Chapter 1.20 — The Hidden Choice

  The sun shone through my windows. I lay in my bed and stared at the ceiling, my eyes bloodshot.

  What does she mean—run away?

  I rolled back and forth in my bed. I couldn't sleep all night.

  “Ann what are you thinking… I'm pretty sure you got married in the game! So what’s happening?” I pulled my hair—in frustration.

  Even though there isn't much information about Ann's past, there was no mention of her running away? Or maybe she did, but it was omitted from the story?

  Suddenly I froze. “What if, could it be because of—me?”

  I sat up in my bed and pulled out my personal notebook. Since coming to this world I scribbled down everything I could about the game.

  I flipped through the pages until I found my notes about the hidden characters.

  “Let's see… there's nothing about her past, only a few hints.” I traced the text with my finger.

  “It's already been six years. Did I somehow forget something?" I scratched my chin.

  “It’s a big game and I did write everything I could remember… hmm…” I stared blank into the air.

  “No stop it.” I shook my head, then continued to read.

  “Hmm… Anja Fie Von Drachj?ger—a powerful ally and a hidden character in the game. She joins the hero party to take revenge for her family.” I read out loud.

  I kept reading, knowing what was to come.

  “Almost all choices you make in the game usually lead to—”

  Without thinking I slammed the notebook—shut!

  “Huh! Why did I?” I felt a slight pain in my chest, realizing the words I was about to read.

  I paused, slowly lowered my gaze.

  That’s right… I remembered players were very angry, not having the option to give Ann a happy ending.

  I shook my head, snapping out of it.

  “Ahh! What should I do?” I shot out of bed and jumped into my clothes and ran out of the room while grabbing my sword.

  “I need some fresh air.” I bolted outside.

  ***

  In the kitchen Grey was brewing some tea. He had just woken up after a long night of work, and was eating a light breakfast, getting ready to go back to his magic shop.

  “Hey Leo, breakfast is ready!” Grey shouted into the void.

  After a moment there was no response. “Hmm… He’s usually up by now.”

  Suddenly, a familiar voice came from outside the house.

  Grey looked through the window.

  “Ohh… Leo's training this early! Hehe, Jen must've really gotten to him?” Grey chuckled slightly.

  Grey sat down eating his breakfast.

  I walked inside, sweating like crazy.

  Grey was sitting at the table, he turned his face towards me.

  “Ohh… someone’s really working hard?” Grey grinned slightly.

  I shook my head. “Yeah, I just needed a break.”

  Grey raised his brow. “That is you, taking a break? Aren't breaks usually something that doesn't include—hard physical activity?”

  I clicked my tongue and looked away in embarrassment. “So what… I can take a break the way that I want!” I said while wiping my sweat off with a cloth.

  “Yeah, you're right… but, are you alright? You seem a bit out of it?” Grey asked softly.

  I sighed. “Yes… I’m fine…”

  I looked around the room. "Where's Jen? I need to speak with her.”

  “She said she had to take care of some business… she'll be back later.” Grey explained.

  I sighed, lowering my head.

  Grey stood up and picked up his bag. “Well, I need to get to work.”

  “Wait, are you going to the Store? Let me come with you—I need your help.” I said.

  Grey nodded and we left the house.

  ***

  In the back of the Nachman ShellCraft Store. I showed Grey a blueprint of my idea.

  “Hmm… I'm not really sure I follow? Why would you try something like this?” Grey scratched his chin.

  “Because I don't have my own Afinix and Manaflux. This is to raise my power!” I furrowed my brows.

  I then placed a finger on the blueprint.

  “A regular Manashell; or as I call it, the—Type One Manashell. Contains—Manaflux, Afinix and a Symbol Sequence… but can only fire off Tier One spells.” I glanced over at Grey.

  “This is a blueprint for the normal Type Two Manashell, using the rare darker mana crystals. This version only contains the—Afinix and a Symbol Sequence—making it possible to fire off both Tier One and Tier Two Spells, giving me access to more power!” I explained proudly.

