Final Preparations

*slash*

*slash*

*stab*

The random encounter boss which just looked like a bigger version of a wolf vanished, leaving behind a small pile of loot.

"Can you use any of this sis?"

I rummaged through the loot, but it was ultimately useless to me. Most of the items were for other classes, but even if I were those classes it was still weak.

"Nope, can't use it."

"Alright, let's keep going."

I was currently going through the woods with brother to fight random encounter bosses. Basically, if we wander around aimlessly enough, we'll run into a miniboss that can drop some good loot. It can also drop horrible loot like this one, but there's not really anything you can do about that. Brother said I will probably need better equipment for the event tomorrow, and since I can't afford to buy high-quality stuff, here we are.

We had a lot of downtime while looking for bosses, so I tried to start conversations whenever I could.

"So, have things gotten better?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, not really."

"What happened? Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"…"

"…"

"So, sis, what made you start playing this game? You never really had an interest in video games before."

"I don't know, I just thought I would give it a try."

"That's a lie if I've ever heard one."

"Excuse me?"

"No one in their right mind buys an expensive computer and really pricey VR equipment on a whim. If you really did buy it out of impulse, you should probably see a doctor. So, what's the real reason."

"…"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Listen, yo- oh, a boss. Let's kill it first."

A very tall bear appeared out of seemingly nowhere. The only other notable feature was that its fur was a light grey.

*slash*

*slash*

*stab*

The bear vanished and loot appeared.

"Can you use any of this?"

I looked through the pile, but the only thing that was somewhat useful was a ring that boosted my fire damage by 2%.

"This ring is… useable."

"Alright, back to walking."

We were taking the useful stuff and leaving everything else. Anything that wasn't enchanted, or useful to me was just left behind.

"Like I was saying, you obviously have a reason you're playing this game, and even if yo'u don't tell me, I'll probably find out eventually. I'm not trying to make you tell me something you don't want to by the way."

"I still don't want to talk about it."

"Fair enough."

"…"

"…"

"So, what's going on with you and dad?"

"How did you know something was going on?"

"Well, I try to keep an eye out for my sis."

"I don't know. It's like, after you left he started getting distant from me, and now it's like I'm living with a roommate rather than a dad."

"You think if I came over to talk it'd help out?"

"I- I don't know."

"Hmm… and how's mom been?"

"Well, you know her; I don't think I really need to tell you."

"Yeah, I know. Oh, another boss."

This time it was a 5ft tall squirrel. Its fur looked black and tough while its teeth seemed sharp.

*slash*

*slash*

*slash*

*stab*

"Anything?"

I looked through the pile. My hopes were low, but I ended up hitting the jackpot. A pair of boots, and a helmet. Sure, they didn't look very stylish, but I'd have to choose usefulness over cosmetics for this event.

"Yeah, there was some good armor."

"Alright, cool. I'll probably get off now. I'm a bit exhausted."

I gave him a hug and said…

"See you tomorrow for the event."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow. Oh, and remember to buy some potions before they go out of stock again."

[MikeFight – Has Logged Out]

I guess I should get off too. I've spent enough time online today. I clicked the log-out button before removing my headset and trackers. I put them away nicely on their own shelf, and once everything was neatly stored, I left my room and made my way downstairs. On my way down I passed brother's old room; I don't know why, but I opened it, and of course, there wasn't anything in it, it was just an empty room now. Anyway, I closed the door and made my way downstairs. I looked around, but no one seemed to be home; just to make sure I looked out the window to our driveway and the only car there was mine.

I went to the kitchen and made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; I then sat at the counter and ate it while checking my phone for any notifications. There weren't any, so I just watched some videos on it.

Mom and Dad are barely home anymore; it's like after brother left, they just forgot about me. I know it's selfish to want their attention, but I can't help it. I miss the old days when we were like an actual family since now, they just feel like roommates passing by every now and again to grab stuff and head out.

If only I made some friends in school before summer break started. Now I'm stuck in an empty house with no one around.

*sigh*

Maybe I'll get back online in a bit and do some more grinding.