After that, the group spent the rest of the day with the kids before leaving. It had already been two days since they entered the game and they didn’t leave ever since just to finish the building.
Luckily, the time was more than enough for them to finish and even have time to relax before things picked up pace again. They didn’t want to immediately go back to work as the kids wanted to finally settle down and feel the atmosphere of their new home.
They spent the time trying everything in the building and its new facilities. Some time passed and finally, the day came to an end.
“It’s already time…” Standing in front of the main door, Sora, Finlay, and Serko stared at their friends with downcast expressions as they realized it was time to bid them farewell till tomorrow. Explore stories on empire
“We’re really sorry. There are stuff we have to take care of.” Isla replied. “We will be back tomorrow at the same time. Stay inside the house and you will be safe. Nobody will come for you anymore. This place is as safe as it will ever be.”
Hearing Isla’s reassuring tone and her confidence, the three kids felt a sense of safety without even thinking about it. Her words alone were more than enough to give them a lot of comfort.
“We have built this place as a safe haven for you three. You are now a part of this team so your lives matter to us as much as our own.” Isla added as she crouched down to their level. “So, don’t fear anything, we will always have your backs, understood?”
Staring deep into her eyes, the three could only see endless confidence and care. She meant every single word she said. Isla wasn’t someone who showed emotions that often but when she did, they would notice it and it was even more impactful knowing her normal character.
“Mm…”
“We understand.”
“We will wait.”
The three kids nodded their heads vigorously. They would be lying if they said they weren’t feeling concerned but the fact Isla had assured them made them feel a lot more at ease.
After that, the group finally bid them farewell and left the headquarters.
“I hope they’re truly safe now,” Emmy said as she looked over her shoulder.
“If those bastards dare to attack them again, they know their end will be inevitable. I hope that man isn’t too much of a fool to do such a thing.” Arthur replied coldly. The biggest safety mechanism they had at the time was the truth.
They held the Red Pearl in a chokehold purely by knowing what they were doing with their own products. If they dare to challenge them again, they will simply end up completely destroyed. The situation was already horrible for them and this would be akin to the last straw to break the camel’s back.
“I hope so…” Emmy replied.
“In any case, I’m going to excuse myself here, guys. I have some matters to deal with.” Arthur said as he stepped forward.
“Matters?”
“Yeah, I’m looking for a new sword and I will have to look more. You guys can go ahead and log out before me.” He said.
“Hmm, ok. See you tomorrow then!”
“Mm, see you tomorrow!”
After that, Arthur watched as his group logged out one by one, leaving him alone in the dark street. Standing there for a second, Arthur finally turned around and started walking.
“Time to pay the Forgotten Armory a visit.”
***
In the real world, Isla slowly opened her eyes as she looked around her. All she could see was darkness outside as it was late into the night. Slowly standing up, she left the capsule and stretched her arms.
She was feeling quite energetic and rejuvenated after the long session inside the game. She had gained a good amount of strength during that period of time.
Looking up, she was about to walk into the shower, only to suddenly hear her phone ring on the table. Looking to the side she blinked and then slowly picked it up. The number she saw on the screen made her eyes flash with a cold glint.
The sound of the ringing continued inside the room, echoing across the walls. A few seconds passed before finally answered the phone.
“Took you long enough to answer the damn phone, girl.” A feminine voice spoke to her from the other side in an angry tone.
“I wasn’t available,” Isla replied coldly after a moment.
“Do you realize how hard it is to get to call you when you’re on that island? They don’t let parents call their children, for god’s sake. Where did we even send you?”
“Mother.” After hearing the rain of complaints the woman on the other side said, Isla exhaled a small breath. “What do you need?”
“Are you not delighted to hear my voice after all this time?” The woman asked back with a cold snort.
“I am busy, you see. I don’t have time for small conversations. I know you didn’t call me to check on me, so tell me what you want.” Isla replied calmly. Her voice lacked any emotions at all, even more than usual. She knew her mother very well that she didn’t even need to think twice to understand why this woman had called her.
“…”
Silence took over Isla’s mother as if she was taken aback before she cleared her throat. “Your father. He wants to know how your progress in the game is going. You didn’t report to us in weeks so we are concerned your work isn’t going as intended.”
“And since when did I fail at doing something?” Sitting down, Isla asked as she touched a strand of her long beautiful hair.
“I know, you’ve never failed us and that is why we gave you this task in the first place. You are hope, Isla. Our entire family relies on your success more than ever.”
“…” Isla didn’t reply to those compliments at all. Instead, she quickly moved to another topic. “Things are going well. I’m one of the strongest players, and I have already established the Guild.”
“Already? My god, that’s my talented girl, you are doing great work! Do you need any help from us? We can pull some str-“
“No need. I can do it on my own.” Isla cut her off quickly before she could even finish her sentence. Isla didn’t even want to hear whatever her mother had in mind.
“… Understood. But, don’t hesitate to call me if you need something. We expect you to give us results very soon.”
“I’m aware,” Isla replied. “Anything else?”
“Oh right, I have been keeping an eye on the media and all I see are people talking about someone called ‘Persona’. Who is this player? I expected the media to completely focus on you.”
“Persona?” Isla opened her eyes when she heard that name.
“Yes, they seem to be quite the powerful individual. I have asked around and nobody knows who they are.”
“…” For a second there, Isla expression froze before she arched her lips subtly. “I have no idea who they are either.”
A//N: Don’t forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3