  Grey sighed. “Hehe I see… It's still weird hearing you call Loflix and Bazix as Tier One and Two spells. I mean I know it sounds more technical, but aren't the original names already sounding technical?” He grinned.

  My face went flat. “I would like not to risk breaking my tongue—every time I attempt those names!”

  Seriously—did someone from the dev team like superheroes too much!

  Grey scratched his head. “Alright then, so explain what this hybrid Type Two is?”

  I nodded. “The regular Type Two needs external Manaflux to function, so the user has to provide their own power to activate the spells. But the hybrid Type Two is my attempt to interconnect two Manashells externally, to try and provide the Type Two with power.”

  I sighed. “But, I’ve only been successful in crafting the regular Type Two! The hybrid version keeps breaking… so that's why I need your insight.”

  Grey’s eyes widened. “Hold on! Do you realize how crazy both of those are? Applying your own power is hard enough! But interconnecting two Manashells to work as one! There's a reason why the so-called Type One Manashells are built the way they are!”

  “Huh? What do you mean?” I raised a brow.

  Grey scratched his head. “Well you see—”

  Suddenly someone called out. “Grey! I need your advice on something!”

  Grey looked toward the noise. It was one of the female employees calling out.

  She froze the moment she saw me, “Ohh, he’s here… I’m sorry, I didn't want to… disturb you.” Her voice trembled.

  Grey gave her a deadpan stare. "It's fine, haven't you been here long enough to know that he's my apprentice?”

  The employee bowed. "I'm so sorry Grey, I'm still getting used to it—I don't mean to offend.”

  Grey sighed and waved her off. “It’s fine, just give us a few minutes.”

  The employee nodded and walked back into the front of the shop.

  “I’m sorry Grey, business can't be easy with me around.” I lowered my head.

  Grey narrowed his eyes and hit me on the top of my head.

  “Don’t say stupid things like that! What’s important is that we’re doing good and can provide for our family—got it!” Grey’s voice firm.

  “Ehh? Uhmm… alright, I guess!” My eyes wide, rubbing my head.

  “Alright, here's the issue.” Grey sighed.

  While Grey began to explain, I tried to focus but I slowly drifted off, Grey’s voice became muffled as I replayed Ann's words in my head.

  Run away with me?

  Why Ann? Why now?

  Suddenly I remembered that scene, the flames, the scream—Ann… lying in the mud, unmoving.

  “Hey, Anja… Anja—please…

  —Ann?”

  I shot up from my chair. “NO!”

  “Huh? No?“ Grey blinked. “Do you want me to stop?”

  I looked around the room, remembering where I was. “Ahh sorry… Can you keep it simple?"

  Grey rubbed his neck. “Uhmm… yeah… well basically to make this kind of Dual Manashell system, you’ll have to reinvent the entire ShellCraft field!”

  “What!” I shouted.

  “Sorry Leo, but at least you made the regular one… that's a huge leap even though very few people would be able to use it effectively!”

  I gritted my teeth.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Damn! Those developers!

  In the game once you've crafted the regular Type Two, you can learn some secret technique from a white-hooded figure, of how to transfer your own power directly into it!

  But of course when you go to learn it—the screen goes dark and a text message appears, saying that you've now acquired the secret technique! Apparently the devs added this little nugget as a teaser for a later DLC!—those damn greedy bastards!!

  I slammed my head onto the table, frustrated.

  “Leo! Are you alright?” Grey’s voice was concerned.

  “Yeah, I'm fine… I just need to be alone right now.” I said, almost crying.

  Grey nodded and left the room.

  ***

  Later in the evening at the Nachman residence. Jen was walking in the dark on her way home after a long day… In her hand she held a magic tool that lit up the road.

  “Its been a while since I've had to sneak around like this, I hope Grey and Leo don’t mind… I wonder how I’m gonna explain this?” Jen scratched her chin.

  Jen approached the house but suddenly stopped, she noticed my presence at the door.

  “Well then, you sure took your time, huh?” I said with a smug smile.

