New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

Opening his eyes inside his pod, Alexander looked at the clock. It was still early morning, and Violette would still sleep for a few hours.

He let her sleep while he cleaned himself up, then went down to make breakfast. He went for something easy and light, making omelettes with bacon and vegetables.

While whisking the mix, he heard a light footfall on the staircase. Alex turned his head slightly, seeing Violette coming down from her room in zombie mode.

"Good morning, sunshine."

"Mmm."

Alexander went back to his bowl, and he heard the girl pull a chair at the kitchen island. He could tell she had sat there, as he heard a very distinct thump of her head hitting the countertop.

Alex chuckled a bit, still whisking his eggs, before slowly transferring them to the hot pan. As the egg slowly cooked, Alex made a side of toast and made a cup of hot chocolate for Violette as he poured himself some coffee.

Alex put some cheese in his omelette, since he had been up a little longer and it wouldn't upset his stomach. He tried asking Violette if she wanted some, but she was back to sleep, her face on the cold stone counter.

He finished cooking breakfast, waking her up with the smell of food in her face, as he slid her plate before her. Violette woke up like a rabid dog, wolfing the food on her plate like she had been starving.

"Woah, calm down, hahaha. No one is going to take your food. At least take the time to breathe between your bites."

Violette half ignored him, barely slowing down. She only slowed down once the plate was almost empty, realizing she was being very un-lady-like.

"Um… I'm sorry. I was so hungry."

"Don't worry about it. I can make more if you want. I was more worried about you choking."

Violette shook her head no, as she slowly started drinking her hot chocolate. Alex laughed it off and ate his own plate.

He finished his food faster than usual, still hungry, and made himself another small omelette.

'I guess we both were hungry.'

He ate his second portion, finishing his coffee, before cleaning the kitchen. He told Violette to go dress up, since it was gym day, and she scampered away.

As he cleaned up, he received a text message from a blocked number.

'We need to talk. When can I come over?'

Alex guessed who it was from and replied with a time for when he would be back from training. He didn't want to bother his schedule for David, so the man would have to bend around his.

David only replied with 'Ok' before Alex went to prepare for the gym. When he came out of his room, Violette was also ready, and they both took the elevator down.

The pair made record time to the gym, Violette skipping happily, while Alexander took long strides. Clark was almost disappointed to not see the woman this time, but he said nothing of it.

After three hours of intense cardio training for Alex, and some light muscle exercises for Violette, Clark sent them home, happy that they looked completely spent.

Alexander stopped on the way to the changing room, turning back to his personal trainer.

"Clark. Did you give some thought to what I told you a while back?"

"Hmm? About the game?"

"Yes, about New Eden. Will you try it?"

"I'm still thinking about it, Alex. This isn't my type of thing."

"At least try it before selling it out."

"Why is it so important to you that I play that game? Do you need more friends to play with?"

"That's not wh… Nevermind. Please, just try the game."

"Fine. I'll try it out this weekend. But you'll owe me. This helmet is worth a fortune."

"You think that's bad? You should check the gaming pod prices," Alexander said, smiling as he turned away.

After changing out of his training clothes, Alexander and Violette left the gym. On the way home, Alexander received another text from David.

'I'm in the lobby, waiting for you.'

Alex grumbled to himself.

'I told you to be there in an hour. Why are you there already?' he replied angrily, tapping his phone.

No reply came back, and Alexander slowly boiled as they walked back to the building. Violette noticed his anger, but said nothing.

Once they reached the building and entered, Alex immediately saw David lurking in a corner. The lobby security was already eyeing him wearily.

He walked over to him, tapping his shoulder, before continuing to the elevator. David said nothing, simply following behind.

Once they were all three in the elevator, Violette hanging behind Alexander, David finally spoke.

"Took you long enough. I have little time to be outside the game. You should put aside what you are doing when I text you."

"David, you don't own me. I have a life too. Next time, if I say a time, respect that time, or I'll make sure you can't come in this building."

"Tch! As if you could keep me from coming here. Also, who is this little girl? Is she yours?" he asked, stretching his arm toward Violette.

Alexander intercepted his arm, squeezing his forearm fiercely.

"Hands off, or I'll break them."

There was a look of protectiveness in Alexander's eyes as Violette took cover even more behind him.

David looked Alex in the eyes, feeling something was off.

'Is he already using mana too? No. That's not possible. He shouldn't even know it's here yet.'

He pulled his arm back, breaking free of Alex's grasp, before scoffing at him.

"Calm down, mother hen. I just wanted to know who she was."

*Ding*

The elevator doors opened, signifying they had reached the penthouse. David was the first one to exit the confined elevator, walking into the penthouse like he owned the place.

Alex looked at him walk in, before kneeling next to Violette.

"I want you to go in your room and stay inside until I come to get you. Can you do that for me?"

"Are you in trouble?" the girl asked, worry taking hold of her.

"Nothing like that. But I don't want this man near you."

"Okay…"

Violette hurriedly went up the stairs, David only glancing at her as she did before shaking his head.

"I thought you trusted me."

"I trust the information you hold. You are another matter I haven't quite decided on yet. Now tell me, what is so urgent that you couldn't even wait an extra hour?"

"Fine, right to business it is."

David sat down on the plush sofa, his gaze washing around the penthouse.

'Something feels off in here.'