The ethereal copy of Mor Adelina floated smoothly towards me, her transparent wings leaving a light glow behind them, like a scattering of pollen.
The queen's voice was both soft and commanding, like a melody that pierced the soul:
—Though you have not yet grown in strength, child, you have surprised me with your steadfastness and will. Even among adult mortals, such hearts are rare.
Breathing heavily after the battle, I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
—From now on, you are an honored guest in the Fairy Kingdom. Our gates will always be open to you, for you have managed to learn and master the first step of [Aura Separation].
At these words, a chorus of invisible voices softly sounded above my head, as if the very space acknowledged my achievement.
The Queen came even closer, her ethereal hand touching my shoulder, both cold and reassuring.
— But do not be proud, child, for this is only the beginning. You have yet to grow and grow. One day, you will need to collect not just one hundred, but a thousand souls to complete the second stage of my Mentorship.
Her voice softened, and a twinkle of mischief appeared in her eyes.
—A thousand...
Mor Adeline drawled, chuckling as if what she had said was both a frightening joke and a promise.
—Then I'll see what you become.
Just as Mor Adelina's words faded into the air, a familiar green system window flashed before my eyes:
[System Notification]
[ Unique Offer Completed: "Mentorship from the Fairy Queen". ]
I froze for a moment, then felt a chill run through my body, and my heart felt strangely light.
A new message appeared:
[Mentorship Promotion Condition]:
[Collect 1000 souls to gain access to the next stage.]
The words were simple, but their weight pressed me to the ground. A thousand souls... I repeated to myself, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
However, my doubts were momentarily dispelled when another notification flashed before me:
[You have been granted a new title]:
[ Citizen Apprentice to the Queen of the Fairies.]
•You are now officially recognized as a subject of the Fairy Kingdom. The gates to their lands are open to you. Your reputation with the Fae has significantly improved.
I couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long time, I felt proud, as if my efforts were not in vain.
But the system did not stop:
[New sentence]:
Do you want to complete the "Unique Story"?
The rewards are unknown.
Danger level: ???
These words sent a chill down my spine. The system's suggestions were rarely this ambiguous, always hiding something more than meets the eye.
And finally, the final chord was a new notification:
[Congratulations! You have reached 15 Lvl.]
As a reward for completing your mentorship with the Fairy Queen, you receive +5 to your main stats and an additional skill slot.
Power flowed through my body, my muscles filled with energy, my mind became clearer, and my soul felt a slight thrill. It was as if the world had momentarily opened up a new horizon before me.
***
I didn't have much time for my usual sessions in Log Apophis that evening. I knew my parents had come to visit for a reason. They were staying overnight, bringing gifts, and having a special mood.
They wanted to spend time with their daughter, see how she was living, and make sure everything was okay.
Although I felt a bit annoyed that the game would have to wait, I understood that family was more important. I stepped away from the VR machine and turned my attention to my parents, who began inspecting my apartment from the moment they walked in, genuinely amazed by every detail.
Meet my mother, Iho Tricomi, a woman with a straight back and a soft smile, who looked as if even a vacation couldn't erase her business-like demeanor.
Her working life at a pharmaceutical company in Tokyo had left her with a keen eye, a habit of analyzing and making comments. But now, as she stood in her daughter's living room, her face was filled with pride.
—Just look at all of this...
She said to her father, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the table.
— Our girl is really living like an adult and independent woman.
The father, Oda Tricomi, was the complete opposite of his wife. A former martial arts master, a stern and strict mentor who now taught children at a sports school, he looked powerful despite his age.
His movements were calm, but there was a restrained strength in them. He took off his jacket and sat down in an armchair.
—Although the apartment is ours, it is clear that it earned an honest salary for repairs. Well done, but don't forget, money is good, and health and discipline are much more important.
These words sounded like an admonition, but the man's voice was filled with pride.
Slightly embarrassed by the praise, I put the kettle on and took out the treats
Deep down, I felt a sense of warmth: despite all the challenges and my desire to escape into virtual worlds, my parents saw me as a success and were happy for me.
Iho Tricomi, sitting at the kitchen table, wrapped her hands around a mug of hot tea. Her gaze was soft, but at the same time, it was intense, as if she was trying to see not only her daughter's features, but also what was hidden behind her smile.
— You know, I recently talked to your brother, Kattsu. He told me that you've become interested in VR games.
I paused for a moment, as if expecting a lecture or reproach. Yes, I was already prepared to hear the phrase that "games take up time" or that "it's not serious." But my mother unexpectedly continued in a completely different tone:
—And to be honest, I'm very happy. I'm glad that you have something in common. Now you won't be bored with each other.
Her words were warm and sincere, and it made my heart feel lighter. I lowered my eyes in embarrassment, playing with a spoon.
—Mom... do you really think so?
— Of course. After you became a famous writer, I noticed that you had a little distance from everyday life. It's normal, work, success, recognition. But... sometimes it all pushes out simple joys. And games, even virtual ones, can be that bridge back to the real. Especially if you share them with Katzu
She spoke softly, without judgment, as if trying to convey that she understood my inner world.
Father, Oda, remained silent throughout the conversation, listening to the conversation. But even he, strict and disciplined, allowed himself a slight smile:
— The main thing is that you don't forget that real life is still more important. And if games bring you closer to your brother, then there is a point.
I, with a barely noticeable smile to my mother, looked at the window, stealing a glance.
Thoughts swirled in my head, and she thought quietly, almost with annoyance, that she had not withdrawn from the world...
I just stopped going out in public. Every time it's the same, someone recognizes me on the street, points, whispers, asks for an autograph or a photo.
It's almost impossible to go out without security. And meeting new people... it's always a mask, always biased views. It's like no one sees me for who I really am.
I took a deep breath and picked up my cup of tea to push back the lump in my throat. At least there are VR games. It's a distraction.
At least in the virtual world, I can be myself, not the writer on the pedestal. And I have a long vacation, a whole year. Why not spend it the way I want to?