Chapter 8 - Home Sweet Home

On the large television screen visible from outside the convenience store, Leon could see a live broadcast taken from the virtual world of Yunatea. The reporter was a female, accompanied by an adult man wearing striking red metal armor; his hair was also a fiery red.

"Really fascinating," Leon thought to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. "But, a stupid design, meh." He scoffed.

"We're broadcasting live from Yunatea, and with us right now is Natsu, a top 100-ranked player," the reporter began.

"We're here to discuss a big occurrence that just happened in Yunatea; there's startling news about the emergence of a global achievement, where someone has had a face-to-face encounter with the deity and even touched its skin. We're not certain if the two people are one and the same, but we assume they are."

The reporter then turned to Natsu, thrusting his mic toward him. "What's your take on this, Mr. Natsu?" she asked.

"Hmm!" Natsu responded with a bright smile. "But, could I take a moment to promote my guild before I answer this question?"

The reporter hesitated for a moment before reluctantly replied, "Yes, that's alright."

"Alright, everyone," said Natsu confidently, "I know you all want a guild with professional and dedicated players. At the Mirajane guild, we're currently recruiting for five new positions. If you're looking for a fantastic experience exploring the world of Yunatea, this is the place to be! Our players have a diverse range of classes and are equipped to handle almost any situation."

"Ahh… Mr. Natsu..." The reporter next to him attempted to refute him.

Undeterred, Natsu continued, "You guys will never regret it, hahaha."

He then turned to the reporter, asking, "Is that all clear to you?"

"That's really clear, Mr. Natsu," the reporter said, "now what is your comment about the current global phenomenon?"

Natsu let out a hearty laugh. "I'm sure there will be more encounters between players and deities after this," he continued, "and I'm certain there are plenty of skilled players in the Mirajane guild, so you guys certainly won't regret joining our guild."

"Alright…" the reporter cut in, "I think Mr. Natsu and his guild were completely beyond expectations. They were ready to challenge Immortal Legacy to the highest point, and I'm sure you'd be interested in joining them."

The reporter continued, "And for that, we are eagerly anticipating the great things that will come after this. A player has encountered the goddess of Sloth, Akidia, in person. We are all aware of her legendary beauty, but this is the first time we will have a glimpse of her physical form in Immortal Legacy. This is a monumental occasion for Yunatea, and we are still trying to uncover the identity of the player."

"This implies that the Sloth champion may have already been determined," she went on. "This is an important development since we already know that champions from the other gods of sin have achieved the highest rankings in Immortal Legacy. We look forward to the major updates that Immortal Legacy will be receiving; until then, we'll see you in the next live report!"

"Mirajane Guild…." With a grin on his face, Natsu then said before the reporter just closed his report.

"I think that is the most important news report I have ever seen regarding the Immortal Legacy," Leon responded with a wry smile as the news on the television changed to another show.

"Indeed," he said, nodding slowly in agreement. "I still can't believe that the benefits I just obtained from the Immortal Legacy could be so potentially beneficial. I guess I should go back and log into the Immortal Legacy and reconfirm all the advantages I could gain from those blessings. I mean, with this newfound opportunity, I shouldn't have to worry about being fired from my job, right?" he asked with hope in his voice.

Leon picked up his bike and resumed his journey home, holding onto a deep resentment for Bob's words and actions. "You'd better be more careful what you say next time, you stupid, fat ass," he muttered in annoyance.

Leon quickly parked his bicycle as soon as he arrived home. He then hurried back into the house and was instantly met with the delicious smell of food wafting from the kitchen. "Ah, it looks like Uncle is home tonight. Thank goodness, Lily's cooking smells amazing!" he said with delight.

"Leon…?" Lily's voice called out from the kitchen. Suddenly, she stepped out into the living room, wearing an apron. "Hey, I didn't expect you home so soon?"

"Ah yes…" Leon replied, still appearing perplexed as to how to explain it to Lily. "Hm, let me see… How do I put it?"

Lily pondered why Leon was acting so oddly tonight, from playing video games for longer than usual to coming home from work early. She nodded, trying to make sense of it; perhaps Leon was stressed and had become addicted to the game he was playing.

Leon was in the second year of his university studies, while his younger sister Lily was in her second year of junior high school. To make ends meet, he had to work hard as their parents had left when he was nine years old, leaving him and Lily to live with his uncle.

After the various ups and downs they had experienced in the past, the three of them now found themselves living together in that cramped abode. Their uncle had to often leave town on business, and Leon also had to spend a portion of his time out of the house, as he had to work.

For about a year, Leon was at home more frequently, ever since a pricey, cutting-edge virtual world capsule device arrived at his doorstep in an anonymous package. Although the sender of the mysterious gift was unknown, the label addressed to Leon made it clear that the device was meant for him.

"I'm sure this game means a lot to Leon," Lily thought, "because, as far as I know, it provides a gateway to a new world. Perhaps Leon has found something in this virtual world that he couldn't find anywhere else? A girlfriend maybe?"

Lily tilted her head upon hearing Leon's response and then strolled over to him. "I made a special dinner for you; you haven't eaten since this afternoon, right? But it appears you'll have to wait a little while. Is that alright?" she asked.

"Ah, yes, Lily," Leon replied, glancing up again at the clock on the wall. "I'm certainly happy, but shouldn't you be getting ready for school tomorrow? I can just eat leftovers or make some instant noodles. Is there something special happening? Is Uncle coming home tonight?"

Lily only smiled at his question, then shook her head. "No, Leon," she replied. "I'm just feeling happy and wanted to do something in the kitchen. I had a sudden urge to cook something."

"Good," Leon nodded. "Do you need my help?"

"No, I'm okay," She shook her head. "I think you should return to your room and finish your game. Will you be out in a few minutes so we can have dinner together?"

"Oh," Leon pondered her suggestion, which strangely enough was exactly what he was thinking. "Yes, I think so. I'll be out shortly to join you for dinner. Bye, Lily."

He then raced back to his room, his eyes gleaming when he spied the advanced capsules in the room. "Here we go," Leon said with a smile before hopping back into the capsule and logging back into the Immortal Legacy.