  “Ehh? What do you mean?” Jen looked away while scratching her head.

  I moved in closer. “Grey said you had some business to attend to. But you've been gone all day.” I folded my arms.

  “Well yeah, I had to figure some things out!” Jen forced an awkward grin.

  I raised my brow. “You know I've been worried sick for you! I know you're an adult but it's still risky for a young woman to walk in the dark by herself.”

  Jen lowered her head. “Yeah, yeah I understand… I’ll make sure next time to—”

  Jen’s eyes suddenly shot wide. “Hey wait a minute, I'm an adult here! Why are you lecturing me!!“ She pointed at me.

  “What do you mean? Am I not allowed to worry about you—the same way you worry about me?” I furrowed my brows.

  Jen looked away.

  “Haa… well… I mean… of course… but, I’m supposed to be an adult here, right?” Jen pouted, her voice slightly embarrassed.

  I chuckled. “It's fine… besides—I would like to know what business was so important, that you had to be gone for the entire day?”

  “Hmm… I can’t tell you that!” Jen looked away.

  Jen paused… then folded her arms. “Well… not yet at least… but soon! I promise!” Jen’s voice was firm, but her body was slightly trembling.

  I stared at her, she looked like she was a little conflicted… Like she wanted to tell me but had to hold back.

  Hmm… wait, could it be?

  I tilted my head. “Wait? Could this be the favor you're doing for Ann?”

  Jen immediately put her hand on my mouth. “Shhhhh!! Don’t just go and blurt it out!—Grey’s not supposed to hear!”

  I raised a brow, then the door suddenly opened behind me.

  “Hey I thought I heard your voices out here. Why haven't you come in yet?” Grey asked, confused.

  “Ahh… we're just having a mother-son moment.” Jen grinned.

  “Grey dear, can you please give us some time? I need to speak with Leo for a little while longer.” Jen widened her eyes, almost looking like a puppy.

  Grey's face turned red. ”Ohh, I see… well just make sure it's not too late—”

  Before he could finish his sentence, Grey suddenly lost his footing and began to wobble.

  “Whoo there!” Jen and I shouted in unison and grabbed Grey at the same time, preventing him from falling over.

  “Ahh… thank you guys, it seems I'm still a bit tired from work.” Grey gave a painful grin.

  “You need to relax! You've been working a lot and barely sleeping.” Jen shouted at him.

  I nodded. “Yeah Grey! You need to take a few days off, the shop will be fine!”

  Grey looked at us, then slowly nodded. “I guess you're right… fine, I’ll take some time off.”

  “Leo, I’ll go help Grey to bed… you wait for me and we can have that talk!” Jen said calmly.

  I nodded, and a little while later we sat down in the living room.

  “He fell asleep immediately, so we should be fine for now.” Jen said with a hint of worry in her voice.

  “Alright then.” I said, taking a deep breath.

  “Why Jen? Why did you agree to help Ann?” I spoke in a firm voice.

  Jen raised her brow. “Seriously? Going straight to the point I see… very well.”

  “You know how risky it is if the Marquess ever finds out?” I leaned in.

  “Ohh… don't you worry about that. The Ritterwalds might be a low-ranking noble house, but we know how to handle these matters…” Jen’s lips slowly curled into a grin, exposing her teeth.

  I suddenly felt a bit uneasy—she almost seemed like she was enjoying it too much?

  “I see… but still, I don't understand? Why would you agree for Ann and me to run away together?” My voice grew concerned.

  Jen closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath.

  “You know Ann as a happy and energetic girl, right?” Jen leaned in closer.

  “Huh?” I blinked for a moment. “Well yeah, of course.”

  “Yes for YOU, but not everyone else." Jen narrowed her eyes.

  I raised my head, my brows slowly knit together.

  Jen sighed. “Surely she was happy at the orphanage that time, but after her appraisal her true identity was revealed… and what do you think happened?”

  My lips parted for a moment but then shut… I couldn't utter a word…

  “Everyone became afraid of her! Her friends pulled away, the teachers became cautious, the villagers trembled every time they saw her!” Jen gritted her teeth.

