Money (2)

"Okay.."

Vroom..

A car arrived at the front of the gate.

"Ah, the taxi arrived. Go home, I'll catch up with you later."

She was about to tell me something, but closed her mouth straight after, knowing that I wouldn't allow her to speak.

My sister left and I stood still outside the hospital's doors.

Ring-ring-

-Yes, bro?

"Collin, you told me that I can get rich by playing AO if I'm good enough, right?"

-Yeah! A lot of pro players are now millionaires by participating in tournaments with huge prizes, and streaming-

"Wait. Streaming?"

-Yes?

"Is that a fast way of getting rich?"

-Well, if you stand out and are good enough then it is.

"Good."

-Wait, why are you asking me all of these questions so late at night?

"It doesn't matter. I'll tell you later."

-W-wait, why not now-

Tuut-tuut—

My phone screen went black and didn't turn on even when I tried to click the power button.

I see the reflection of my barely-open eyes.

I remember what the doctor told me a few minutes ago,

Doctor: "Alex, your father has developed a rare disease whose treatment costs millions."

"This is the only choice I have then."

* * *

The next day arrived and I woke up.

It was the weekend so I had no work until the night.

—But I knew what I would do until then.

I had already made up my mind, deciding the reason why I will play this game.

'Originally, It was for my enjoyment.'

However, now?

Printed paper was what I needed.

Or in other words,

"I need money."

'The doctor had told me that I needed to make the money next year at the latest, but realistically, at least six months.'

Considering that, the total amount: 2.5 million.

I have way too little time.

Ding-dong—

I answered the door to another guy my age.

His eyes were green and had brown-hair. With a slightly chiseled jaw and decently clothed.

"Hey, Alex! Why don't you tell me what's wrong instead of hanging up on me like you did last night?"

He looked at me with a slightly annoyed expression.

"Actually, my dad is ill and I need money to treat his rare disease."

"Oh, I'm sorry, bro. How much money?"

"2.5 million."

"What?? That much?"

I nod at his shocked reaction.

A few seconds of silence pass before he breaks the silence that we both were emitting.

"Okay, then, I'll help you by telling you anything you need to know and learn. I'll also teach you how to set-up for streaming."

"Thanks, Collin."

I reply and look at him with a truly touched face.

"Ahaha, don't mention it."

"I'll go back to my house to get on AO. See you!"

(AO - Aeconia Online)

Collin waved to me.

"Okay, bye."

I felt the material of the VR Pod and painted a face of seriousness.

"Now.. let's begin."

.

.

.

「 Initiating synchronization.. 」

「 Checking users vitals.. 」

「 User meets the status. 」

Logging in.

"Hm?"

I slowly open my eyes to see a silhouette and an unfamiliar ceiling above me.

The darkness evaporated and the light took over when I was able to see.

"Woah.."

A woman with long ears, dark skin and gray hair looked down at me with fascination.

"Hello!"

But, my surroundings were unknown.

While,

"??????"

I laid down, extremely confused once again.