"My items are crap," I muttered while shifting in my car seat. I was checking my MCO account on my WeeCee.

"Sir?"

"Nothing, Jimmy," I told my chauffeur. "Just talking to myself."

We were at the airport parking area, waiting for a text from my youngest sister, Sawyer. I told her to message me once she and Mum had gotten their bags. While I did want to fetch them as a dutiful son and respectable brother, I also didn't want to wait around the busy airport while being jostled by the masses of humanity who should be bowing to me.

And so, I was here in the car puzzling over my character as a grown man should.

I hadn’t bought a new item since I geared up for my Totem Juggling build, except for this helmet:

Helmet of the Invigorated Pygmy | Item Level: 10
Rare | Light-Armor | Helmet
  62 Armor
  Requires: 23 Might, 40 Vigor
--------------------
  +10 Health per Second
  +15 Spirit

[Invigorated Pygmy] Set Bonuses:
(2 pieces) +15 Health per Second, +40 Health
(3 pieces) +20 Health per Second, +20 Energy per Second, +15 Spirit
(4 pieces) +4% Physical and Magical Damage Reduction, +250 Health

I replaced my level three [Fortified Helmet] with it because I wanted to maintain the third effect of the Invigorated Pygmy set bonus after I switched out the [Buckler of the Invigorated Pygmy] for my old [Thorny Worn Targe]—I preferred the latter's retribution damage for farming purposes. But because I lost some Might due to switching out [Fortified Helmet], which I needed to wear other pieces of armor, I use five attribute points to make up for it. Then I dumped the remaining five I had to Vigor. I was going to reset my stats after I had settled on a build anyway.

The shields I was currently dual-wielding were:

Reinforced Pavise {3} | Item Level: 12
Rare | Shield | Off-hand
  127 Armor
  21% Chance to Block 130 Damage
  Head-On Block 225 Damage
  10% Physical Damage Reduction for 3 seconds when you execute a Head-On Block
  Requires: 25 Might, 45 Vigor
--------------------
  +20 Blocked Damage
  +250 Health
  +15 Vigor

Thorny Worn Targe | Item Level: 7
Rare | Shield | Off-hand
  68 Armor
  23% Chance to Block 75 Damage
  Head-On Block 150 Damage
  Deal 150 Retribution Damage to the enemy each time you execute a Head-On Block with this Shield
  Requires: 20 Might, 35 Vigor
--------------------
  +35 Retribution Damage (Neutral)
  +73 Health
  +12 Vigor

And then the [Buckler of the Invigorated Pygmy]—holding the Totem Shards and [Enraging Call]—which I’d swap in whenever I needed to do Totem Juggling.

Buckler of the Invigorated Pygmy {3} | Item Level: 10
Rare | Shield | Off-hand
  73 Armor
  25% Chance to Block 85 Damage
  Head-On Block 160 Damage
  Requires: 26 Might, 40 Vigor
--------------------
  +15 Health per Second
  +10 Energy per Second
  +4% Physical and Magical Damage Reduction

The rest of my equipment was mainly a mixture of Invigorated Pygmy and Bramble sets. Too bad the Bramble set wasn’t actually a set with bonuses and the like.

Bramble Pauldron | Item Level: 7
Rare | Med-Armor | Shoulder
  43 Armor
  Requires: 20 Might, 27 Vigor
--------------------
  +30 Retribution Damage (Neutral)
  +15 Vigor

Bramble Chest Plate | Item Level: 5
Rare | Med-Armor | Upper Chest
  35 Armor
  Requires: 18 Might, 22 Vigor
--------------------
  +20 Retribution Damage (Neutral)
  +10 Vigor

Mehubanarath's Old Bracer {1} | Item Level: 3
Rare | Med-Armor | Wrists
  20 Armor
  Requires: 10 Might, 10 Vigor
--------------------
  +30 Health
  +30 Ancestral Shroud
  + 5 AS per Second

Gloves of the Invigorated Pygmy | Item Level: 10
Rare | Light-Armor | Hands
  56 Armor
  Requires: 22 Might, 37 Vigor
--------------------
  +10 Health per Second
  +10 Energy per Second
  +3% Physical and Magical Damage Reduction

Worn Duelist Peytral {1} | Item Level: 5
Rare | Med-Armor | Lower Chest
  36 Armor  
Requires: 20 Might, 18 Vigor
--------------------
  +15% Fire Damage Reduction
  +7 Might

Bramble-Laced Flanchard | Item Level: 6
Rare | Med-Armor | Flanks
  37 Armor
  Requires: 20 Might, 25 Vigor
--------------------
  +25 Retribution Damage (Neutral)
  +12 Vigor

Crupper of the Invigorated Pygmy | Item Level: 10
Rare | Light-Armor | Legs
  58 Armor
  Requires: 23 Might, 38 Vigor
--------------------
  +12 Health per Second
  +7 Spirit
  +20 Energy

Boots of Swiftness| Item Level: 8
Rare | Med-Armor | Feet
  64 Armor
  10% Movement Speed
  Requires: 25 Might, 17 Vigor
--------------------
  +6% Movement Speed
  +10% Slow Resistance

I kept [Mehubanarath's Old Bracer] for sentimental reasons, but I’d eventually change it. And I bought a [Boots of Swiftness] from the auction house instead of a Bramble or Invigorated Pygmy piece because movement speed was essential to survival. I had to do a lot of running around when I was with Kezo’s party because everything we fought was much stronger than me.

