Vol. 3 Chapter 19

Clarissa’s PoV

“You’re quite early today, aren’t ya!” a familiar voice called out as I made my way to the guild commission hall.

“Mr. Dorge!” I greeted him back.

Despite his gruff appearance, there was always a warmth in his demeanor that put me at ease whenever I saw him.

“We don’t have any classes today, so I thought I’d help out the guild by taking on some quests!” I declared, feeling extra motivated.

“Ho-ho, how hardworking!” he chuckled, his laugh carrying that fatherly quality I’d come to associate with him. “Just make sure you don’t overdo it, alright? No sense in pushing yourself too hard.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful!” I replied with a smile and a nod.

After a quick exchange, we went our separate ways—Mr. Dorge also has a guild commission to finish, while I proceeded towards the guild commission hall to take one on my own.

As I stepped inside the hall, I was greeted by a bustling atmosphere. Guild members were chatting in lively groups, and the occasional clinking of armor added to the air. It felt as familiar and inviting as ever.

Navigating through the other guild members who were also seeking commissions, I made my way to the guild bulletin board to find a suitable quest for myself.

As I was scanning the quest board for something challenging yet manageable for my level, a voice called out to me.

“You’re our Guild Master’s protégé, right?” a seedy voice inquired, catching my attention.

I turned to see a man who looked vaguely familiar. I had seen him a few times around the guild base, though this was our first direct interaction.

His character’s appearance was a mix of practicality and disarray. It had a well-worn leather vest over a slightly wrinkled tunic—a clear sign of someone who focuses on stats rather than aesthetics, as Novo would say.

“Y-yes, I am!” I responded proudly, standing a bit taller than I really felt.

I wasn’t sure if everyone in our guild was aware that our Novo was my mentor, but I didn’t want to keep it a secret. I was proud to be her protégé and would shout it to the world if I could… which is probably impossible for me to do owing to my timid nature.

The man’s expression shifted to one of satisfaction. “Good! Good! Come with me, he he he,” he said, his excitement poorly concealed.

I hesitated for a moment, wary of his sketchy demeanor. What could he possibly want? A sense of unease crept over me. Big Brother always warned me not to go with strangers, especially men.

Could he be unsatisfied that I became an officer? Does he think I got promoted because I’m our guild master’s protégé? Do they think that Novo promotes favoritism?

That won’t do! I don’t want them to think that badly of Novo. If they want to test me, then I need to prove my skills to them!

With newfound determination, I nodded and followed him. The guild commission hall seemed to fade into the background as we navigated through the corridors of the guild base. My mind raced with possibilities of what he might want and why he seemed so eager.

The further we went, the quieter and more isolated it became. This part of the base felt detached from the vibrant energy of the guild’s more active areas. My curiosity grew with each step, but so did my caution. After some time walking, we finally arrived at a room far from prying eyes.

The man accompanying me turned toward the door but didn’t move immediately. I studied it for a moment, taking note of its nondescript appearance.

I’ve never been here before, which makes sense since Big Brother once told me that these quarters were added when the guild hall got upgraded, so there are still plenty of unused rooms in the guild base.

Guild members can use them however they wish, provided they file the necessary paperwork and receive permission from our guild’s higher-ups—it’s essentially like setting up new clubs back in school.

The man paused dramatically in front of the door, hand on the handle. Then, with a flourish that was supposed to be grand but came off as slightly over-rehearsed, he opened the door partway and gestured for me to go in first.

“Ahem! Ladies first! Heheh,” he said, attempting to imitate the refined air of a gentleman.

I instinctively gulped. His actions only made me even more wary, though. For a moment, I seriously considered backing out and bolting.

No, Clarissa, stop being a pushover! I’d come this far. There was no turning back now! I’d face whatever was behind that door, come what may. Besides, this guild was a safe area. Worst-case scenario, I could always log out if things got too overwhelming for me to handle.

I stepped into the room, my unease lingering as I took in the surroundings. The dim lighting cast shadows that stretched across the space, adding an air of mystery that felt almost deliberately suspicious.

The man who led me here stepped in right after I entered, closing the door behind him with decisiveness that instantly put me on edge. The soft click of the latch sounded far too final, effectively cutting off any escape route I might have had. My wariness shot through the roof.

He didn’t waste a moment before announcing, “I brought our Guild Master’s protégé!”

