Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 34: Family Dinner

I quickly jumped when he asked me that. I did play the game so Kaz can play it immediately, but...

"O-Oh... To be honest, I was expecting to be like those VRMMOs based on those light novels and anime. But after experiencing it firsthand, it's like my expectations have been blown through the roof." I explained as I tried to explain me and Kaz's adventures during our first month of playthrough in the game very clearly to Dad. "We're just currently stationed in one town, but the buildings and the NPCs there looked so alive and lively just like the players. As for the monsters, some of them were kinda cute while the rest... Let's just say they were scarier than the animals we know."

Considering we had encountered a large [Wild Bear] and how I'd originally had trouble with other monsters due to my lack of archery expertise in the game's launch, most of my statements about them were not too far from the truth.

"Seems like you're really getting used to the fantasy world of <Isekai Online>. The setting designers and writers worked hard on the game's worldbuilding and lore. If you play your cards right, you might even take part in its main story as well."

Its main story? Now that I thought about it, that book that Kazuki got from that strange NPC might be related to what Dad had just said. I wanted to ask Dad about it, but considering that he's part of the AI development team of the game, he'd either deny it due to spoilers or just urge us to discover it ourselves. I just hope it's not going to put Kazuki in any virtual danger that might traumatize him.

But as Kazuki began to get even more excited at this revelation, Mom stepped forward and spoke up. "As much as I want you boys to tell us more about your gaming adventure, shouldn't we get ready for dinner? I have a feeling you two didn't just come to greet us."

My eyes widened at her statement, as I had almost forgot what were doing in the first place. "Oh, that's right! My bad. Don't worry, the food's all cooked and set up at the table. Just wash up and we'll meet you there."

"Yeah! We'll tell you more what we did over the past week later!"

"I hope that includes stories about your studies and chores in the house. You did do them both during my absence, correct?"

Kazuki's expression quickly turned to comical fear as he flinched and backed away from Mom. "U-Uh... Yeah..."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. He was a dedicated kid when it comes to that game. But when it came to school and chores, he was a whole different person. Regardless, I still love him and would do anything to help him grow into an independent and courageous person. With that, we left the entrance of the house and prepared ourselves for out first family dinner for a while now.

----

After a while, we were all now sitting together at the dinner table, enjoying our meals and sharing stories over what we had done over the past week. For our parents, they talked about some humorous anecdotes during their work, while the both of us shared our lives in school and our friends, but also our time in the game.

"I see. So in other words, this Annie lady got his eyes on little Kazu, right?" Mom muttered while flashing a sly smile towards Kazuki, something that creeped me out even more than her monthly rage towards our antics. "Judging by what you've told us, she seems to be a nice person. I wish I could meet her in real life. Her guardian too. Who knows, maybe Hayate also has a thing for this Star lady as well."

My eyes widened and my smile turned into a frown as she said this. "Uh, yeah... She's a keeper..." I sheepishly let out an awkward chuckle as I pretend to agree with Mom. Sure, Star was a cool girl, but her aggressive personality kind of turned me off her. But on the other hand, she was very friendly and reliable at any situation, so I knew we could get along as friends. "Can you excuse me for a bit? I need to relieve myself."