Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 33: A Little Upgrade

After the craziness back at the <Crafting Hall>, Kaz and I decided to log out for a few hours to rest and prepare for dinner. It made sense since we had to stay away from the public and let them cool off for a while. Not to mention Kazuki's revelation about that mysterious stranger that Annie met left me sort of curious and worried. If he was a pedophile, my greatest fears might come true. And if he turns out to be a criminal, it might be even worse. Either way, I had to be careful and learn more about this guy from Kaz.

As for us, I was preparing dinner as usual while Kazuki was doing his usual chores outside. Just as I finished up and started placing some of the food at the dining table, my smartphone rang. Today's Veteran's Day and my Mom had said that she was going to call today to check-up on us. I quickly took out my phone and answered the call, at which I heard her voice on the other line.

"Hey, Hayate! How are you and Kazuki?"

"We're okay, just playing video games and studying, the usual. What have you been up to lately anyway?"

"Oh, same old, same old. We're covering most of the Veteran's Day Parade and most of the folks here are busy with several other topics for tomorrow's papers and the website. Though, you two should try to tune in to the news beforehand and keep up with current events. I know you love to play with your brother in that online game, but there is more to life than just staring into your phones, computer screens, and VR goggles all day."

"You know watching TV is the same thing as everything else you just pointed out." While Mom can be very scary many times of our whole lives, she can be a bit of a ditz when it comes to life lessons and advice.

"My point is that you have to put more focus on real-life and your future. You guys can't stay in school forever and Dad and I can't be there forever to take care of you two. You have to find a way to support yourself and better yourself for the sake of others and your future."

"I guess... But what about Kazuki? I know he's working hard on his studies, but I'm a little worried about his independence. As you said, you and Dad would always be around to take care of us forever and I may have to leave him behind to go to college someday." Though Mom didn't see it, I frowned after I told her all of this. I seriously wanted my little brother to have a bright future as an adult, but I was afraid that he might not be able to conquer his fears if he continued clinging to me like a shield.

"That's true. But you're also the reason that he's been willing to stand up to adversity and move past his troubles in the first place. Just think of yourself as his guiding light: you always light the path to the finish line. If it wasn't for you, he wouldn't be the same Kazuki we know and love. We can still be his role-models in his life, but it's up to you to help him choose the right path and fight his fears. It depends on if you want to keep protecting him and stay by his side."

I sighed as I looked out the window where I watched Kazuki raking the leaves in our backyard. As cheesy as her advice was, she did have a point. It was because of me that Kazuki was able to smile again and discover his love of fantasy novels. These <Isekai Online> sessions wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for my intervention that day. I just hoped it would remain the same as we continued playing that game.

"Yeah, I do," I muttered as my frown curled up into a smile.

"That's the spirit!" I slightly jumped back, briefly startled by her loud and sudden burst of joy. For a journalist like her, she should have used her indoor voice during our call. "Anyways, I better get back to work. I should be back home by tomorrow and Dad will join us for a family night out on Sunday. So don't burn the house down until then."

"Okay. See you tomorrow." I ended up the call and continued preparing for today's dinner, which left me somewhat relieved after hearing her advice. A guiding light for Kazuki, huh?