Chapter 3 | Kingsman

[Location] Reyes Residence, Pasig, Philippines

[Player] Alice Reyes, Human, Female, 21 years old.

Alice banged her head softly at the table after looking at her barely recognized self. My friend has been going to seminars as well as Job interviews since we graduated. But she hasn’t been able to get a call back not even after attending five of them.

With the consecutive failed job interviews depression eventually got to her. Knowing Alice she’ll continue to pity herself for another 30 minutes before returning to her usual self. The little girl is a lot stronger despite her clumsy appearance. She did graduate as a scholar after all...

...

… … ...

"Alice, sweety, you've been looking in the mirror for an hour already." Knowing Alice best, her Mom immediately approached when she saw the long face.

“Mom… I really am no good aren’t I?” Alice pouted as she subconsciously begged for assurance.

"See… That’s why I’ve been telling you to get good grades so it would be easier to..." Hearing this her mom started to berate her. Well, a bit softly this time at least. Let’s just say that her mom isn’t the best at consoling someone.

“Oh hush now the both of you.” Seeing the both of them about to enter a long conversation, Alice’s dad finally interjected. She then looked at Alice at put on a warm face.

“Alice, there’s no point brooding over something that’s already a fact. Now you little girl, what did I tell you about self-pity?”

“It will only make me feel like shit… hence it will only make things worse…”

“That’s my girl. Breakfast is already prepared downstairs.”

…

… ...

“Make sure you’re to get home before 10.” Alice’s mom spoke as she placed another bowl of rice on her plate. Clearly, she still hasn’t let go of the argument and is now in a foul mood because of it.

“I’m only gonna stop by at Edizon’s shop before going to the interview.”

seeing Alice pressured by her mom her father tried to cheer her up.

“You know what sweetie? just ditch the interview and take some time to enjoy with your friends. I heard the new virtual game or something is going live in a few hours. Why don’t you play around for a week or two? You've failed dozens of interviews, why hurt to fail one more. Till I met your mom of course.

“I have only failed four Dad!” Alice rolled her eyes upon hearing her dad’s comment.

“Nonsense. A job is a job whatever job it is. Besides we need all the financial help to pay off the bills. It’s about time we get that shower fixed.”

“And what gaming are you talking about again? Haven’t she ruined enough of her life already?

And you. And a shipping company? are you really that out of options?”

“Oh, would you cut her some slack Dear? You’re right it’s just a shipping company. There are hundreds of better companies out there.

On the plus side, Alice has already graduated so we don’t have to spend more money on tuition fees. I’m capable and I still have a job so why are you rushing her for?”

“And what about that trip to Hawaii you promised on our anniversary?”

“I… Let’s talk about that later. Point is, she hasn’t had a break ever since her final year at the university. It would be better if she enjoys herself for a bit. Otherwise, she would be burnt out before she even gets hired.”

“...”

“Just one week okay?”

“Thanks, mom. You're the best.” Alice kissed her mom’s cheek before she started brushing her teeth.

“I’ll be leaving now. Love you both.”

*Chuckle*

“You’re still as sweet as ever. Now make sure you have fun. Go make a boyfriend out of William while you’re at it.”

“Dad!”

“Oh, hush sweetie you two were so adorable when back then. You two were like the childhood sweethearts of the neighborhood am I right dear? eh? eh?

If only his parents were alive you two would have been arranged by now. He’s a smart and strong kid. With good grades and all.”

“True! Now Alice, instead of attending that interview why don’t you just SHIP yourself to William instead.” Seeing the irritated Alice. Her mom’s mood immediately brightened up as she joined teasing her.

*Chuckle*

“You know honey…”

“Lalala- lala” Alice mock singed just to mute out her parents. Her parents, however, didn’t mind it and even got more enthusiastic after seeing their already grownup daughter still getting irritated by something this trivial.

After a few minutes…

“Our little girl is all grown up isn’t she?”

“Makes me remember the time you bambooed her just to stop playing computer games.”