I instinctively turned to scan the room, hoping to spot who—or what—might be waiting for me. The low lighting did me no favors, casting long shadows and making it almost impossible to get a clear read on my surroundings. But just as I started to piece things together, a voice from deeper within the room sliced through the silence like a blade.

“Has thou been followed?” the voice asked in a sharp tone.

“No, hehehe,” my escort replied, his usual awkward laugh doing little to reassure me.

“I see. Thou hast done well," came the reply.

The figure rose from the chair in the far back of the room. It was only then, as he stood, that I finally saw him in full. As he stood, the dim light shone on his plate armor, revealing its sharp, intimidating design.

He began to move with slow, but deliberate steps. The sound of his boots against the floor sent a chill down my spine, and I couldn’t help but tense up. His gaze was fixed on me, unwavering, as though he was sizing me up with every step he took.

That was the last straw. I quickly shifted my position, ensuring I could keep both him and my escort within my line of sight. My heart raced as I tried to assess the situation, my mind running through every possible scenario.

“I-I… N-novo won’t let you get away with this!” I said while placing my staff protectively in front of me as I readied my battle stance.

And then it hit me—how embarrassing. I'd promised myself I wouldn’t rely on Novo too much, that I’d prove I could handle things on my own, but at the first sign of trouble, I immediately backed down on my word. How shameful of me.

But, as I observed their expressions as I readied for their next move, I saw a flicker of confusion cross both their faces. They shot each other a look, clearly confused by how I reacted. Then, after a moment, it was like they both realized they’d messed up and started trying to smooth things over.

“We meant thee no harm!” the armored man assured me, his tone calm and placating, as he raised his hands slightly in a gesture of reassurance.

“Y-yeah! It’s just a misunderstanding, heheh,” my escort added, his nervous laugh betraying his discomfort.

The armored man gave a slight nod, his demeanor softening further. "Upon reflection, I see that our conduct may appear most suspicious. Pray forgive us if we have stirred any unease, for our intent was merely to ensure that this gathering remain shrouded in discretion."

“Yeah! What he said!” my escort quickly chimed in.

Seeing their clear efforts to put me at ease, I took a steadying breath to calm myself, though I remained a bit cautious.

“O-oh… okay… but, um, why did you bring me here exactly?” I asked, my voice unsure as I maintained my guard.

“Ahem, please permit me to present myself first. I am Eredar!” the intimidating armored guy declared.

“And I am, Quill, and we are members of Novo’s fan club!” my escort formally introduced himself.

“You witless knave!” Mr. Eredar rebuked Mr. Quill in a loud voice that made me flinch. “We are no common rabble of admirers! We are the Emerald Knights—a sacred order, sworn to guard our guild master’s honor from the shadows. Know this: secrecy is the lifeblood of our cause, and we hold it above all else!”

A secret group that protects Novo from the shadows? That sounds… so incredibly cool!

“The purpose for which we summoned thee is to extend a most noble invitation! Our order numbers only five, for we hold our standards high in conscription. Only those who bear true and unwavering devotion to our guild master may ever aspire to join our esteemed ranks! As the protégé of our revered guild master, you are counted among the elites, deemed worthy of such honor. Thus, we ask you, Lady Clarissa: Would you join us in this Brotherhood, this sacred fellowship, and stand united in service to our cause?”

Whoa! They’re inviting me into such a prominent group!? They exuded the confidence and experience of veterans, so I’m a bit hesitant. Could I truly measure up to their standards? Could I really keep up with them? I’m not that good yet, and I don’t want to be a burden to their cause.

“Thou needst not fret about being the sole woman among our ranks. Know this—our esteemed founder, the leader of the Emerald Knights, is herself a lady, just like you!” he politely assured me, although he misunderstood the reason I was hesitating in the first place.

“Hehehe, indeed,” Mr. Quill confirmed with a light chuckle. “She is always by our guild leader’s side, safeguarding her from assassins—at least whenever she is online.”

I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts. This was no time for hesitation. I had vowed to be more proactive. I promised myself that I would improve! So, there's no use thinking about it. There is only one answer.

“I… I wish to join the Emerald Knights!” I declared with resolve.

-----------------------------------

I glanced at my phone to check the time as I made my way down the busy street, weaving through clusters of pedestrians. The digital numbers stared back at me—five minutes past the agreed meeting time.

Great, I’m late. Well, it couldn’t be helped; the professor had kept us longer than expected with last-minute announcements. I’ll just have to apologize to her when I get there.

