Leon slowly fluttered his eyes open, the dimly lit room gradually coming into focus. He extracted himself from the sleek capsule device, his muscles groaning in protest as he extended his arms and legs. The past few days had taken quite a toll on him, but the rush of adrenaline from the game world still coursed through his veins.
He reflected on his recent exploits: braving the Trial Domain, matching wits and strength with the Ass Guild. Yet, all had ended in their favor, leaving Leon with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to celebrate.
The capsule beside him hummed softly before Freya emerged with graceful ease, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Hi… long time no see,” she teased.
Leon tilted his head. “Why don’t you use your real hair color in the game, Freya?”
“Why should I? You do the same, don’t you? Your hair is black in the game,” she retorted with a smile.
Together, they navigated their way out of the game room and into the cozy expanse of the living area. Freya ran her fingers through her hair and glanced at Leon, “What do you think? Which one’s better-this color or the red one?” She turned, showcasing her current hair shade.
Leon sank into the plush cushions of the couch, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. Freya joined him, settling beside him closely, her knees brushing against his.
“Which one do you prefer, answer me,” she insisted, nudging his shoulder with her fingertip. Leon gazed at her, squinting slightly as if in deep contemplation.
“Your current color suits you well in the real world. But in the game, I think the blue stands out more. What do you think? It makes you look kind of like Elincia, the guild master of that top guild,” he said, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
She swatted at his shoulder playfully, then turned her attention to the television.
“Where’s Lily?” Leon inquired.
“Studying?” Freya answered nonchalantly. “She’s the epitome of discipline-diligent and smart.”
Leon couldn’t help but smirk at that. “Are you saying she’s better than me?”
“Well, you said it…” she replied.
After trading playful banter back and forth, they flipped through various channels without any particular interest. Despite this, they felt completely content just being in each other’s company.
After a while, Freya turned to him. “Don’t you want to breathe some fresh air, Leon?”
Leon glanced at her. “Do you have something in mind?”
Her gaze softened as she leaned closer. “Do you know there’s a fantastic spot on the roof of our hotel? They’ve got a café, a swimming pool, delicious food and drinks, and even live music. All under the beauty of the night sky.”
Leon turned to face her more fully. “Let’s go there!” he exclaimed eagerly. “I’ve been wanting to try some of the food there too.”
Freya’s face lit up with a sweet smile, her nods quick with agreement.
“Perfect! Let me go change. We’ll meet there in 30 minutes,” she said.
“Sure,” Leon replied, watching her gracefully leave the room.
In no time, Leon and Freya found themselves perched atop the luxurious hotel. The sprawling city was a sea of twinkling lights, stretching endlessly into the distance. A gentle breeze wafted around them, carrying the distant strains of soft, melodic music. The midnight sky above was adorned with a canopy of glittering stars, while the silver moon cast its luminous glow over their intimate table for two.
Freya had transformed herself for the night, donning a sleek black dress that hugged her figure with an air of sophistication and elegance. In contrast, Leon opted for a more laid-back ensemble, wearing comfortable shorts paired with a casual plaid shirt. Nonetheless, they both seemed perfectly at ease in each other’s presence.
They conversed happily, the dialogue flowing effortlessly between them. Freya’s cheerful demeanor radiated from her constant smile, a joyful expression that seemed to have permanently taken residence on her face. Leon couldn’t help but revel in the warmth of their conversation.
“So,” Freya began, her voice playful, “which do you prefer? Doing it on the tree branches deep in a forest full of monsters, or relaxing here?”
Leon chuckled softly. “I guess both have their charms,” he said confidently. “We just need to find a balance between the two.”
“Now you talk about balance while you spend more time in the game than living your real life,” she teased.
Leon felt a gentle vibration from his phone and glanced down to see Lily’s name on the screen. He looked over to Freya, who gave him a small nod.
“Hi, Lily?” he answered.
“Yes, I’m with Freya… at the café on the rooftop,” he continued.
“It’s okay. Have you eaten yet?”
“No, we’re just relaxing, not discussing anything serious.”
“Alright, see you soon,” he said, ending the call with a satisfied smile.
“She’s coming?” Freya inquired, her eyes curious.
“Yes.”
Freya’s smile grew warmer at the news. “I’m glad Lily is finding her footing in her new
environment,” she commented softly.
“You mean at her new school?”
Freya nodded, her smile reassuring.
“Tell me more about it,” Leon urged, leaning forward slightly.
Freya shook her head playfully. “Shouldn’t you be the one who knows more about this, Mr. Responsible Brother?”
Leon fell silent for a moment, reflecting on her words. “You’re right. I should spend more time with her,”
Freya chuckled lightly at his response. “Let’s hear Lily’s stories about her new school, and I’ll verify whether what she says is true or not,” she suggested with a wink.
Leon couldn’t help but smile, recalling the times when Lily would hide the mistreatment she endured from her peers at her old school. He nodded, grateful that Freya could provide some much-needed perspective.
After a few moments of playful banter, Freya’s curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned
in slightly.
“So, care to share what you gathered from the Fate Trial Domain?”
“Do we really have to talk about the game during what could be considered a dinner date? Surely, we can find more interesting topics,” he quipped.
A grin spread across Freya’s face as she raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so bold of you to assume this is a dinner date, huh?”
“Well, didn’t you once tell me you could be everything for me?” Leon retorted with a chuckle. “So, why not make this a dinner date if I say so?”
Freya leaned back, her grin widening. “You should know better than to toy with a woman’s emotions. Are you ready to take on the responsibility that comes with that?”
Leon sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “You’re the one who always says I’m too stiff around women. But the moment I try to be a little more considerate, you’re the first to call me
out!” free𝑤ebnovel.com
Freya giggled at his response. “That’s because there’s no sincerity in your eyes when you say things like that. I know what’s really going on in your head-it’s all about the game! So stop pretending you’re paying attention to the women around you.”
Leon chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, I’m trying, but it’s not that easy.”
Freya sighed. “Your honesty is refreshing, though sometimes it can be a bit much. Still, I’m genuinely curious about what you found in the Fate Trial Domain. Spill the beans, that’s an order!” she declared.
Leon gave a mock salute. “Alright, ma’am,” he said.
He proceeded to recap everything he had experienced in the Fate Trial Domain to her.