A dream where I was surrounded by people who looked down on me and people who gave me nothing but dread and frustration. They weren't gathered to see my underwear. No, I'm actually in
"Give it up, loser. What's the point of you changing at all?" A copy of David questioned with his sick sneer written all over his face. "You said you're going to shed away your weak old self, but all I see is nothing but your smug face, thinking you won the fight just because you survived the werewolf incident."
Tch... Even in my dreams, he was still annoying to listen to. What does he know about me at all? If anything, he doesn't know the meaning of "character development" when it stares right in his face.
"I mean, come on! Even if you get a new [Sub-Race] and [Masteries], you can't change overnight. Plus, you haven't beaten me in a real fight and I'm way stronger than your wolf butt ever be. Face it. You will be stuck in the same rut as you were on Day 1 of the game's life."
Okay... Now he's using facts to mock me. What the hell is this nightmare?!
"The boss is right, Lowell. You only beat me with your werewolf plot armor shenanigans in your [Hidden Quest] and it was pure dumb luck that you got away from me and your deadbeat job. The next time we meet, me and [Viper Fangs] are going to end your one minute of fame!"
Seriously, I wish Eric and David would give up already. No matter where I go or do, someone like them tried everything to make themselves bigger than me. What's the point of seeing this pathetic display?
"Says a guy who also thinks he's bigger than those delusional freaks."
Huh? That didn't sound like Eric or David. I looked around to find the source of that voice. But for some reason, no one seemed to open their mouth as I heard them again.
"All your life, you were living with people who saw you as nothing but a wasted potential. You finally got away from the parents who kept pestering you about taking over their company or some sh*t. You don't want to live the same deadbeat life as your father's, so you took the chance to escape once you got into your dream university in New York."
What the hell? Now they're preying on my past, too? If it's trying to break me by nitpicking on my memories...
"And then, there's your mentality that you already know everything just because you read cheesy novels and manga and watched anime and cartoons as if you knew the tropes and clichés at the back of your head. Just how long you keep pretending to be a know-it-all when in reality, you know nothing about what it means to be an extrovert."
I gritted my teeth. That's not true. I'm trying to be realistic and avoid doing dumb things as David would...
"Then why do you keep thinking that your friends will betray you over your bullies' threats? Do you think that's the "smart" decision to push them away than asking for help regardless of what they say?"
...
I...don't know what to say...
But suddenly, I noticed a shadow enveloping me. When I looked up, I gasped in shock.
"Why don't you start thinking like a normal person already? It's not that hard to make mistakes."
Above me was a large silver werewolf, standing with torn brown pants and staring at me with his blue-yellow eyes.
"Unless you want to be mauled by it."
I didn't know what to do next. I was frozen in shock at the site of the familiar monster. But what was more shocking was its appearance. It's as if I was facing a monstrous version of my [Isekai] avatar. After a few seconds, I realized I was supposed to flee from him...
But not before the werewolf pounced on me with his fangs and claws.
BRRRRING!!! BRRRRINNNG!!!
I screamed as I quickly got up from my bed with my eyes snapped open. I was about to run out of the door and plea for help. But I looked around at my old apartment now full of boxes and the calendar on my bedside table, making me realize something as I took a deep breath.
Damn... That is some nightmare. That's the last time I played [Isekai] before bed.
Still... I can't believe it's been 3 days since I left my old job at Goodie's. The transition wasn't as bad as I thought and thanks to Mr. Spencer, I managed to get another job at his cafe as well as a few benefits. Well, I can't say they're benefits since I still need to pay rent. But it doesn't matter. Besides, the new apartment has not only enough accommodations that would work on my current budget along with my [ADVR] equipment, but it's much closer to the subway for college and the Moonlight Star Cafe. Not only that, Mr. Spencer is willing to cover the rent of my apartment for a month. So this gives me plenty of time to recover my income after my resignation. Honestly, I will miss this apartment. But then again, it's not a perfect place for me to study and write with the lack of noise suppression walls, broken pipes in the bathroom, and noisy neighbors.
That aside, there were a lot of things we discussed other than my new part-time job and apartment back then. One of them being my plans in [Isekai] from now on...
[2 days ago...]
I sighed in relief that the negotiations for the barista job were done. I initially feared Law- I mean, Mr. Scott Spencer's offer was too good to be true. But I have to admit, he's a good negotiator. He made several compromises that benefit both parties and clarified several details about the job. Back then, when I applied for a part-time job at Goodie's, my old boss couldn't care less about my credentials and just placed me to work the next day. I was na?ve that time and thought I got a chance to live for myself. Thank god I got out before I lost my sanity over him and those no-good employees. Although the news about that place might be a bit interesting in social media in the next few days.
