Chapter 747 - : Darkness Falls (XIV)
“Phew…”
It was already noon when Rhode stepped into the park. The sunset glowed in a scarlet radiance by the horizon. Soldiers and mercenaries rotated their duties anxiously. Entire streets were filled with nervous tension because they knew that the battle would begin after the sun set completely.
Rhode felt worn out. He looked around him before sitting on the stone chair in the park. As the most bustling public area in the Land of Atonement, this park was always filled with laughter and conversation. However, the solemn atmosphere of war turned it into a strange, chilly place. Rhode gazed at the sky boringly and occasionally toggled his system interface. If it was possible, he wished to go ‘offline’ just like in the game and return to the casual, real world for a couple of drinks or meet up with friends to tease their younger female juniors. That was where he didn’t need to worry about war or survival even though he complained that jobs were hard to find, queues were insanely long, or he couldn’t find a great job even with a dozen diplomas…
Perhaps in that world, he might be busy paying for his mortgage and car or finding a new job. But he would never need to worry about risking his life. He lived in a country that was peaceful, where all worries were insignificant—graduation thesis, work, interview, love, break-ups, mortgage, marriage, and divorce. All these should be his concerns. On the other hand, it was never his concern about the future of this continent and his survivability. Even in the game, he mostly achieved his ambitions for the sake of players. But that was just a game, after all. Perhaps one might lead a group of players to conquer the entire game, but the achievements and reputation added no value to their resume. Just like Old Ryu, who was Rhode’s trusted aide in the game and a Grand Mage who dominated the game but was simply a white collar worker in reality. Even though many players respected him or shivered at the sight of his back, he didn’t benefit from it in real life. In fact, Rhode often heard about Old Ryu’s grumbles about his mundane job, incompetent boss, worthless colleagues who only knew how to flatter their higher-ups, vain wife who loved buying knockoff leather goods, and daughter who often returned home late. Rhode remembered clearly that when he first led Starlight to the world competition organized by the gaming company, they almost failed to compete due to their different real life working professions. There were many average players in Starlight, which led to a whole lot of troubles in the competition. For instance, Canary had to pay tuition and write a research report, Mini Bubble Gum’s summer vacation homework had piled up on the table, and Old Ryu wasn’t sure if his request for leave application could be approved…
If it wasn’t for the gaming company that reimbursed the flight tickets, meals, and lodging, perhaps Rhode would have been the only one to participate in the individual matches and there would be no way for Starlight to attain the glory of being on top of the world. But no matter how glorious it was, it was just a game. Perhaps it was honorable for the players to participate in the world competition and be crowned the best in the world. But what purpose did it serve in reality? Even if Canary won, it wouldn’t add an additional point to her exam results. There also wouldn’t be anyone helping Mini Bubble Gum with her assignments after she soaked in cheers for her victory. Even Old Ryu would need to worry about explaining to his wife that he was only participating in a competition and not carry on a clandestine love affair with his colleague.
This was only a game. No matter how honorable it was, it didn’t affect the society or world. Their victory wouldn’t change the fate of the world while failure wouldn’t lead the world into destruction. Although online gaming was getting more recognized, accompanied by the ever-changing technologies, they couldn’t compete against large scale events like the Olympics or World Cup at all.
Perhaps it was due to this reason that they could enjoy the fun of it.
But now… Rhode didn’t enjoy it one bit. He only wished to live on and even if he couldn’t care less about the changes that would happen to this continent or the lives of others. The overwhelming pressure left him breathless.
“This isn’t fun at all…”
Rhode toggled the system interface off and murmured.
Christie nodded with a smile.
“… Sister… Lapis… Everyone… takes good care… of me… I’m also… working hard… to help everyone… But… I feel… lonely… because I haven’t seen… Rhode… for a while…”
“Glad to hear that you’re feeling well.”
Rhode felt as though his fatigue had been washed away. The problems troubling him before didn’t seem as important anymore. He stroked her hair gently while the little girl narrowed her eyes and leaned her cheek closer to his palm like an adorable kitten.
He felt rather guilty. Even though she was leading a good life, he felt as though he had abandoned her, just like he rescued a child begging on the streets, handed her to the welfare agency, nodded at the sight of her having fun with other children, and turned his back on her. Was this what she wanted?
Rhode clearly sensed that she was fondly attached to him and he was the same toward her. He never treated her as a replacement for his younger sister, but he cared for her. He could send her to a safer place and give her a better life. But he knew that she wouldn’t like it.
“… Are you really okay…? Rhode…?”
“I’m fine, Christie. I’m feeling great.”
Rhode shook his head. But the little girl knitted her brows slightly and gazed in uncertainty.
“But… I feel like Rhode… is feeling troubled…”
“…”
Rhode pondered in silence. The peaceful park became even quieter at this moment. He lowered his head, gazed at the ground, and it was due to this that he didn’t notice the purple flare glinting in her eyes.
Clang! Clang!
After a few moments, the sound of bells broke the serenity. Rhode looked ahead and the sun had fallen below the horizon. Darkness emerged and enveloped every part of this world ever so slowly.
The Undead Army is here.