  Jen continued. “Not only that, but she was expected to throw away the life she had built in Heimzuch and fundamentally change who she was.”

  I lowered my head, thinking about Jen’s words.

  Basically her entire world collapsed in front of her!

  That's pretty damn heavy for a seven year old to experience…

  “But… you, on the other hand—you did nothing.” Jen gently pointed at me.

  “Ehh? What do you mean?” I tilted my head.

  “Despite everything, you kept treating her the same way—even became her tutor and supported her.” Jen’s face turned bright.

  “You Leo, you are the reason she could remain as herself for so long… that's why for you— she's always been the same old Ann!” Jen smiled.

  I looked away, my face turned slightly red. “Come on, it can't just be because of me?”

  Jen shook her head. “No, that girl adores you… she was completely broken when they fired you and threw you out—not to mention the way you were shunned!”

  Suddenly Jen slammed her hand on the table.

  “When I heard how the Guild treated you—I almost went there to give them a piece of my mind, or more my fist.” Jen tightened her grip, her body trembling.

  “But I solved that, so it's fine!” I said reassuringly.

  “Yes, you did and I’m proud of you for that… But you shouldn't rely on a war breaking out just to be able to do some low-level Guild quest!” Jen leaned back.

  I sighed deeply. “I know… it's not right.”

  Jen’s eyes drifted around until she stopped, staring blankly into the air.

  I looked down, not sure what to say.

  Suddenly I heard a chuckle coming from Jen, I looked up.

  “Hehe… it reminds me of the time when my family brought us to train in Cleinwalth forest. I got impatient and wandered off deeper into the forest to fight stronger monsters.” Jen’s eyes shimmered.

  “What happened?” I asked curiously.

  “Well, I did encounter a bunch of monsters, but I ended up using almost all of my Manaflux, what's worse I got lost.” Jen grinned awkwardly.

  “But just when everything seemed grim, a boy suddenly appeared and saved me… you can probably guess who?” Jen winked.

  “No way, Grey?” My eyes widened.

  “Jup… Grey saved me that day, and ever since we began to hang out… but of course he was a commoner, so that gave us some trouble.” Jen explained in a soft voice.

  Her gaze then met mine. “When I met Grey I was thirteen, he was the only one treating me normal… my father had big plans for our family—and I was just a pawn to him.”

  Jen lowered her head. “When my father told me of my engagement, me and Grey had secretly sneaked around for years… so my heart broke when I had to tell him it was over.” A bead of tears rolled down Jen’s cheek.

  I furrowed my brows, slowly nodding.

  Jen wiped away her tears, and her face brightened up with a smile.

  “But you know what! Grey hated that—so he ended up challenging my father to a duel.”

  “Huh? Grey did what?” I gasped.

  “Yeah, I know… Grey avoids unnecessary conflicts but this was something he simply couldn't let go… so my father agreed to let Grey duel if he could defeat all my siblings.”

  My eyes widened in disbelief.

  Grey dislikes fighting? Seriously? I wouldn't believe that since he always seems to grin like a maniac when he fights monsters… But it's not like I don't understand him—sometimes you just don't have much of a choice!

  "What! He fought ALL of them!—Grey, you crazy bastard!" I gaped.

  Jen gently pressed her hand onto her lips.

  “But somehow, Grey defeated them all! So my father had to honor the agreement, and let Grey take me away with him.” Jen's face flushed red.

  “I see… so this is why you agreed to help Ann?” I folded my arms.

  Jen’s face turned hard. “As things are now, I do agree with Ann… I hate the fact everyone looks at you like you're cursed. I hate the fact that Ann is forced to marry someone she didn't choose herself.”

  “When Ann asked me for my help, I knew I should have been the responsible adult and turned her down… But, somehow I do believe it is better for you to start over somewhere where nobody knows you.” Jen explained.

  “Do you truly believe it's better to run away?” I raised a brow.

  Jen chuckled. “Honestly I don't know… but what I do know is that sometimes recklessness can pay off… If someone can make this work, it's definitely you!”

