Max looked at the screen showing Ryota's character—a Warrior class with gleaming armor, weapons that glowed with enchantments.
"Impressive," Max said neutrally.
"What class are you playing?" Ryota asked.
"Soulbinder."
Ryota's nose wrinkled. "Soulbinder? Bro, that's like the worst class. Why would you pick that? Should've gone Warrior or Mage. The meta classes."
"I like the complexity," Max said.
"Complexity is just code for 'bad,'" Ryota said dismissively. "Anyway, I'm in the Crimson Dawn guild. We're ranked eighth worldwide. Got accepted because my dad knows the guild leader's father. Connections matter in this game."
Keiko beamed with pride. "My Ryota is doing so well. He's already made back all the money Hiroshi invested, plus profit. He sold some items last week and made 200,000 yen."
"That's great," Yuki said, though Max could hear the strain in her voice.
Keiko turned to her sister. "You should really support Max more with this gaming thing. Hiroshi has been very generous with Ryota's hobby. Maybe if Max had proper funding, he could compete at higher levels too."
Max felt his jaw tighten. His mother worked night shifts at a hospital while Keiko spent her days at spas and shopping.
"Max is doing fine on his own," Yuki said, her voice firm.
"Level 11 though," Ryota interjected. "That's pretty low for someone trying to go professional. Most serious players are already in their twenties. Are you even in a guild?"
"Phoenix," Max said.
Ryota's eyes widened. "Wait, Phoenix? The Phoenix? How'd you get in there? That's like a top-three guild."
"I trialed and they accepted me."
"Huh." Ryota looked genuinely surprised, then suspicious. "What's your in-game name? I'll look you up."
"MaxThorne."
Ryota typed on his phone, presumably checking rankings or guild rosters. His expression shifted from skepticism to confusion.
"There's a MaxThorne in Phoenix listed as trial member, but... level 11? That doesn't make sense. Phoenix only takes elite players."
"Maybe I'm better than my level suggests," Max said.
Ryota laughed. "Sure, cousin. Or maybe they're just giving you a pity spot." He pocketed his phone. "Well, good luck with that. Phoenix is hardcore. They'll probably drop you after the trial if you can't keep up."
Keiko patted Ryota's arm proudly. "My son is always so perceptive. He understands the competitive scene."
Max wanted to mention that he'd topped DPS charts against level 15 players, that he'd been personally invited by the guild leaders. But he said nothing. Let Ryota think what he wanted.
"Anyway," Keiko said, turning to Yuki, "I heard about all these new regulations. The IAOO thing. It's such a hassle. Ryota has to register at one of those facilities tomorrow. Will Max be registering too?"
"Yes," Yuki said. "We're going to the Tokyo facility tomorrow morning."
"Oh, we should go together!" Keiko said brightly. "Make it a family outing. Ryota could give Max some tips on navigating the system."
Max caught his mother's eye. She looked apologetic but cornered.
"That would be... fine," Yuki said reluctantly.
"Wonderful! We'll pick you up at 9 AM. The facility opens at 10, so we'll get there early to avoid crowds." Keiko stood, smoothing her dress. "Come, Ryota. We should let them rest."
Ryota stood, giving Max a patronizing smile. "See you tomorrow, cousin. Try not to embarrass the family name when you register. Phoenix Guild is prestigious—wouldn't want them to regret taking you."
Max forced a smile. "I'll do my best."
After they left, Yuki collapsed back onto the couch with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry. She just showed up. I couldn't say no."
"It's fine, Mom."
"It's not fine. She always does this—shows up to show off, makes us feel inadequate." Yuki looked at Max. "Don't listen to Ryota. He's a spoiled brat who has never worked for anything in his life."
"I know."
"And don't let him get in your head about Phoenix Guild. If they accepted you, it's because you earned it."
Max sat beside his mother. "Did Aunt Keiko ever ask how you're doing? Like, actually ask?"
Yuki smiled sadly. "No. She never does." She took Max's hand. "But that's okay. We don't need her approval or her help. We're doing fine on our own."
"Yeah," Max agreed. Though privately, he thought about the $50,000 Ryota's father had casually spent on a game, while Max was trying to prove himself with starter gear and pure skill.
"Tomorrow's going to be interesting," Yuki said. "Registration, dealing with your aunt, navigating all these new regulations..."
"We'll manage," Max said.
His phone buzzed. A Discord message from Velara:
Velara:Read the contract yet? It's a lot, I know. But it's worth it. Trust me.
Max typed back:
MaxThorne:Still reading. Meeting my cousin tomorrow at the ATH facility. He's in Crimson Dawn guild. This is going to be awkward.
Velara:Family drama? Fun. Remember—you're in Phoenix. That puts you above 99% of players, including your cousin. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Max smiled slightly.
MaxThorne:Thanks. Needed to hear that.
His mother was watching him. "Gaming friend?"
"Yeah. Someone from the guild."
"Are they nice?"
"Yeah," he said. "She's nice."
Yuki raised an eyebrow. "She?"
"Just a friend, Mom."
"Mm-hmm." His mother smiled knowingly. "Well, this friend has good timing. You looked like you needed a boost after dealing with Ryota."
Max couldn't argue with that.
They spent the evening together—his mother telling him about her shift at the hospital, Max explaining (in simplified terms) what Phoenix Guild was and what the contract entailed. She insisted on reading the contract herself, her practical mindset analyzing every clause.
"This is serious," she said after finishing. "You're signing something that's legally binding in real courts. If you break any of these terms, they can sue you."
"I know."
"But the benefits..." She scrolled through the sections about tax rates, trading systems, salary. "This could actually work, Max. If you're careful, if you follow the rules, this could be a real career."
"That's the plan."
She hugged him. "I'm proud of you. Scared for you, but proud. Just promise me you'll be smart about this."
"I promise."