I didn’t have an amulet or cloak. The only accessories I had were two pieces of [Wellness Ring].

Wellness Ring | Item Level: 7
Rare | Ring
  33 Magic Resilience
  Requires: 10 Might, 27 Vigor
--------------------
  +20 Health per Second
  +10% Healing Received

A strong temptation to buy better equipment was creeping up on me. However, I was resolved to upgrade only when I reached level twenty. Equipment had a jump in stats every ten levels—players had a round number to aim for while they farmed and saved Artas. Psychology of games, I supposed.

"Jimmy, let's drive to the airport,” I said as I tapped my WeeCee. The holographic screen disappeared.

"Copy that, sir."

“I'm going inside to wait for them.”

I should welcome my mother and sister with open arms as they exit the passenger's arrival area. Helping them with their bags, asking how their flight was, putting their bags in the car—that did present a nice image to anyone who might recognize me.

And I’ll also stop myself from thinking I need to buy items. I already spent tons of money on my Totem Juggling build. I shouldn’t frivolously spend any more Artas.

As our car joined the long line of others snaking to the main building, my mind wandered to my Healer Gula problem. This was a much better distraction. I wondered whether I should approach SpartanDonkey or not.

He had told me that after drinking the wrong potion, Healer Gula would require my assistance in returning all her sister's potions to her to avoid further mishaps. Then I’d need to explore the tunnels to find Potion Brewer Bawu's hideout following Gula’s directions.

SpartanDonkey even offered to escort me through the lower tunnels because there were some tough monsters there, but I refused his help. I'm a big boy who can walk to the store on my own. Lastly, he gave me further instructions on how to coax Bawu into accepting me as a student.

Everything was supposed to be neat and tidy, like following a recipe—but it turned out differently.

Healer Gula wouldn't allow me to meet Bawu because I was supposedly 'touched,’ whatever that meant, ‘by the lost arts of our ancestors.’ She didn't elaborate on this apparent bullshit other than that her sister had ‘differing ideas’ about it, which might fuel her desire for more ‘dangerous experiments,’ in her own words.

It was apparent that Healer Gula was referring to the Aritu Form Ocadule I got from Mehubanarath—the Ancestral Flame Arts that focused on healing spells, barrier techniques, and buffs for allies.

But what did it have to do with Potion Brewer Bawu? And more importantly, was SpartanDonkey setting me up to discover my secrets?

I stroked my chin while mapping out various scenarios.

Stubbles peppered my skin because I wasn't able to shave this morning. I was engrossed in trying everything I could think of to get Gula to send me to Bawu that I didn't notice Jimmy's message. Obviously, I could make him wait. But Herald Stone was the Epitome of Punctuality. I hurriedly washed my face and threw on a sports jacket before I left my room.

There were two possibilities: SpartanDonkey might have given me the correct information, but he wasn't aware this would happen because he had no idea of my Aritu Ocadule.

Or he did know that Healer Gula would react this way to a player who had met Mehubanarath and gave the wrong information so that I'd return to him for help. He could then attempt to trick the information out of me.

Either way, I wasn't going to return to him for help. If I did, I had to tell him what quest reward I got from Mehubanarath. I have to find Bawu on my own.

I could ask Lud since he was a student of Bawu, having obtained an Ocadule or two from her. Or…I could also drink a gallon of poison rather than approach him for anything.

There were bound to be other players who had met Bawu. Perhaps Nic could help me instead?

"Sir, I'll return to the parking area to wait for you," Jimmy said.

"Thank you very much, Jimmy," I said, formally thanking him for showing magnanimity.

As I exited the car, I tutted upon realizing that he would pay for parking twice. It was charged to the company, so it wasn't a big deal to me—but it was still a waste. Wasting money was only allowed when I was showing off. I'm not sure to whom or even what I was showing off by paying twice for parking.

Inside the airport was chaos. Egret City, having grown a lot over the years, naturally drew in passengers not only from the country but from all over the world. More people were going to arrive during MotherCon week.

I got one of those airport trolleys, baggage carts, or whatever these were called, and waited for my family. I imagined how I should greet them, the words I'd say. It was my instinct to prepare for scenarios. But I chased those thoughts away.

They were family. I didn't have to prepare an Aspect of Herald Stone for them.