After the talks, we decided to indulge ourselves with some food at Tennie's. Luckily for me and Brycen, most of them are on the house thanks to Mr. Spencer. Though not too much enough to break the bank.
"Man, you're spoiling us, sir! I never thought I could enjoy doughnuts with Dalgona pumpkin spice coffee and rainbow velvet cake," Brycen commented while rubbing his stomach. "But are you sure you want to spend your money on me, too? I mean, Lucas is the one getting a part-time job, not me."
"It's alright, young man. I don't mind an extra bill. You did help Fenrir in protecting the village's treasure during his first tenure as a [Lycan]," Mr. Spencer said. "Consider it as a thank-you gift for your aid."
Brycen begins to chuckle like an idiot. "Hey, it's no big deal! If it wasn't for Fenrir and that [Hidden Quest], I wouldn't see my cynical friend as a big loveable dog monster."
I groaned. "Don't push your luck, Brycen. I was only lucky because you got one by chance. I doubt you might get that chance again even if you wish for it to save me."
"Yeah, yeah... No need to get all tsundere on me." I roll my eyes before seeing Brycen turning his eyes to Mr. Spencer next. "By the way, I heard from Lucas that you were a beta tester for [Isekai]. I thought the servers were reset after the beta testing period was over."
"As I already said to your friend, it's classified information. All you need to know is that because of events inside the game, I was graciously offered the [Role Player] of one of the known [Lycans]."
"And [Role Players] are like what it says in the name: role-playing important characters in the game world, correct?" I guessed.
"Partially correct. In some cases, we also have an authority in some [Quests] related to our roles. But that's all you will know about me. It's no good if you ruin a good surprise out of curiosity."
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Well, he's not wrong. He must have told us all about his role now that we're completely involved in the [Lycan] story in the game.
"Just one more thing, Mr. Spencer. Is it okay for me to share everything about [Lycanthropes] on my blog?"
He raised his eyebrow. "Your blog?"
"Yeah. You see. I run a blog for [Isekai Travelers] site. It's nothing too fancy. I mostly write game guides and articles meant for beginners and veterans alike so they won't miss any useful features in the game. I was hoping they would learn more about the hidden [Sub-Race] feature..."
"I see. While I appreciate you helping out the little ones in [Isekai], you will be inviting more danger if you share everything about the [Lycans], too. Every action you take in that world means lingering consequences that will affect the NPCs' livelihood."
He has a point there. That would also mean I might attract some ill-minded players who want to become [Lycans] themselves. There's no way I can invite danger to Fenrir and his village.
"Right... I better hold it off for now. Who knows what would happen if they tried to abuse those abilities against everyone else?"
Mr. Spencer then gave me a genuine smile. "Glad you realized it a bit sooner, kid."
"Uh, hate to be a wet blanket here. But what are you going to do now that [Viper Fangs] put us on their wanted list?" Brycen asked. "I imagine David's face when Eric told him you kicked their butts as a werewolf." He waves his fist around as if he was David. "Curse you, Lunar the [Lycanthrope]!" He shouted in a poor falsetto voice, which I doubt that's what he sounded like.
"Don't worry about him, Brycen. Don't forget that the [Death Penalty] in [Dungeons] is very severe. It will take him a week to regain all of his guild's equipment before he can try hunting our heads. We just need to keep doing what we do in [Isekai]. I still need to master my new [Masteries] and abilities as a [Lycan]."
"In that case, I should hang back at the village for a while. I have a feeling his men are already on the prowl looking for my face."
Of course, he's overreacting as usual. But knowing David by now, he does raise a valid concern. This means returning to
"Whatever your plans for the game are, you two need to make the most out of it. Training is fine, but you can't forget that exploring the world brings great benefits in life."
I chuckled at his sudden philosophy-like answer. "Where did that come from?"
"Just a bit of an epiphany from my brother. And let's not forget about your training as a barista. Enjoying the game is fine and all, but you won't get your job just by ignoring the basics first."
I almost flinched at his reminder. He really is a master of café.
[Present time]
It felt so surreal after recalling everything from my meeting with Mr. Spencer. I was scared to make a change from my humdrum life here. But now, I have people other than Brycen and Harley supporting me to take the first step. I don't know what awaits me in the unknown future in the real world. But it's better than taking action than worrying about the worst-case scenarios running in my head. Besides, I'm only taking the training course today and the move doesn't start until tomorrow. Most of my stuff is only my [VeilCon] and reading materials for my studies. I should worry about buying new furniture after I get my first paycheck.
RRRING! RING!
Huh? A call at this time? There's no way it's coming from Brycen. He might still be sleeping due to his writing binges last night. I pick up without checking the caller ID since I'm busy finishing up packing my books in a box and putting it on speaker. "Lucas here. I'm busy with something here. So it better be brief."