“Oh, Whatever you’re saying, Dear.”

“You’re being a bad girl again.”

“That’s right. What are you gonna do about it.”

“Oooh… Take me...”

...

“I’m still here Dad!”

“Oh! We thought you already left. Make sure to lock the door after you leave… We don’t want to get disturbed again~ wink”

“You guys are terrible. Argh!”

*Bang!*

…

… ...

… … …

[Player] Isabella Kingsman, Human, Female, 22 years old.

[Location] Manila Metro Rail Transit System - Makati Station, Philippines

“You’re late again.” Isabella looked at Alice as she raised an eyebrow.

“Oh come on Bella, it was only just fiv-”

“Just kidding. I also just arrived. I missed you so much!”

“Aww… I missed you too. Come here...--- Ouch!” Alice cried out as Isabella failed to control her own strength, she was lifted in the process as Isabella hugged her. It’s uncanny to see them like this since the two have only been apart for two weeks.

They took a bunch of photos before finally deciding to go call a cab after noticing that the crowd was already looking at them. It has been a normal occurrence for them as they were both uniquely beautiful.

Isabella has always been passionate about mixed martial arts which explains her exceptional strength. It also gives her an almost perfect form that complements how tall she is. Which looks good considering she has a pretty face and very plumpy breasts.

Meanwhile, Alice looks otherworldly cute with her smooth and almost snow-white complexion along with her perfect dark blonde short hair and pretty face making Alice fit the perfect description as a petite waifu of Otakus. After a few minutes, the two inevitably gathered the attention of some of the crowd.

Seeing the looks of the men around them. The two decided to call a cab before continuing their conversation.

...

“At this address, please. Just follow the pinned location on the map. It should just be around Area C If I’m not mistaken.” Alice said to the driver.

…

… ...

… … … ...

“That’s so sweet! It’s really nice that they still cuddle around like that despite their age.”

“Cuddle? They should cuddle when I’m not around... I haven’t even had a boyfriend! Bella, have you ever watched your parents **** **** in front of you?”

“...” *Ehem* Isabella’s face went red as she thought about what Alice mentioned.

“See!”

“Alright. It is a bit awkward. Wait, we got sidetracked- Where are we going again?” Isabella asked.

“To the coffee shop owned by Edizon.”

“Oh, that nice. They’ve talked about it a few times. I never actually thought that it was real...”

“Yeah me too. I mean they never actually mentioned anything else besides how great the place is. Look here, the building on the address doesn’t even say that there’s a coffee shop there!” Alice puffed as she pointed on her phone.

“We’ll eventually see if it’s real or not. So… You’ll be joining our guild right?” Isabella asked.

“I already told you, your family has already helped us enough. By the way, we’re here so that you and Edizon can get together. Otherwise, it would be weird if you see each other in a few years and you both are already in your own relationships. How tragic would that be… You know I’ll always be your number one supporter right?”

“Do you want me to punch you in the face?”

“No… But listen, listen. Think about it. Even your parents approve of him. And you happen to like him as well.”

“I don’t like him.” Isabella didn’t reply any further, but clearly, she was thinking about what Alice mentioned. With how large the fashion company Isabella’s parents were holding they would never give their only daughter with just anyone. She knew that her parents have high standards when it comes to anything that relates to their business. And although Edizon didn’t come from a hefty background, he was able to establish his own business and successfully branch out two more shops even before graduating.

Her father and mother would always mention how remarkable Edizon is but never really bothered to explain why.

‘I mean so what if he’s handsome and capable… That doesn’t mean I like him… He does like me though… Maybe I do like him...’

…

“Bella?”

“Sorry, I was thinking if I forgot something…”

“So… How’s job hunting lately. Did you get any followup interviews?” Isabella brushed off her thoughts. Changing the topic as soon as she can.

“No luck so far… ”

“How many interviews have you attended this week?”

“Four…”

“Four in a week. Wow… Well, that explains the eyebags...”

