An hour later dawn had slowly arrived in Red Oak City. Large, rented cars arrived in the parking garage of the guild house. Liam and Serena got off first and their old friends quickly followed.
Walking right next to the siblings were Trey Ecras, Liam’s close friend who was only one year older than him, and Pastor Frey, the leader of the holess community. Behind them followed about twenty people. They scurried towards the elevators and drove to the fifth floor, where the apartnts prepared for the staff were located.
Once they got off, they were welcod by Liam’s closest friends.
Indeed, Liam’s previous worries were not entirely unfounded. These people coming from his old community were rather embarrassed to appear in society. It was one of the many invisible barriers making it difficult for them to escape holessness. In the past even if soone offered them help, they were sotis ashad to enter so fancy offices, instead returning to the community. They told themselves that life there wasn’t so bad after all. At least they wouldn’t be t with these judgental gazes.
However, this ti there was so difference. The one trying to help them was Liam. He was one of them, a trusted face. And yet he still found it difficult to convince his old friends. Many were afraid of the sudden change. They were already used to the life in the community. It was difficult to change one’s habits all of a sudden. This was another invisible shackle.
Luckily, Pastor Frey spoke up. This was the real convincing factor. When the community’s spiritual pillar implored everyone to grab this opportunity, most people accepted it. Only a few were still reluctant, saying they would follow in a few days. Liam and the pastor could both tell that these old friends didn’t plan on following at all. Thus, they ca to a decision. For now, they would take the willing people with them and then co back every day to deliver so supplies and attempt to convince the rest as well. This was the best they could do for now.
“Haha, nice to get to know all of you. I’m Cynthia and this is l. You can call Cy. Thank you for taking care of Liam and Serena in the past!”
Cynthia and l didn’t show any prejudice as they welcod the new additions to the guild staff. Their attitude greatly eased the minds of these pitiful holess.
The friends quickly introduced themselves one by one, creating a warm atmosphere. Only Rachel appeared sowhat apprehensive, repulsed by the sll emitted by these people. However, she didn’t bla them and instead admonished herself, feeling ashad, determined to do better.
After so brief conversation Liam’s friends went back to prepare for the party. Only Liam, Serena, and Cynthia remained. They showed the forr holess around, assigning them apartnts. Although the rooms were small, it was more than the forr holess could have ever asked for. A small kitchen, a comfortable bed, and a bathroom. Everyone was satisfied. Cynthia was even thoughtful enough to prepare so clothes for them.
After a while Liam, Serena, and Cynthia also left, leaving the newcors to their own devises. They went to shower, shave, and change clothes. When they were done it was already late into the evening, and the party was starting.
On the ground floor people were arriving one by one. Most of them were the guild’s mbers. Final Fend, Braag, the Zen brothers, lodious Edelweiss, and more. Additionally, friends of Cynthia and l, Dominic’s and Kel’s college bodies, their parents, Doctor rida, and others had also been invited.
Liam, who earlier thought that the space was way too big to hold a party now found that it was quite cramped. Well, he never considered the possibility that Cynthia would invite so many of the guild mbers.
However, with such a crowd of people the atmosphere was great. Food, drinks, and music did their part, getting everyone into the right mood. All in all, Cynthia and l were greatly satisfied. They danced with their friends, having the ti of their lives.
But it didn’t take long for Liam to notice sothing. His old friends had not arrived. He let out a sigh as he thought it was not surprising. They were most likely still embarrassed. He left the party for a bit and entered the elevator. When he stepped out and glanced down the hallway, he surprisingly saw a figure coming out at this mont. It was a young man with long, barely styled black hair. His face was rather thin, and the signs of hardship made him look older than he really was. Yet his eyes were radiant, filled with hope for the future.
When Liam spotted the man, the other spotted him as well. Both revealed bright smiles.
“Trey!”
“Liam! What are you doing here?”
“I’m checking on you guys. Are you not coming?”
