MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

As Jack removed the VR helmet, he felt fantastic!

He was lying on his bed, the surroundings dimly lit. He couldn't help but smile as he saw Lilly studying by the side. She was frowning her brows in concentration and looked so damn cute! It was such a clash to his previous lonely and shitty apartment.

"How lucky! It seems there has been a compassionate goddess watching over me while I was gaming." He joked while smiling brightly at her.

"Oh? You're up! Welcome back. How was it? So, you're a professional gamer from now on? How did that even happen?" She asked with a glimmer in her amethyst eyes.

"You know, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time." He shrugged.

"I've seen a few posts. How hardcore are the chickens in Infinite?! People are crying all over social media about their party getting wiped by goddamn chickens! I thought it was a joke at first." She chuckled.

Jack went to sit next to her, looking at the book in her hands: Functions and Applications. He then exaggeratedly spoke as if frightened. "Is this the horrendous evil known as mathematics?! It seems there is a foe deadlier than the Infinite Chickens!"

"Pfft— Yes indeed. But, fear not, for I am about to vanquish it! How about you? How did your quest go, Legendary Hero? Did you manage to slay your poultry adversaries?"

"Nay! But fear not, fair lady! I shall soon obtain equipment worthy of my heroic standing. Afterward, I shall rechallenge those feathery monsters! The world shall be mine to conquer!" Jack rose, striking a heroic pose.

"I see, I see. Then I shall await your victorious return. In the meantime, how about we eat?" She left toward the kitchen with him following right behind.

She went toward a slow cooker that had been working all this time, opening the lid slightly. Instantly, a whiff of rice, curry, and pork permeated the entire apartment. Jack couldn't help but bask in it with yearning. How had he missed this!

"Here you go." She handed him a bowl filled to the brim, heading for the kitchen table. They both sat in silence, but she was stunned as she turned to look at her brother.

He was sitting there, a silly grin on his face and tear streaming. His shaky hand brought a bite toward his mouth: It tasted like Heaven. There was no other way to describe it. This was pure bliss.

"Too much spice?" She asked, perplexed.

"No, this is perfect. It couldn't be better." He contentedly devoured the food.

There was a moment of silence as he ate while observing her. She was alive, she was vibrant, and she would goddamn stay this way!

"It has to be a miracle because I left it unattended for so long!" She chuckled.

Jack nodded before asking "How was work?"

"Pretty fun. I have to say you left quite an impression on my friend. She kept asking questions about you after you left."

"Is that so? She seems like a nice friend."

"Yep. Also, I heard about what happened afterward. Was it hard to see her again?"

"Who?"

"The madwoman that rejected you. I heard you ran into her."

"I did?" Jack was confused. Ah, was she talking about the rude woman? So she did know him. Oh well, whatever: not like he wanted to associate with someone so entitled.

"Seems I was worried over nothing. What about your first day? Did you find a party?"

"Yep, I found myself a decent helper. She still has a bit of trouble adjusting to Infinite, but so does everyone. At least, she's following orders properly." But then Jack suddenly stopped as he saw the grin on Lilly's face.

"Oh? She? She follows orders too? What kind of relationship do your guys have?" She mischievously asked.

"It's not like that. Bubblegum and I have a strict teacher and student relationship." He objected.

"You already have a nickname for her?! You guys sure are fast! First its nicknames, then it's adding each other as friends, and then…." She gave a meaningful wink.

"I call her that because she designed her whole avatar pink! Hair, brows, lips, everything!" Jack justified himself.

"Oh? So you've been looking at her lips? Suspicious…." She retorted.

Jack didn't know whether to laugh or cry. There was no winning against her. She was having mad fun teasing him. Then again, this felt nice. He had missed such banter.

"There you go smiling again for no reason. This is only going to make me more curious!" She pouted cutely.

"Nono, I have a great reason for smiling. We're having a wonderful dinner. This is enough to keep me smiling, especially with your amazing cooking!" He cheerfully replied.

"Tch— Kiss ass." She complained, but her smirk betrayed her. "Anyway, when are you going to see this Bubblegum again?" She interrogated.

"Not before 10 minutes for sure. I'm waiting for something big to happen. Then I'll log back in and grind for levels for real." Jack explained.

"So mysterious! Infinite seems like a lot of fun. Maybe I'll have to check it up myself at this rate." She giggled.

"Of course! I'll buy you a headset so you can join too. You'll see it's really fun. I'm 100% confident that you'll love it!" Jack enthusiastically replied.

"T-that, it's too expensive, there's no need!" She protested.

"Denied. I'll bring you to see this beautiful world. You can be sure of it! In the meantime, make sure to focus on your studies. Also, you can slack on taking part-time jobs. You should relax from time to time too." He advised.

Jack would have to give similar advice to the old man. But, it would be hard to convince him to take fewer shifts at the hospital. He was probably the most overworked janitor ever!

Lilly was at a loss for a few seconds, but then she sweetly whispered. "Alright, I'll count on you then."

They finished eating in great harmony. How could a simple dinner be so great? Because she was here. Afterward, Jack went back to Infinite. He couldn't help but grin, knowing Lilly would be guarding his side. This ought to bring him great luck!

As his body went soft, she approached his side, caressing his cheeks. "You've changed, brother. There is so much that you aren't telling me, but it doesn't matter. Let's be happy, shall we…."

She glanced at him once more. Hopefully, his new job would work out. She was well aware of how stressful professional gaming could be…

Creator's Thought

Sometimes Lilly could be so damn playful. I'm glad that she never lost this part of her personality, even when she began working to help support the family. She deserved way more! At the very least, she should never worry about money. This life I'll make sure she doesn't miss anything!