  “I do care for Ann, I’m just not sure…I mean you and Grey choose Love, but me and Ann are just friends.” I lowered my head.

  “Honestly I’m not sure if your feelings toward Ann are love or not—but what I do know is that you care for her deeply, enough to take risks and meet up with her in secret—sounds familiar.” Jen leaned in closer.

  My gaze drifted to the floor, biting my lips.

  I do care a lot for Ann—but love?

  Jen pointed at me. “You better figure out soon what you're gonna do!”

  ***

  I laid down on my back at our rooftop, staring at the night sky. It would have been a nice evening for stargazing, but my mind was preoccupied with something else.

  I do understand Jen, but this is just too much… What should I do?

  I took a deep breath, thinking about everything that has happened since I arrived in the world.

  “Ahh… but wouldn't this change things if I ran away with her? Or maybe… things already are messed up?” I pulled my hair in frustration.

  But the story Jen told me… she almost makes it sound like me and Ann are in love, or something?

  I raised my brow.

  “But, I mean for me… Ann is just a friend… No—she’s my childhood friend…” I furrowed my brows.

  Honestly back in my old world I didn't have time for love, not after my parents died and even before—

  Suddenly a bunch of images flashed before my eyes.

  Glasses—smile—red hair!

  My eyes shot wide. “Huh? Wait a minute—that’s right!”

  Before my parents died and right before I became a fighting game champion… I met this woman with red hair and glasses.

  Ohh yeah… I remember appearing in the arcade, wanting to get into fighting games.

  I closed my eyes, trying to remember.

  It was a very long time ago… so the details might be a bit fuzzy. But I somehow ended up being the one teaching her, and well… we just clicked.

  Before I knew it she was all I could think about… despite barely knowing anything about her.

  That time my friends teased me and I denied it, but thinking back—I fell in love.

  But it was not meant to be since she had to move away, or something like that!

  I sighed. “I wonder what happened to her? A pity I never got her real name and I can’t even remember her player name… I think it was Empress something… maybe?”

  The weather turned cold so I jumped back into my room.

  I took out my notebook and turned the page, taking in a deep breath.

  “Almost all choices you make in the game usually lead to Anja’s end.

  The community named her the tragic heroine.” I gritted my teeth.

  My head began to spin—my stomach twisted, the scene of her lying lifeless in the mud—replayed in my head.

  “NO—I won’t let that happen!” I declared, fire burning in my eyes.

  “This is not right—not if I can stop that future from ever happening!” I shot up straight, raising my fist into the air.

  ***

  The next day.

  “I see, so that's your decision.” Jen pulled out a note, handing it to me.

  “Take only what you need and meet at the place indicated on the note… don't worry I'll explain it to Grey later—he'll understand.” Jen explained calmly.

  I nodded. “Can you give this to Tess?” I handed Jen a letter.

  Jen's lips curled into a grin.

  “You know, Tess is gonna kill you when she reads this?” Jen said, teasing.

  “Yeah but this is for the best.” I sighed.

  “Good also, you need this.” Jen handed me a necklace.

  “Wait, is that the crest of Drachj?ger?” I gasped.

  Jen nodded. “Use this at the meeting spot… it takes time to get there so you better get going.”

  Jen leaned in, hugging me tight.

  “Good luck, Leo.” Jen smiled, but with a hint of sadness in her voice.

  ***

  A little while later I arrived at the meeting spot.

  “This should be the place?” I looked around.

  Suddenly a carriage appeared and stopped right in front of me… it had the crest of Drachj?ger carved into the side.

  Ehh! Wasn't it just supposed to be a normal carriage?

  The door opened, and a blond woman wearing a floor-length gown embroidered in faint silver thread—stepped out.

  A cold sweat ran down my spine.

  Martha snapped her fan shut, her gaze met mine.

  “Anja is not coming!”

  Ohh no, what is Martha doing here?

  Thanks for passing 2,000 total views—really appreciate everyone reading and sticking with the story.