Chapter 16 - Manami's Feelings

"Time isn't the main thing. It's the only thing." - Miles Davis.

Time is undoubtedly a crucial factor when it comes to planning your life or taking a move ahead for any future elements. Talk about horrible timing if you're just getting started. However, you can't blame your luck for that. It's all meant to be. There's always a hidden secret stroke of luck behind everything. It might be to rescue you from future tragedies or to motivate you to accomplish something far better. Life, in any case, cannot be halted. Whether being on time, working around the clock, or regulating your own time? It is up to us to make the decision.

*In Los Angeles*

"Why would you do such a thing? Don't tell me you sowed false hopes in her. You already know she doesn't trust anyone. After this, I doubt she'll be as candid as she was with you in-game." said the person in a harsh voice.

"It's climacteric that she needs to understand. She should not be unduly trusting of the unknown. We only met around five hours ago, and she already considers me a part of her life. It's not something a mature person would do. I think she could be more selective when choosing whom she trusts and who she doesn't." convincingly addressed another fellow.

"Don't you think it's too excruciating for someone who has spent her entire life being anti-social?" inquired the individual with concerns in his eyes.

"I don't think so, wait and see how it turns out. Perhaps Yeol will be someone you are honored to identify as your sister." directed the answer to the unnecessary question.

"I don't know what you are planning. However, do consider that Yeol is an anti-social kid. In any manner, treat her with compassion. Not with your cold mindset." said that person disappointingly.

"Should I take this as a warning?"

"Yes, you may see that as a warning. Never mind why you created an account on that server in the first place."

Yeol's day was going to be challenging and filled with opportunities. Life may have been monotonous, and Yeol grew accustomed to lying in bed until late, around noon. That day, however, revealed a miracle. Yeol awoke at 8 a.m. to prepare for the event, scheduled to begin at meridian server time. It was 9:30 a.m. in Yeol's nation. She ate her breakfast and resumed her exciting excursion. Her father became preoccupied with business meetings, and her mother worked in the hospital's intensive care unit, so she left early in the morning. Again, she was left alone. She studied from eight to nine in the morning and then jumped on with headgear on her room's gaming chair.

"Hello, folks, Good Morning," Yeol wrote in world chat as she logged in to the game.

"Hey, Yeol, morning. How are you doing? It's been a lovely day, isn't it?" wrote Rush.

"Welcome back. Had a tight sleep, Yeol?" wrote Manami.

"Indeed. I had a great sleep. Oh, you got to level 230? That's incredible." Yeol remarked on Manami's character level.

"Yes, I'm seeking an in-game bond partner right now since I need to become stronger quickly. I'm still running low on CP." Manami expressed her dismay.

"Unfortunately, I am not familiar with it. But you can increase your CP by experimenting with various gear levels."

When Yeol signed on, the first thing she did was go through her emails and friends list. She attempted to determine whether or not Anonymous was online. Unfortunately for her, Anonymous was offline for about 9 hours. The character's intimacy ratio and offline hours display in the player's friend list. Players with a linkage have a significant advantage over others since the intimacy ratio grants them higher EXP, ATK, DEF, and HP when they play as a team. A five-heart symbol without colors represents the intimacy ratio. When the ratio climbs, the hue of the hearts changes to red. The percentage ratio is as follows:

Level 1 - Intimacy 0

ATK - 200

HP - 20000

DEF - 200

EXP - 5%

Level 2 - Intimacy - 99

ATK - 400

HP - 40000

DEF - 400

EXP - 10%

Level 3 - Intimacy - 999

ATK - 600

HP - 60000

DEF - 600

EXP - 15%

Level 4 - Intimacy - 9999

ATK - 800

HP - 80000

DEF - 800

EXP - 20%

Level 5 - Intimacy - 99999

ATK - 1000

HP - 100000

DEF - 1000

EXP - 30%

All skill improvements are for teams.

However, because Anonymous was absent, Yeol felt a sweet agony in her heart. She tried to distract her soul and returned to play, claiming all her offline efficiency bonuses, which included some G5 and G6 purple and orange equipment. There were few two-star gears. However, purple and orange one-star weapons were not useless because they granted the players smelting points to feed the disciple to enhance its level. She was ready to dig in her backpack for the supplies she needed to build more sets when she spotted a red dot in her friend's list section, tempting her to check whether it was Anonymous.

*In Yeol's PM*

"Hey Yeol, I was thinking of proposing an in-game bond to Rush. Is this a wise decision?" Manami was there.

"Yes? I suppose. I'm not sure about it. If you believe you and your partner can emerge stronger together, go ahead." Yeol wrote.

"Hmm...Well, I believe he is a little too upfront and can be overwhelming sometimes, but I feel he can be a better contender," Manami answered.

"Then go for it; why wait? Wasn't it supposed to be you and Jayson? I assume he was more interested in you than Rush. To begin with, Rush is laconic." Yeol answered.

"Um...Jayson is a little too cheesy. What can I can say is that he is too clinging. As a result, I feel Rush is the best alternative."

"How about Sky?" Isn't he a viable option?"

"Indeed, he is, but when I compare power. Rush is significantly superior to the sky. Rush is ranked fifth, while the sky is ranked eighth."

"Hmm... whatever you want to call it." I am not a suitable candidate to inquire."

"You're the only female I can talk about girlie things. I have a slight crush on Rush. Because Rush assisted me with several bosses last night, he's kind, so I want to get to know him more."

"Manami, that's a pleasant surprise. I had no idea you'd want someone like Rush. He comes out as pompous to me."

"Well, now...it's a crush. I cannot control my heart. hahaha!"

"Indeed, you can't."

"What about you? Are you forming a bond with Anonymous?"

"I'm not sure. Anonymous has been offline for about 10 hours. So I suppose I'd have to rely on some gear and talents to power up. Rather than waiting for a relationship to form." Yeol expressed dissatisfaction in her words.

"But I see you're stronger. Anyway, see you later. It is about Questionnaire event's time."

"Yes, let us get on to the event. I'm curious to see what the questionnaire entails."