Ayn held his shield down, screaming, “Does anyone have a healing spell?” His health was draining quickly, and due to Thoja's absence, they didn’t have a priest to keep their health up. “I have a group healing spell! You need to come over.” Owl yelled. 

Snow took over for Ayn, attracting the boss, Forest Maiden, to him. Ayn, finally free, ran towards Owl to get healed. Zero followed Snow, slicing the vine defense surrounding the boss. Moon summoned his golems, destroying the plant monsters that the boss conjured. 

After getting healed, Ayn rushed back into battle while Owl conjured a fire spell, throwing fire spears and balls at the boss. 

Seeing that the boss had one-third of their health left, Zero yelled out, “Keep going, we are almost there! Once the boss hits berserk mode at 20% of health, Ayn and Snow will cover defense while Moon summons his highest golem, and for Owl, please use your highest ice attack when the boss’s HP reaches 10%. So, make sure to replenish your MP.” 

They pushed through, and once the boss hit berserk mode, they fought harder, using more complex moves and spells until the boss finally died. 

{Congrats, Deserted Chaos, for breaking the new record for Forest Maiden}

{00:18:45}

“Yes, we did better than Fallen!” Ayn cheered. “Fuck, yes!” Moon joined in, high-fiving Ayn. 

“You two are lucky we are using mics. How often do I say to stop cursing in the game?” Snow reprimanded. 

“Sorry, Mom.” Ayn and Moon joked. Snow ignored them. 

Sun ran towards them when they reentered the Guild with news, “Did you hear about the new updates?” 

“Oh yeah,” Ayn started recounting what he saw. “They will add a marriage system and pet update. So, people can start getting married to share experience points, get stat boosts, special quests, and items. However, they will have a test before you can get married because they don’t want anyone using it to level up others faster. And the pet update will allow for more permanent pets and better mounts.” 

“Oh! Oh! We should get married,” Moon shouted, causing Ayn to splutter. “What?” Ayn choked. 

“In the game.” Moon laughed, enjoying the way Ayn choked. Ayn responded by trying to hit Moon’s character. But they couldn’t fight without triggering the PvP mode. 

“The marriage system sounds nice,” Owl commented, secretly glancing towards Zero. 

“When is the update coming?” Moon asked his sister while running away from Ayn. 

“In two weeks, after a big event they are hosting.” 

“What big event?” Zero asked. 

“They are holding an event at Azure Grand Stadium. Era Studios said they wanted to hold a 5v5 competition with eight Guilds. The top three winners get surprise gifts. I believe there are still two slots left to join the competition.” 

“Damn, why Azure Grand Stadium? That is four hours from here.” Ayn complained. 

“Because the stadium holds all the e-sports competitions, they probably rent the venue since they would already know how to set up things,” Snow commented. 

“Do any of you want to join? I can rent a place near the stadium and a van for us. What day is it?” Zero asked. 

“In two weeks on Wednesday,” Sun answered. 

“I don’t mind. It seems like it would be fun.” Owl raised his hand. The others agreed while Ayn muttered about the area being far, but he still wanted to try it out. 

“Can you sign us up?” Zero asked Sun. “Yeah, I can.” 

“Okay, I will log out and search for places to rent that can hold seven people. Snow, can you ask Thoja if she wants to join?” 

“Sure.” Snow agreed. 

“Okay, I am out. Bye.” Leo logged out and reached for his phone, calling Niko. 

“Hey, baby, what is it?” Niko answered. 

“I heard that Era Studios is hosting an event.” Leo acquired. 

Niko chuckled, “Yeah, that. They wanted to try something new to excite people about Starlight Journey. They also want me to join. My Guild signed up, but I won’t be leading and joining them in the battles.” 

“I see. So, are you going? I decided to join in. I know at events like this, they require everyone to wear a scent blocker no matter what.” 

“Do you want to see me, baby? Is the phone no longer enough?” 

Leo blushed, gnawing at his bottom lip. “I only wanted to know if you will be there.” 

“Hmm,” Niko hummed, “I must think about it.” 

Although Leo didn’t know if he was ready to meet Niko, he felt disappointed that Niko didn't give him a definite answer. “Okay,” Leo answered. 

“Baby, don’t sound so disappointed. There will always be chances. But, are you ready to meet in person? With disorders like ours, we can only think in the negative.” Niko asked. 

