The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 60: Who I am and who I was. (Part 1)

Chapter 60: Who I am and who I was.

2 days after the Merge:

"I can't believe this," Professor Grayton remarked as we watched the news together. "How could Areithia be an actual real place?"

"I still don't believe it," Sarah remarked back. "It doesn't make any sense." She shook herself and sighed but couldn't refuse what we were all watching. It was hard to deny it especially as humanity had suddenly merged with Areithia's system. Even now I was staring at my stats, a portion of which had carried over from the game.

"Professor," I began slowly, "what does this mean for our project. All the sales projection was done with Areithia Online.... That's not a thing anymore."

"It means were in a bit of a mess Ardent. We are in a bit of a mess," he sighed as he repeated. "Thank god for the insurance right Sarah? Mighty fine decision, at least we won't bankrupt the research group. Besides it's not like our tech can't be used for other things right?" He laughed and though seemed positive we were all just waiting for the University to shut us down.

I stood up from my seat and smiled to them, "Let's just think on the bright side, the world got a whole lot more interesting."

"And dangerous," Sarah added flicking her fingers and summoning a small flame. "I did however light my stove this morning like this so we can chalk it up to convenient too."

**

Aria

A knock on the door sounded and I moved to answer. The state of the Friend family apartment was tense. The only person remotely relaxed was Dad. Even Zen had a deep frown on. We were all waiting for the supposed A.Friend, Arvel. We had returned from Korea and been sent a message that he would be arriving to speak with us today. The mysteries he had kept were going to be revealed, just as he had promised to Vanter.

The presence behind the door felt suspiciously normal, I looked through the eye hole. The man we had been calling Arvel was there. Compared to last time he had trimmed down his beard neatly and without being covered by grime and blood from battle, he looked even more like Ardent. The fact I couldn't tell it was him behind the door was a testament to how capable he was.

I opened the door and came face to face with the man. His eyes met mine and for just a moment he grimaced. It was the look had given me before, disdain mixed with respect.

"You're actually here," I eyed him back, ignoring the brief look he had shot me.

"I said I would be, so I am. I am not a liar. I keep my promises," he spoke firmly.

"Well," I began annoyed, "at the very least you're a thief."

"I wonder, is what I did really counted as stealing?" he smirked. "Anyway, can I pass?"

"Head inside," I moved aside.

He entered the kitchen dining area and looked around, noting that everyone was already sitting at the table. Zen, Vanter, Erin, Endi, Ana and Elene. Only Dad and I were standing at the moment, and he was in the kitchen.

Arvel nodded, "Looks like you really are doing well for yourself. It's a nice apartment."

"Thank you," Dad replied from behind the stove island. "It was part due to luck but mostly due to effort. I have some good kids."

Arvel faced Dad and a strange look of reminiscence broke his expression, "You're here." He stepped closer to Dad and Zen stood up from her seat, ready to defend him. Arvel stood in front of Dad and slowly opened his arms, enveloping him in a tight hug. At first Dad was surprised, we all were but as they broke apart, he looked at Arvel's face, eye's widening.