Mum came out of the horde of arriving passengers, briskly walking towards me with her thin arms held wide for a hug. Her frizzled hair, more gray than black, was tied in a bun. Wrinkles crossed her angular face. "Herald, dear," she said. "How are you?"

"I'm doing fine, Mum, as always," I replied. I bent down to hug her back because she was much shorter than me.

Age had taken its toll on her, as it would on everyone. But relaxing on the ranch, savoring the fresh countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the noise and pollution, brought back much life to her. She seemed more energetic now with her spry steps.

"I got a trolley for your bags," I told Mum, gesturing at it parked by my side to show how thoughtful I was.

"We already have a trolley," Sawyer called from behind Mum. She poked her head with braided hair out the side of a pile of luggage. I didn't see her because of how short she was. Despite her size, she was pushing a cart carrying all of their baggage, showing her strength as a butcher.

I wriggled my nose as my mind ground to a halt. "To be fair...I didn't think this one through."

The three of us laughed, and it was just like old times once again.

Originally, I planned to let them stay in my apartment at Grand Scaup's, which was why I rented a two-bedroom unit. But after I got my AU-VR Helm and got into Mother Core Online, I wanted to be on my own so nobody would bother my playing time. A thirty-two-year-old man doesn't want his mother to stop him from playing games…it was amusing how the past was repeating itself.

Jimmy drove us to the hotel where Mum and Sawyer were going to stay.

They'd appreciate the hotel I booked for them. It was the most expensive hotel in the city, and it had been Mum's fancy for more than a decade to have a chance to stay there. Now, she fulfilled her wish while I got to puzzle over potions and poisons in peace.

"I'll be quick and return soon, Mum," Sawyer said as we walked out the door of their suite. "It's just Herald going all business up his ass."

"I'm more relaxed now since I'm not the CEO," I told her. We were having a little skit so Mum wouldn't know that we were going to check our house undergoing renovation. It should be completed in a few days.

Our story to Mum was that Sawyer was going to visit the Dolly's branches under construction constructed for supply chain matters—which was a pile of crap like that produced by the cows on her ranch.

"Just rest here for now, Mum," said Sawyer. "You can call room service if you want to eat anything."

"Don't fill yourself up too much," I said, "because I'm taking you two out for dinner later. There are plenty of new restaurants in the city that you should try."

"I'd like that, dear," Mum replied while she stared out the balcony window. "It's as if Egret is a different city now. I can't recognize most places."

"Maybe our old neighborhood will also look diff—" Sawyer started to say but stopped when she saw my glare. She might tip off Mum about our surprise for her.

To fill in the suspicious silence, I quickly said, "The same thing crossed my mind, Mum." Sawyer grinned at me. "I'll show you the new attractions after dinner," I added, intending to have Jimmy drive us as far away from our old house as possible in case Mum prematurely wanted to visit it.

---

 

"Herald, I frankly don't care about your game," Sawyer groaned.

"But don't you see that it has a sci-fi story layered on top of a fantasy one?" I was explaining the lore of Mother Core Online to her. "There's this alien that gathers extinct creatures from all over the galaxy—well, I suppose all of them are aliens—and then clones them or whatnot to put them all on a new planet."

We siblings, including Nelly, had an unspoken rule not to talk about our personal lives with each other. To avoid an awkward silence during our drive to our old house, I decided this was an excellent story to tell Sawyer. And also to annoy her. I am a loving brother, after all.

"I'm glad you're playing again," Sawyer said after my lore explanation ended. That was the same thing Nelly told me when she learned I was playing MCO.

I mulled things before replying, "I'm also glad to be playing again." Wasn't that the ultimate fantasy of a man who had just crawled out of the demands of capitalism and adulthood?

---

 

Our house looked like what was on the original blueprints. A second floor and attic were added, just as Pops and Mum wanted but couldn't afford back then. Goal #101 on my List was going to be completed in a few days. And I still hadn't come up with a new Goal.

"Sawyer, do you know any fitness instructors?" I asked her as we followed one of the builders giving us a tour of their work. After fainting from stress, the doctors advised me to work on my health. I was doing the exact opposite of trying to be healthy by staying in a virtual world for hours.

"What?" She turned to me, not catching what I said because she was busy examining the house. "What instructor?"

"I was thinking of what to do with my newly-found free time. It feels weird not being busy." I didn't want to admit to her the hours I spent playing MCO. It didn't suit her image of me as the responsible brother.

"How about catching up on your friends? Some of them must still be in this city."

"I'm not sure where to look," I honestly said. "We haven't kept in touch over the years."

"How about that old PC Cafe near here? The one Jefferson's family owns? Are they still there?"

I told her that Boady's family bought it, and his cousin was now running the place. "I bought my AU-VR Helm there."

"Boady's cousin?" Sawyer said with a raised brow. "Oh, I'd love to see her!"