Trey lightly shook his head.
“I have already tried to convince the others, but it doesn’t look promising.”
“I understand. It’s difficult to get used to such a sudden change. Hm, maybe I should fetch so food for everyone.”
“I’m sure they would appreciate it, yes.”
“Mhm. So, what about you? Were you about to go down? Considering the way you are dressed… that shirt really suits you!”
“Haha, thanks…”
Trey laughed sowhat shyly, not used to complints.
“Yes, I… I wanted to look for you. I didn’t have the ti to thank you yet!”
“Ah, don’t ntion it. It’s nothing compared to what you guys have done for and my sister.”
“No, really. I have talked to the others. Although they don’t say it, I have never seen so much hope in everyone’s eyes. Just look at my mother. I can see how happy she is. This is a big chance for us. And also… thank you for the console!”
Liam could feel Trey’s sincere emotions. At this point it would seem insincere if he still downplayed his actions. Especially when it ca to the last part, the console.
Liam knew that Trey had always been fascinated by warriors and the like. If it weren’t for his mother, he would have long joined so hunter team even if his role would be carrying equipnt. Thus, Liam had prepared a console for Trey. It was safer for his friend to beco a player and perhaps join Dream Avenue in the future.
Of course, the console ca from Liam’s private money. The guild couldn’t show too much favour. Although the newcors were Liam’s old friends, they also had to work to earn money. Between their wages and the apartnts, the conditions were already more than generous. Of course, everyone was free to look for other jobs, perhaps even beco a professional player, but if they couldn’t afford rent anymore the situation would beco thorny.
Liam had considered the possibility before and ca to the conclusion that he would most likely pay the rent for those who failed to earn money. But obviously this was not a situation he wanted to see. When it ca to Trey, though, he was a bit biased. He bought a console for his good friend, enabling him to join the ga. Liam was confident that under his guidance Trey could at least earn so good money even if he didn’t beco a famous pro player.
As the two friends conversed, they swiftly regained their old familiarity. Liam told stories about Fate of Crunaboul, a topic he could speak about forever and Trey could listen to forever. For the latter everything felt unreal. He couldn’t believe that his old friend had risen to beco the number one player in the entire federation. He even joked that Liam had been replaced by so kind of shape-shifting monster, to which Liam could only answer that Trey’s fantasy was too vivid.
The friends both laughed and arrived downstairs, joining the party. With Liam’s help Trey managed to integrate with the guild mbers, especially Cynthia, Silva, and the others. And yet he was rather stiff. He had never heard the music coming from large boxes and didn’t know how to behave during a party.
Suddenly Trey felt an elbow poke his ribs. He turned around and saw Cynthia handing him a big, red cup.
“Trey! Co, take a few sips. I’m sure it will help you to relax sowhat.”
“Ahh, ehm… no, thanks. I don’t like alcohol. Honestly, I don’t think it’s sothing anyone should drink.”
“Really? But look, even Serena is doing fine…”
Hearing this, Trey’s eyes opened wide. He abruptly turned his head and found Serena also nipping on a cup.
“Are you crazy?! How can you let a child…”
Trey stopped himself. He looked back at Cynthia, staring at her in annoyance.
“Let guess. There is just so juice in Serena’s cup?”
“Haha, yes. You got it. In fact, none of the drinks here have alcohol. After all, everyone has to work tomorrow.”
Cynthia thought that Trey would laugh along after her reveal, but the young man didn’t find it funny at all, walking away.
It was only later that Cynthia learned from Liam that they had seen too much alcohol abuse when living on the streets. Especially Trey, whose father was addicted, abhorred alcohol. It was only normal that he wouldn’t find the joke funny.
After that, Cynthia felt extrely bad. She apologized to Trey and spent the rest of the evening trying to make it up to him. Trey knew that Cynthia never ant to be an. He accepted the apology, and they got along quite well from that point on.
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