly towards Stella. "I never thought I could feel emotion like that. We were always taught that we had to be strong. We were driven by instinct. While we had comrades, the supposed love we had for each other was forced. I don't want to go back to a world like that."

Stella's body tightened and she stared down at the freshly cooked meal in front of her. Again, she was speechless but seeing us begin to eat, she took a bite and suddenly her face lit up, "It's delicious."