“I know!”

“Aww… Cheew up Awice. Don’t let depression get to you. Let’s see...

How about we go to a spa next weekend?”

“Your treat?!” Alice immediately glowed after hearing Isabella.

Isabella didn’t even roll her eyes after hearing Alice’s statement. Her best friend has been as shameless as ever. Alice would always reject financial assistance from her family but it’s always a different story when it’s from her own pocket. She ignored what she said and answered her initial question.

…

… ...

“All businesses really want to grab as much simulation space huh…” Alice muttered as she thought about the game. Alice has always been into games. She even got into the pro scene and played for two seasons only to quit at the end because she’s having a hard time maintaining her grades for her scholarship.

“Same for my parents. They are planning to have me build connections as well as establish a guild as soon as NOIM launches. Apparently, even the simulation space is useful for the fashion industry… How about you? How come you’ve never mentioned the game not even once.”

“Cause It’s a bit weird that the currency to buy virtual spaces can only be bought inside the game… Having that said, there will probably be a lot of political entities as well as huge organizations like your family that are gonna invest in the game itself.

Really different from all the other games we played. The power struggle will be just too… ugh. I don’t want to even think about it. I mean you know me. It’s either I play casual or I rise to the top. Hehe!” Alice finished with a smug on her face. Clearly boasting about her short-lived career in the pro scene.

“Smug… You should really just join my guild.”

“Nopey.”

“We’ll split the paperwork.”

“Your guild? You mean your parent’s guild. Hahaha, what do you mean split the paperwork? Knowing you, you wouldn’t even think of being inside the office signing paperwork when you can enjoy slaying dragons and stuffs.”

“To be serious, I’ve thought about it. Maybe it would be better if I just go get a real job. I mean my parents deserve a break. Life has really been hard for them.”

“You’re talking as if you’re gonna be earning millions as soon as you work. What can your puny accounting diploma get you?”

“Hmph. I never said I was gonna apply as an accountant…”

“Then what?”

“A model of course. Men all over the world will drool when they see me… Ouch!”

“Be serious will you. I’ve never thought of this before but fighting as your own way of living should be feasible now. And I mean big time!”

“You mean playing games?”

“I was going to say fighting… but… yeah, it should be the same.”

“See! That’s why I told you. It’s not as simple as fighting and stuff. What can we even do when you’re stuck in the office being a plumpy figurehead.”

“...” Isabella thought about what Alice said. Ignoring the comment as Alice tends to be more aggressive than usual when she’s wearing her game face on.

“Oh come on! Tell me you’re not excited by the idea of dungeon diving and slaying minions!”

“Well…”

“If it’s just martial arts I can help you enroll at the dojo…”

“Nope, I will never practice in real life. it’s exhausting and it hurts. I was gonna say, why don’t we ask Edizon and William to create a guild with us.”

“You do know that I can just ask my parents to hire someone to manage the guild right?”

“But you’ll still be a plumpy figurehead even then! What I’m saying is that you need to play independently from the Kingsman family and at the same time have a background that will help us travel the NOIM unhindered.

Also, my mom wouldn’t let me if it’s with your parents or your company. You guys have assisted us ever since… But if it’s those guys...”

“I see your point. First of all, say that I’m plumpy one more time and I’ll punch you in the face.

Second… The bottom line is that you need a stable income and I need freedom.”

“I mean technically, you are free and your parents aren’t that strict, but since we're playing this is game. You aren’t really free unless you’re strong enough and have a strong enough organization to back you up. So at some point, we’re gonna need to be able to stand on our own.” Alice finished confidently as she stated her mind based on experience.

“hmm…”

“That’s a lot of work. Why don’t we just join a strong guild that would let us do anything we want instead.” Isabella teased Alice as she noticed that her friend was already getting tired of mentioning obvious facts.

“Bella…”

“I was just kidding”

“Ugh… Sometimes you sound just like my parents.”

*giggle*

…

… … ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***