You have been defeated. Respawning in 10...9..." Damn goblins got me again. Time to grind for more XP before I tackle that dungeon boss.
I crack my knuckles and dive back into the world of The Edge of Madness, my blade slicing through polygons as I take down foe after foe. This game is my escape, ever since...well, best not go there.
My avatar Wargen is pretty beastly if I do say so myself. Seven feet tall with bulging muscles, wielding a massive battleaxe - nothing like scrawny, glasses-wearing Sean. But that's the beauty of RPGs. You can become someone else.
I'm supposed to be doing homework, but this new dungeon isn't gonna conquer itself. Let the smart kids ace their classes - I'm destined for great things here. Someday I'll be the best warrior in Madness, you'll see.
As I'm looting a chest, a voice message pops up from ShiroXx. He's a regular questing buddy of mine - seems like a chill dude. We bonded right away - fellow social outcast types.
"Hey Wargen, you online? I met a girl today...in real life! Don't think I have a chance though. Could use your warrior wisdom, bro."
I chuckle. About time Shiro put himself out there! I send him a voice message back:
"My guy! That's big progress. You gotta believe in yourself though. Don't psych yourself out or you'll friend-zone yourself before you even try. Just relax and be yourself. Easier said than done, I know. But you got this!"
Hope I didn't lay on the false confidence too thick, but he needs some positive vibes. We nerdy dudes gotta stick together and get each other's backs.
I know the gaming grind is just escapism. But someday, I'll find the courage to level up in real life too. For now, I'll keep cutting goblins down to size and imparting my hard-earned wisdom to Shiro.
"Level up!" My avatar glows, strength increasing. I grin. Everything good in life requires grinding through the hard stuff first. I'll get there eventually.
I pause when I see Shiro's reply pop up in the chat box.
"Thanks Wargen, knew I could count on you for a confidence boost. Just gotta get out of my own head. Easier said than done though."
I nod silently. Don't I know that feeling all too well. The endless spiral of overthinking everything, playing out worst case scenarios. Not exactly helpful when it comes to dealing with real people.
Games used to just be a hobby for me. But after my best friend ditched me freshman year, they became my whole world. Why risk more rejection when you can find adventure and friendship right here?
But some part of me knows I can't hide forever. I'll have to confront the anxiety that's ruled my life since I got bullied back in middle school. Easier to face legions of orcs and demons than your own messed up brain chemistry though.
Maybe one day I'll work up the guts to talk to real girls, make IRL friends again. Hard to stay hopeful after so much disappointment. For now, I'll keep putting my energy into mentoring Shiro. Passing on hard lessons so he doesn't repeat my mistakes.
"No problem man, you got this!" I write back. "Let me know if you need any more epic pep talks. In the meantime, help me take down this dungeon boss. The loot is calling our names!"
I know I can't hide out here forever. But baby steps, just like I tell Shiro. For today, being a mentor in-game and slashing through the darkness will have to be enough. Tomorrow though, who knows? Maybe I'll surprise myself.
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