“I don’t know,” Leo tapped along his desk. “I want to, but at the same time, I don’t because I am worried about the reaction. It is my first time meeting someone who is different from everyone else, and I don’t want to ruin it by meeting. But I know we are naturally selfish people, and phone calls would never be enough.” 

“I understand. I understand so well.” Niko sighed. “That is why it is best to go slow. Even if I attended the event, we should keep a distance for now. Would that be okay?” 

Leo wanted to say no, but in his heart, he knew what Niko was saying was smart. They could not rush a meeting with their disorder. He had really started to hate his aversion to others' pheromones. “It is okay.” He answered. 

“On another note, are you looking for somewhere to stay for the event?” Niko changed the somber conversation. 

“Yes. I was going to check after getting off the call with you.” 

“You don’t have to. I have a small villa near the stadium. I used to watch e-sports battles three years ago, so I bought a place nearby. Furthermore, I haven’t used it in a while, but a housekeeper cleans it every two weeks.” 

Sometimes, Leo still could not understand how rich Niko was. “Are you sure. I don’t want to invade your space, especially with many people.” 

“It is fine; just ensure that no one but you uses the second floor. There are bedrooms on the first floor—about three. You can sleep in my bedroom and wear my clothes while using my things.” Niko’s tone turned suggestive towards the end. 

Flushing, Leo asked, “What are you thinking about?” His hand landed on his leg, squeezing it to keep himself sane. 

“You would look so good in my clothes. Would you take pictures for me on that day?” Niko suggested, licking his lips. He could already imagine Leo looking pretty dressed in his outfits. 

“I-I haven’t agreed to stay there yet.” Leo stuttered. 

“Please, baby.” 

“Okay,” Leo whispered, quickly giving in. Once Niko called him baby, Leo would agree to anything. Well, he would say yes either way because it is Niko. 

“Good,” Niko smiled. “I will call the housekeeper to ensure she cleans everything that day and to refill the refrigerator. Does anyone cook in your group?” 

Leo felt like Niko hit him with whiplash with how he would change the conversation, “Yeah, a few of us.” 

“That is good. I would be worried if you went hungry, but then I would set you up to get meals delivered.” 

“Ah, don’t do that. My friends would go suspicious. They will probably be questioning when I tell them that I rented a small villa, which isn’t true.” 

“You can always say you found a lonely sugar daddy who wanted to waste his money on someone.” 

“Niko!” Leo wanted to cover his red face. He could never say that! 

“I am playing,” Niko joked. “Maybe.” He silently added before asking, “Do you need a van to use? My father’s friend owns a car company with passenger vans.” 

“Niko, what did I say about giving so much?” 

“And what did I say about being good?” 

They were silent momentarily before Leo said, “I will take it, but the villa and van are more than enough. I don’t want anything else.” He could only compromise in some way. 

“Good boy. Now, did you also hear about the updates?” Niko asked. 

“I did. Regarding marriage, I thought about asking you since sharing experience points, extra boosts, and special quests are cool. But we cannot get married in the game due to our Guild rivalry.” 

“We can with alternative accounts. Do you have one?” 

“I do, it is level 100, though, and a priest,” Leo answered. 

“Same, except mine is a knight. When the update comes, we can marry them.” 

“Okay. You won’t marry anyone on your main account, will you?” 

“Why? Will you get jealous?” Niko teased. 

Leo shook his head while biting his lip, “I was only wondering.” 

“If you don’t, then I won’t.” 

“I wasn’t planning to.” 

“Good.” 

Leo would say something else to keep the conversation going when another call tried to get through. He glanced at the number calling and decided to end the call with Niko. “Hey, something came up. I will talk to you later tonight.” 

“Okay, talk to you later.” 

After ending the conversation with Niko, he answered the other call. “Hello?”

“Is this Leo Knowles?” The person on the other end asked. 

“This is he.” 

“Angelina seemed to have gotten into a fight with another classmate. We have tried calling Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, but no one has answered. Would you be able to come to Maple Park Elementary School?” 

“I can be there soon.” Leo quickly got up, grabbing his car keys and mask while walking to his front door. 

“Thank you, sir.” The person hung up the phone on the other end. 

Leo left his place, wondering what had happened at his sister’s school and why she had gotten into a fight.