Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 118: Birthday Boy

"But nothing, Kazuki," Mom interrupts. "Being 13 isn't about trying to start acting like an adult or emulating your brother or his friends. It's the start of you finding your first step in the new year you're living in. The start of where you begin finding your path in the real world. However, whether you want to follow in Hayate's footsteps or not is up to you. All I'm asking you is to stop rushing in like him and let life take you somewhere that might interest you. Even in this mundane world, you cannot underestimate the wonders and surprises you may discover."

Wonders in the real world, huh? That sounds like what I want to do in <Isekai Online>. Now that I think about it, <Volo> is not much different than in real life other than dragons and magic. If anything, it just gives me the motivation to keep moving forward and not let everyone else stop me from doing what I want in my virtual and real life.

"I don't know why you're worrying about being 13 right now. But your Mom is right," Yuri says. "I don't have anything to do other than play video games and build model robots, but I've had to work hard with my studies to earn something in life. Maybe after I graduate, I might find something related to my hobbies someday. And perhaps you might make some goals that might help you get to your path soon. Just go at your own pace and try not to be a hothead like a certain someone in here."

"Yeah!" Zac says with his fist pumped up. "Just be you, Kaz. "Haste makes waste," is what I say."

"I think he's referring to you, airhead," Damon sighs.

"Oh, come on, Damon. I think he's..."

And before long, his eyes widen in realization and embarrassment.

"Hey! I'm not a hothead! I'm not even a hothead either, smarta-!"

"Don't call me that in front of Hayate's little brother on his birthday! And don't start blaming me for starting it!"

"Do you want to smack you silly for that comment, egghead?!"

I chuckle sheepishly. Whenever those two start to bicker, I can't do anything but let Hayate stop them unless I'm mad. Luckily, Mom is here to do that. So I slowly back away right next to Yuri as they're about to brawl.

"Should we stop them?" Yuri asks.

"Unless we have the right people, there's no way we can stop them by ourselves. Don't worry, this won't take long."

And true to my words, Mom quickly gets between them and separates them before they can do any damage.

"Enough, you two. If Hayate hears about this, he will be mad for disrupting Kazuki's special day. Plus, you're acting more childish than these two. Try to act your own age for once!"

And there's the finishing blow. It's enough for them to become speechless and for me to sigh in relief.

"Damn... Your mom is more savage than mine," Yuri comments.

"Trust me. You don't want to see her when we make her angry by accident."

Then, my Mom sighed and said, "Now then, why don't you two go out and tell Hayate that the show will start soon? I just need to wait for another guest to arrive soon."

Both Zac and Damon look at each other. Knowing them, there is no way they can't turn their ears away after her infamous scolding. "U-Uh... Sure... Let's go, Zac," Damon says before pulling his arm.

"Don't worry, Ms. Palmer. He looks good without a tie!"

"Hmph! Like you care..." I mutter before turning to my Mom again as Zac and Damon silently leave the room to do what she asked them to do. "So Mom, have you heard anything from them? I know Hayate already sent out invitations in the game beforehand."