"How rude! Is this how you greet your sister?!"
I froze as soon as I heard that familiar high-pitched voice. "Danica?! Did we discuss not associating ourselves in public?!"
"You said your class starts at 9 AM. Unless you're out for laundry, there's no way you're in a public place at this time. Don't worry, I'm off the clock for today. So I have time to chat with my favorite brother in the world."
I groaned. "I'm your only brother in the family, Danica," I corrected. "But anyways, what do you want? I need to get ready for university in a few minutes."
"Well, I was hoping we might meet up later for a small sibling reunion. It's been a while since we saw each other outside of our video calls. Plus, I heard what happened at Goodie's in New York. I can't believe you managed to stand up against those scummy people like that. It's like someone pulled a switch in your brain."
She is technically correct on the "switch" analogy. I was originally motivated to leave my job thanks to Mr. Spencer's encouragement. But after everything I've been through just so I could complete a [Hidden Quest], I know I couldn't delay this circle of abuse any longer. Thank god it went better than I expected given how Danica reacted to the news.
"Don't worry about me, sis. My former boss didn't do anything to hurt me after the video," I assured her. "Also, how are we supposed to meet later? I thought you were back in Florida with your streaming activities."
"Kekeke... I thought you might say that. Check the chat."
The chat? I quickly hold the line and see what she sent there. To my shock, it shows a certain 19-year-old girl with braided pink-highlighted hair with the same shade of brown as mine. She was standing in front of the bust of Ludwig van Beethoven. I can't tell which park this bust is located at first. But I quickly saw the fa?ade of The Mall on the west side not far from her and the bust behind them. I quickly resume my call to confront her about this selfie.
"Did you dox my IP address?" I bluntly asked in a sarcastic tone.
"Hardly. But I am in New York for a convention. I was hoping I could use this chance as an excuse to visit you, bro. That and I don't want you to flee back into [Isekai]," Danica explained. "By the way, if you want someone to blame on your location, ask Harley. He's willing to tell me about a trendy boutique I told him about."
Of course... I will have a stern talk with him when we meet again at university.
"Fine... It's frustrating, but let's meet up in my apartment. I'm not in a mood to do a meet-up at a restaurant after the Goodie's incident."
"I understand. Just send me the address and I'll be there."
Like I have a choice. I mean, really? There's no way I can deny her request whether she's begging me or not. She's the only family I had who still cares for me after all.
"Uh, before I go, I have to warn you my room is a bit of a mess. I'll try to clean it up before you arrive, but just let me know, okay?"
"Alright, see you then! Again, I have my eyes on the app~"
I dryly chuckle at her teasing before we end the call. Danica Lowell... After many years, she is still the same mischievous older sister I know. Back then, she was good friends with Harley and it remained the same today. I'm not sure if I should tell him and Brycen about Danica. But knowing the latter, he's not going to make our reunion very private. I guess I should leave them a text (and a warning to Brycen) and go from there.
PING!
And just when I was about to return to my packing, there was another?! Well, it's not much of a call than a text from Discourse. I quickly check its contents just in case...
A "special feature" for certain [Races] and [Sub-Races]? Is he saying I'm now allowed to use it now that I'm a [Lycan] like him? It seems like the link might redirect me to the app, so I check it out right away.
[Wolf Space]? As in a virtual pet minigame where I have to take care of my wolf self? That's an odd way of incorporating the lore behind the [Sub-Race]. But if it does link directly to my game progress, I guess I should check it out. I skimmed through the tutorial without missing any details of the gameplay. Once I finished, I was moved to a new screen, revealing a familiar white werewolf sitting quietly in the middle of a dark void. He looks a bit lonely in there without any decorations around my mindscape. But that's all about to change as I gently tap the screen a few times. It seems to work as he turns around and his golden yellow eyes widen in glee.
[You're here! I'm so glad to see you, me!]
Whoa... This is seriously weird. I feel like I'm staring at the kid version of me. I don't know how should I feel about this. Though he doesn't seem to be hostile from our first impressions alone. There's a chat function below, so I might as well say hi.
[Fine! I'm only sad that you haven't woken up lately.]
Right. When I'm logged out, most NPCs think I'm asleep or busy with something else other than adventuring.
[Don't worry. I know you have other things to do and I'm not supposed to distract you. I'm happy to hear your voice!]
This guy... He really is like my younger self. I'm glad he's doing okay even if he's supposed to represent the wolf side of my character.
[Okay. See you soon!]
Again, talk about a weird meeting. But I'm glad Mr. Spencer told me about the mini-app. This way, I can check on my [Inner Wolf] without logging into the game. Which means I can get back on my move and new job.
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