“…” Arthur looked silently at The Founder. His tone almost sounded euphoric when he said those words. Something was definitely off with it and he could feel it instantly.
‘… Is he even sane?’ Arthur asked himself secretly. The way the man was talking about his purpose, it almost made Arthur question whether this game was truly a game or not. The Founder certainly didn’t seem like he saw it as a mere game. He saw it as something far more important.
What made it even more eerie was that it seemed Arthur had truly captured the essence of this world. It was true that he sought the freedom of doing whatever he wanted, going wherever he wanted, and exploring the Divine Realm without a worry in his head.
He was truly seeking fun. But, one question immediately appeared in his head at that moment.
“Why is that the essence you’re looking for? Everyone sees DO as a world filled with endless opportunities and a lot of gains. You lot even advertised as ‘Second Earth’.” Arthur asked.
If The Founder was truly looking for people who would enjoy the game and play it for the sake of playing it because they’re having fun, then why did he advertise it as something clearly opposite to that?
“One single word, Arthur: Test.”
“Test?”
“Yes, it is a very simple test. I want to see for myself who are those who will reach the very top and those who will simply look for gains… For money, maybe even some fame… But never the glory of becoming one of the greats in the Divine Realm.”
“…”
“So far, you’re the only person to truly capture what I imagined this world is all about. That is why you’re where you are now.”
“Wait, so I became the best player in the world because… I played for fun?” Arthur blinked confusedly. “Now that’s news to me. How does that even make sense? The other players are clearly trying way harder than I’m doing.”
“Because they didn’t capture the essence. They take DO as some kind of occupation where they must perform well or they will fall behind. They aren’t having fun like you’re doing. I made sure my game rewards those who love to explore and simply live that world.”
That was when it hit Arthur. The Founder was indeed right, DO was a game that rewarded exploration heavily. There was a secret in every nook and cranny of that world. If you’re curious and courageous enough, the game will give you as much as you give it.
‘So, that’s why I’m at this position…’
Arthur was indeed a maniac when it comes to playing the game. He doesn’t care where he is going, if he finds it intriguing or fun, then he was going to do it no matter what. That was why he was given a lot of valuable items and strong abilities.
“…”
“It seems you have realized why you’re the number 1. Your free spirit is doing way more than you think, boy.”
“But…” The boy couldn’t really find any way to refute those claims.
“Well, that was what I wanted to say. Whether you want to believe it or not, is up to you. But, remember one thing for me, would you?”
“… What is it?”
“Don’t lose this spirit of yours, Arthur. The Divine Realm is a beautiful place, but it is equally terrifying. In the future, you will find yourself in situations where your beliefs will clash with your reality. You will find yourself forced to choose between two things that will change your whole life. When that time comes… Just follow your heart, would you?”
“What are you eve-”
“Oh well, I have some stuff to do now. It was hard to spare these few minutes to talk to you but it was definitely worth it. Keep this conversation a secret between us.” The Founder stood up and walked to the door.
“…”
Looking back at Arthur, the man said. “I know we are going to meet again soon. I will be watching your progress with a keen eye, my friend.”
Walking out, he left Arthur alone inside the classroom, staring at the open door with a blank expression. He remained frozen for several minutes before he finally moved.
“Follow your heart, huh?…” He muttered as he rubbed the back of his head. “Don’t drop those generic quotes on my head so swiftly… Bastard.”
Even when he muttered those words, Arthur knew that he would never forget those words. The Founder certainly knew things that Arthur didn’t know and he was trying to advice him.
‘What could it be I wonder? Do my beliefs crash with reality? I can’t even see that happen. Oh well… No reason to overthink it. I will see for myself when that time comes.’
Finally, Arthur stood up and left the classroom. The meeting was brief, but the insight it gave Arthur was invaluable. He had learned more about The Founder himself, about the world of DO, and about its purpose. Now, he felt rather happy.
“So he wants me to have fun, huh? Oh, I’m going to have so much fun you wouldn’t even know. I’m going to turn that damn world upside down if I can. Just wait and see.”
***
After that, Arthur left the institution again, all alone this time. The city was completely lit up now, shining brightly like a pearl in a sea of darkness. Standing in the elevator, Arthur admired the night scenery silently. He truly adored this island and the city built on it.
He had been here only for less than two weeks and he was already in love with everything here.
“It’s certainly better than the city I lived in beforehand.”
Knowing that he would spend years in this place made him a little excited. This was his home now. A lot of stuff is going to happen and a lot of hardships will come his way but Arthur is ready for them mentally and physically.
Reaching the foot of the mountain, he left the institution and headed back to the dormitory on the Sonic Board. Reaching his home, Arthur entered inside and turned on the light. The place was quiet and empty.
“I’m finally home…” He muttered as he finally felt the exhaustion wash over his body. Taking a deep breath, he walked into his bedroom and threw himself on the bed as he exhaled that breath. “What a long fucking day.”
*DING*
“Hm?”
At that moment, Arthur felt his Bluelink buzz with a small notification sound next to him. Turning around, he grabbed the device and checked it. There, he saw several notifications.
[A student had sent you a friend request.]
[A student had sent you a friend request.]
[A student had sent you a friend request.]
Then, several seconds later, the last one appeared.
[A student had sent you a friend request.]
“Friend requests?”
Opening the app, Arthur saw the names of the people sending him a request. Immediately, he knew who it was. Isla and the others had sent him a friend request.
“…” Arthur blinked before a small smile appeared on his face, and then he accepted the request. Immediately, he received a message from Herculia.
[Is that you, brother?! DID I GET THE WRONG NUMBER?!!]
“… Hahaha, this guy.” The boy laughed heartily.
A//N: Don’t forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3