My pace quickened, careful not to look too hurried or out of place. A couple of seconds of walking later, the high-class restaurant soon came into view, prompting me to reflexively adjust my bag strap upon seeing it.

I’ve dined here on only a very few occasions, and each time, the food has been exceptional. However, the upscale ambiance still felt worlds apart from the usual spots I frequented. That’s why, when Yuna asked for a good high-class eating spot, this place instantly came to mind.

As I approached the entrance, I saw Yuna sitting in the shaded waiting area just outside the restaurant. Even from a distance, her figure was unmistakable. She was dressed casually yet thoughtfully, her face partially hidden behind a mask, paired with a hooded jacket that differed from the one she’d worn yesterday.

The subtle disguise worked well—she blended into the surroundings without drawing too much attention. Still, there was an unmistakable elegance about her that made her stand out, which garnered some stares from passersby.

As I drew closer, she turned her head toward me and her round eyes instantly met mine. There was a brief flicker of recognition, followed by a look of relief.

“Sorry, I’m late. I got held up in class,” I said reflexively, without giving it a second thought as I slowed to a stop in front of her.

Wait... now that I think about it… Isn’t what I said the kind of clichéd line you’d hear on a first date? No, what are you thinking, Kat! You’re straight! And even though she's incredibly charming, she’s still a girl!

If this were unfolding like a typical romantic comedy anime, she would probably respond with the classic, “Oh, it’s fine, I just got here,” delivered with effortless grace and charm.

Instead, she tilted her head slightly, fixing me with an indignant look.

“You made me wait a while. My time is precious, you know, and everyone wants it—you’ll have to pay for my lunch as compensation,” she said, her vexed voice added to her dramatic flair.

Wait, hold up. That’s not how this is supposed to go! This is going to cost me a week’s budget!

Seeing me hesitate, she let out a soft giggle that was so sweet it felt like music to my ears.

“Hehe~! Just kidding,” she said with a sly wink that nearly stopped my heart.

Noticing I was still frozen in place, she tilted her head and beckoned me forward with an expectant look.

“Come on, let’s head inside,” she said casually, gesturing toward the entrance.

I quickly snapped out of my daze and followed her. As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, the ambiance changed drastically.

The air was cooler, the lighting perfectly balanced to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, and soft instrumental music played in the background. One of the staff members standing on a podium with a logbook immediately greeted us.

“Good afternoon. Do you have any reservations?” the staff member asked with a courteous tone.

“Yes, for Sarah Park,” Yuna replied smoothly.

It was a clearly fake name. It was evident she was exercising caution to maintain her privacy, and I doubted the restaurant would verify the name.

The staff member scanned the logbook briefly before looking up with a polite smile. “Welcome, Miss Park. Your reserved room is ready.”

Wait... reserved room? Did I hear that right? This restaurant offered private dining areas designed for work meetings and similar purposes, but securing one came at a significant cost. How much had she spent on this reservation?

“You… reserved a private room?” I asked, needing to confirm the apparent extravagance, especially since it’s only the two of us eating.

She turned toward me with a lighthearted and slightly amused expression, as though my question was entirely expected.

“Of course. I don’t want my face to be seen while eating. It might cause a commotion if someone recognizes me,” she explained matter-of-factly, lowering her voice so only I could hear.

“I see…” I murmured, the realization settling in.

Right. She’s a celebrity. I had almost forgotten how different her life must be compared to mine. For someone like her, privacy wasn’t just a convenience—it was a necessity, and the cost of securing it was likely insignificant compared to what normal people like me would pay.

As we followed one of the male staff members toward the private dining area, I couldn’t help but glance around. The restaurant’s upscale atmosphere was even more apparent as we passed through its inner halls.

Ornate decor lined the walls, soft lighting highlighted the polished wood furnishings, and subtle floral arrangements added a touch of elegance to the space. It was the sort of place that felt meticulously designed to impress.

The staff member walked with a quiet professionalism that suited the establishment’s high standards. Upon reaching the designated room, he turned to us with a polite smile and introduced himself.

“My name is Ethan, and I will be your dedicated server for the evening. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

I remained silent, intent on letting Yuna handle it. For her part, she responded with a simple but gracious acknowledgment, as though private staff service was something she was entirely accustomed to. I guess she really is in her element here. Talk about loaded.

When Ethan opened the door to the reserved room, I couldn’t help but take a moment to survey the space as we stepped inside fully. It was stunning—a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The room was spacious yet cozy, with a large, elegantly set dining table at its center.

