-4-

There were a few moments of silence, there were a lot of things that suddenly came into consideration.

"Why me? I've told you that I did not know him, right? Our encounter was unplanned, we don't know each other, I don't know what his ID is, we're not even on each other's friend list at The Realm of Ares. How can I invite him to our guild?" Yuki replied. Judging by his enthusiasm, Yuki could tell that she was being used. As if Mashimo wanted her to persuade the legendary master to join their guild.

"Many people know that you are a female player in The Realm of Ares, and the legendary master is a male player. If we take a look at the fact that how impressed he was when he met you in The Last Wolf and even rewarded you, we can tell that he was interested in you, Yuki. If you could get his attention like that, maybe you could pique his interest in our guild. That would be a great achievement for us. When that happens, we can sign in the next season's national tournament and then finally hit the international tournament. Don't you want to be the world champion? You'll also be part of the most exalted team!"

Yuki smiled bitterly, she didn't know that Mashimo's goal was to win the international tournament and be the world champion. But somehow, he sounded like he wanted the glory for himself, and used her to persuade the legendary master to join his guild. It was astonishing to think about how much he wanted fame for his guild. Yuki stared at him blankly. She came to realize that she could not have the place that he had in his heart for the video game. She was nothing but a temporary escape for when he was bored with his video game. She felt alone in this fight; no matter where Mashimo ran, it was her who pursued him. Had she not done so, he might have already abandoned her altogether. She would have been bereaved, alone, confused, at loss without Mashimo to tell her what to do. Worse, she felt like it was too late, she had gone too far to pursue him. What should she do now? Keep on walking in spite of all the hardship she had to and will go through? Or until she no longer is able to keep up with him and then left alone? It was at that moment that Yuki realized that she had to hold on to whatever left of her dignity, she would prove that she could stand alone and be the world champion without anyone's help. She was determined to be the sole winner, the unmatched player.

"Hey, Mashimo, have you heard about this? This is just in!"

One of Mashimo's guildmates came in bringing good news. He had his long hair tied and ear pierced. Everyone was looking at him.

"What is it? Speak quickly!" Mashimo ordered him.

That friend, who was shorter in stature than Mashimo, bowed. Then he looked at Mashimo again.

"Hot news, one of our friends just entered The Realm of Ares. That player invited the legendary master to a duel. You know what is going on after that? That player tried to talk and send a private message to the legendary master to find out his real name and where he lived. His answer is astonishing, he said that he is going to the same university as ours. Which means that he was really close to us!" he said enthusiastically.

Mashimo's eyes widened and he stood up quickly. Enthusiasm gleaned from his eyes.

"Tell all guild members to get online and see what is going on!"

"Yes, Captain!"

Yuki silenced again. Once again she saw for himself how important the virtual world is to him. Mashimo left her alone just because of that legendary master. Yuki was really exasperated.

"Yuki, where are you going?" Kotoko, Yuki's friend who has short black hair covering her forehead, Yuki looked at her and smiled sweetly.

"I got something to do, tell Teacher Mei that I don't feel well, I got a stomach ache." Yuki answered and picked up her bag. Yuki's dress waved as she walked away from the class. She looked so elegant despite being anxious. Many eyes were on her, that figure with white knee-high dress and red sweater really captivated the hearts of many boys. Her long hair was partially tied. She was truly a charming girl, akin to that of a goddess.

Yuki headed to a cybercafé and turned on one of the computers. She ran a game app, with a triangle around a red eyed wolf as the icon. She wore her net headpiece and entered the game.

"Game, On!"

The Realm of Ares was in trouble right now, everyone was gathering by the first floor, known as the beginner's training ground. All new players who wished to learn more about The Realm of Ares and The Last Wolf were tested there. Only the best of players could continue to the next floor all the way up to the top of the game. Nothing seems scary here, unlike the underworld which has pitch black woodland. There was no mercy for the weak No protection, no shelter. The strongest of foes shall appear, the most hideous of monsters shall run amok. Anyone who sees their sharp fangs would surely squirm and tremble in fear. Even so, each and every monster who goes after the players bore ancient relics, rare enhancement potions both for their weapon and themselves. Each monster carried a different type of potions, pro players often came in and sought those potions, not for themselves, but to be given to their comrades who needed them to enhance their performance before heading to the pitch black woodland. That was the fastest manner in which players could level up.