The Armor of Resolve

As Saad put his lap top away, his stomach grumbled loudly, a reminder that he had been so engrossed in his task that he had forgotten about food. He hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and he was feeling really lightheaded by now. Hunger pangs gnawed at him, but another weight tugged at his mind—the conversation with Haroon. He knew he needed to address the issue sooner rather than later. Summoning his determination, Saad peeled himself out of the gaming suit, pushing aside the anxious thoughts that were telling him to stay locked in his room. He took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. The cool air of the apartment washed over him, making him realize how long he had been cooped up.

As he stepped out, his eyes found Haroon sitting on the chair, his attention fixed on the small television screen. The aroma of food filled the air, and Saad's gaze landed on the kitchenette where a pot of okra and roti awaited him. Saad's stomach grumbled again, and he found himself torn between hunger and the need to address the situation between him and Haroon.

With a mixture of determination and trepidation, Saad walked over to the kitchenette and silently took the food out, eating in silence. The silence in the room was heavy even with the sound of the news anchor's passionate voice. But Saad wasn't about to let it deter him.

"Haroon," Saad began, his voice earnest, "I know you're disappointed in me, and you have every right to be. But I want you to understand that I'm not just wasting my time here. I'm trying to find a way to make things better, to earn money, and to support my family."

Haroon's eyes remained fixed on the television, but Saad could sense that he was listening.

"I promise you," Saad continued, his voice unwavering, "that if, within the next six months, I don't start earning enough from this game, I'll quit. I'll stop playing and never try anything like this again that puts a financial burden. But until then, I need your support, Haroon. I need you to trust that I'm doing my best."

There was a tense silence in the room, and Saad held his breath, waiting for Haroon's response. After what felt like an eternity, Haroon finally turned his gaze away from the TV and met Saad's eyes.

"Saad," Haroon's voice was softer now, a hint of concern in his tone, "I'm not against you trying to find a better way. But you need to be realistic and responsible. I want you to succeed, but not at the cost of your responsibilities and your family's well-being."

Saad nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and gratitude. "I understand, Haroon. I'm willing to work hard and make things right. I just need a chance to prove myself."

Haroon's gaze softened, and he sighed. "Alright, Saad. I'll give you the chance, but you need to remember that this isn't just about you. We're sharing this space, and we have responsibilities. I'll keep this between us for now, but you have to promise me that you'll be responsible and not let this affect your work or other obligations."

"I promise, Haroon," Saad said earnestly, a sense of determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let you down."

Haroon's stern expression softened into a small smile. "Alright then. Eat is before the food gets cold. The yogurt is in the fridge."

As Saad ate the meal, the heavy tension in the room began to dissipate. Saad felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that he had Haroon's support, even if it came with its conditions. As they ate, Saad couldn't help but feel grateful for the mentorship Haroon was offering, even if it sometimes came in the form of scolding and tough love.

Just then, the apartment door creaked open, and their third roommate, Amir, walked in with a warm smile. "Hey guys, what's cooking? Oh- Smells like the special okra!"

Saad exchanged a quick glance with Haroon, both of them sharing a silent understanding. This was a momentary truce, a chance for Saad to prove himself, and they were going to work together to make it happen. Haroon understood and knew that Saad wanted him to deal with Amir. Because Amir was one hell of a nosy guy.

As Amir's cheerful presence filled the room, Saad and Haroon exchanged a subtle nod. It was as if their shared understanding had created an unspoken pact. Haroon took the lead, engaging in a friendly conversation with Amir about the things back home and how his trip did went. The small talk flowed smoothly, temporarily masking the tension that had been present earlier.

Saad, on the other hand, tried his best to appear engaged, contributing the occasional comment while his mind raced with anticipation. He knew he couldn't stay in the common area for long. The call of the virtual world was strong, and he had a mission to complete, both in-game and in real life. Amir's enthusiasm for conversation, however, was relentless, and Saad found himself struggling to keep his attention from wandering.

After what felt like an eternity of polite chatter, Saad seized a moment when the conversation lulled. "By the way, guys," he said, feigning a polite smile, "I'm getting really tired and thanks to the food, I am getting really sleepy as well. So I will be going back to my room."

Without waiting for a response, Saad excused himself from the common area, quickly heading back to his own tiny bedroom. He closed the door behind him and took a deep breath. The room felt like a sanctuary, a place where he could shed his real-world concerns and immerse himself in the game that promised both adventure and potential.

His heart raced with anticipation as he opened the closet and retrieved the sleek, black gaming suit. He stripped out of his regular clothes and quickly slipped into the suit. The sensation was familiar yet exhilarating, like donning a second skin that connected him to a realm beyond reality. He was already getting so used to it.

He powered on the headset and took a deep breath before initiating the login sequence. The world around him melted away, replaced by the immersive landscapes of the game. The transition was swift and seamless, as if he had truly stepped from one world into another.

In the game, Saad found himself standing once again in his room, the sun light, the crisp cold weather and the chatter coming out of Kael's bedroom window. He was back to the vibrant city of Seraphia. The familiar NPCs bustled about, each with their own unique tasks and dialogues.

He took a deep breath and opened his inventory. He decided to start by opening the chest for his level 11 reward and he got an uncommon agility ring, [Agility knot]. The ring's specifications were a lot better than [Aetherweave Loop]. Though since he could only equip two rings and he only had two at the moment, Saad decided to equip both.

[Agility Knot]

Description: The Agility knot is made by the blacksmith who is revered for his swiftness.

Durability: 60/60

Rank: Uncommon

Type: Accessory

-Effects-

+10 Agility

+15% Evasion

+25% Movement Speed

+15% Critical Hit Chance

+20 Stealth

The feeling of his increased stats really made his feet feel light. Saad decided to invest his stats points in dexterity and charm this this time. Seeing as he was progressing in the game, he needed to increase his charm when he haggled for the items. Because if he was going to go in the forest and fight the monsters, he needed to prepare thoroughly. He didn't want to be unprepared like last time when he had to deal with Arachnid queen. That reminded him of the armor and he took the armor out, holding in his hands as he looked at the midnight blue and burgundy colored armor. The armor looked gloomy, he had to say but it was still better than what he was wearing right now. It still contained a breastplate with plackart and tassets.

[Shadow-web Arachnid Queen Armor]

Description: The Uncommon Shadow-Web Arachnid Queen Armor is a rare and powerful piece of equipment, providing impressive benefits to the wearer.

Durability: 60/60

Rank: Uncommon

Type: Armor

-Effects-

PDEF: +55

MDEF: +40

Venom Resistance: +30%

Stealth: +15

Agility: +15

Shadow resistance: +30%

Saad saw the message that to equip the armor, he needed to unequip [Young Master's Warm Woolen Coat], [Young Master's Fine Frostfallen Fur Scarf] and [Young Master's winter's shirt]. Saad took it off and then suddenly realized a small detail. He could put away the things that he didn't need in the cupboard that he had. Though as he put them in the cupboard, he could see a message window appearing.

[You are able to store your items but will not be able to use the items while in the extra storage. Current space: 3/15]