A Surprise Visit

POV Hylia:

[Do you think Joel will survive?]

[I feel sorry for Joel...]

[Of course Joel will survive, Hylia just has to find some medicine!]

[Especially food, otherwise they will both die...]

As I trudged through the deep, thick snow, I listened to my chat's advice as they debated what I should search for next.

"I know I need to find food and medicine," I said, responding to their suggestions. "No matter how many houses I search, I can't find much, and right now, food is the priority. Even though I'm in a game, I swear my stomach actually feels like it's stabbing me when I can't find anything to eat…" I chuckled and continued, "And with this bow… even with the aiming aid, it's tough. Just holding the bow hurts, guys. But you know what the weirdest part is? When I get out of the game and realize that my apartment is a food paradise right across the street."

[You are so right.]

[Realism is scary.]

[Personally, I wouldn't have bought it if you couldn't change the difficulty and the feeling of pain…]

[So the developer isn't such a psychopath after all xD]

[Playing this game makes me want to go out and see the world.]

[Outside is much more dangerous than in the game, you know?]

While I was concentrating on my chat, something brushed against my shoulder. Assuming it was just a branch, I reached up to brush it off, only to feel something cold and solid.

I turned, and a scream tore through my throat, a mix of terror and shock as a zombie clicker loomed before me. My heart pounded wildly as I stumbled backward, dropping my bow in the process.

Panicking, I scrambled to draw my pistol, but before I could fire, the clicker stopped moving and looked at me with an almost confused expression. My heart still racing, I didn't move, unsure of what would happen next.

Just as I steadied my aim, the clicker did something completely unexpected. It began to flail around in what looked like an awkward, almost comedic dance, making completely idiotic movements for a creature that was supposed to lunge at me with deadly intent.

"Do you see what I see, chat?"

[YEAH!!! ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK]

[THAT SCREAM THOUGH, LOL]

[But what's happening? xDDDD]

[Is this a bug or what?]

---

POV Arthur:

Watching Hylia's reaction to my little prank, I decided to end the joke and change my appearance to that of my Myth character.

As the clicker's skin dissolved in a cloud of black dust, I appeared before her in my usual form, a mischievous smile on my face.

"How've you been these past few days? Having fun?" I asked casually.

"Uh, what? Who are you?" she stammered, clearly shocked by my sudden appearance.

"That's right, no one's seen my character yet. You probably know me as Myth," I said, offering her a hand to help her up.

"Huh? But… How did you get into my game?" she asked as I pulled her to her feet.

"You're on a first-name basis with me now?" I teased, then continued, "To play a Steam game, everyone has to be connected to the internet, so I just logged into your session."

"Oh, sorry! It's just the adrenaline—you nearly killed me with that scare!" she said, catching her breath.

"Sorry about that. And don't worry, you can call me by my first name."

As we settled down, I glanced at her stream's chat, which had exploded with messages. It was chaotic, even in slow mode.

[Is it really Myth?]

[That bastard! I almost died!]

[Come to my game, Myth!]

[If you come to my game, Myth, we'll have a good time ;)]

[Calm down, eh]

"Well," I said, looking back at Hylia, "your chat is going wild."

"They sure are. It's the first time they've seen you, even if it's under a persona."

"You're right," I said, smiling. "I called you earlier because I saw all the messages you sent me."

"Yes! You've changed my life… Thanks to you, I was able to quit my job and become a full-time streamer! And your game… it's incredible!" she exclaimed.

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, feeling proud. "I'm happy for you. I'm sure some people are kicking themselves for not jumping on board sooner."

"Totally! How about we head to a house and talk? The cold is really getting to me."

"I can take care of that," I said, snapping my fingers. The icy wind stopped, replaced by a gentle spring breeze and a warm sun.

"Wow, that's so weird…" she said, looking around in wonder. "It's a beautiful sunny day, but the snow is still crunching under our feet."

"That's the power of being the game master. Don't worry, I'll reset everything before I leave. I mainly came to see how you were doing and to talk about the interview you and your viewers wanted. I've been thinking about it, and we could do it at your place—no ulterior motives, of course," I added with a chuckle. "You've got more experience as a streamer, so it might go smoother if you play the role of the journalist."

"Of course! When would you like to do the interview?" she asked excitedly.

After considering the timing, I replied, "In three days. That way, I'll have time to sort out a few things, and it'll give you and your viewers time to finish the game and come up with more questions. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything during the stream," I assured her and the viewers.

[Do the interview now, we have enough questions!]

[Petition to do the interview now]

[+1]

[I vote +1]

[+1]

"Sorry guys, it's not possible," I said, laughing at the chat's eagerness. "I've got things to take care of, so I wish you all a good stream."

"And here's a little bonus," I said, turning back to Hylia. "I like to help those in need when I have time, so if you see me in the game, don't shoot me!"

"See you next time, Hylia," I said, waving as I logged out.

"Thanks for stopping by! See ya!" she called after me.

As I reset the game's settings and logged out, I sighed, thinking about all the work I still had to do.

"So much to do…" I muttered to myself.