We took our seats, the plush chairs offering surprising comfort as we settled in. Ethan promptly handed us each a menu, presenting it with the kind of professionalism you’d expect at such an establishment.

“Please take your time to review the menu. Once you’ve made your selections, simply press the service button, and I will assist you promptly,” he said, gesturing to the button on the table before stepping out to give us privacy.

I flipped open the menu and began browsing through the exquisitely presented dishes, which were mostly Italian and American cuisines.

“Order whatever you want! It’s on me~!” Yuna suddenly chimed in, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“It’s fine. I can pay for myself,” I said with finality.

Maintaining my appearance was important. As fellow guild leaders, it wouldn’t reflect well on me if I allowed her to cover the cost of my meal. This is a matter of pride, not just for me, but also for our guild, and one I cannot back down on, no matter what.

Although this place was way out of my usual budget, it wasn’t as if I was struggling financially. I had a lot of savings from the tournament winnings—I could handle this much!

“Come on! It’d make me feel awful for taking up your time. Seriously, let me treat you! It’s the least I could do. Pleaassse~!” she said, flashing me a pleading look.

Ack! Not the accursed puppy-dog eyes! Abort mission! Please forgive me for getting ahead of myself!

“…Alright,” I sighed in defeat. It was a losing battle from the start.

Once we finished browsing the menu and decided on our meals, Yuna casually reached out and pressed the service button embedded in the table. Moments later, our dedicated server, Ethan, re-entered with his usual professional demeanor and then took our orders.

As we waited for our meals to arrive, Yuna removed her face mask with a look of quiet relief, revealing her features in full. As usual, her charmingly cute facial features were striking, almost disarming, and I couldn’t help but silently marvel at her appearance.

She soon engaged me in conversation about CoA and the latest developments in the professional scene. Meanwhile, I contributed sparingly—a nod here, a quick reply there—though her enthusiasm gradually helped me relax while her sing-song voice created a comfortable rhythm that put me at ease.

However, the dynamic shifted unexpectedly when Yuna brought up a question I hadn’t anticipated.

“By the way, do you know Yuusha?” she asked, her tone curious yet deliberate.

Her eyes sharpened slightly as she leaned forward, studying my reaction carefully. It was clear she wasn’t asking idly—there was intent behind her words, though her expression remained composed. The sudden shift in the conversation caught me off guard, and I could sense her full attention focused on me, eagerly waiting for my response.

This time, I managed to remain composed. I refused to repeat the same misstep I’d made with Dust.

“…Yes. She’s one of the first AC champions, isn’t she?” I replied evenly.

“Exactly~! But what I meant was—do you know her personally?” Yuna asked, her tone deceptively casual. Yet, her eyes betrayed a keen interest in our current topic, studying my reaction closely.

“I don’t believe I do. Why do you ask?” I responded, feigning genuine curiosity as I subtly turned the conversation back on her.

“Oh, it’s nothing~. It’s just that some people have been pointing out similarities in your gameplay. Certain moves you both use seem to mirror each other,” she tried to seem casual, but her words carried an underlying intent.

“Must be a coincidence. With millions of CoA players out there, it’s bound to happen,” I reasoned, keeping my tone steady.

As soon as the words left my mouth, her eyes scanned my face, as if searching for the tiniest flicker of hesitation or uncertainty that might betray me. Fortunately, I’d perfected my poker face over the years, and it was proving invaluable at this moment.

Yuna’s scrutiny lingered for a few seconds longer, but when she found nothing to latch onto, she leaned back slightly.

“Fair enough,” she sighed with a hint of disappointment. “I really wanted to meet her at least once, though,” she then muttered softly.

“Why is that?” I asked, this time unable to mask my genuine curiosity.

Yuna’s gaze shifted to the window, her focus distant as she seemed to lose herself in thought. Her expression softened while taking on a nostalgic air that felt almost wistful.

She looked into the windows, as if reminiscing about the past with a nostalgic air.

“You know… There was a time when people believed it was impossible for female gamers to perform as well as their male counterparts in the professional gaming scene. It was practically a consensus, and honestly, I thought the same way back then. It felt like there were barriers we couldn’t overcome, so what’s the point of working hard to achieve the impossible?”

She paused for a moment, her voice growing quieter. “But then Yuusha came along and shattered those notions entirely with her win in the first AC. I want to thank her personally someday for inspiring me to chase my dreams without holding back. Honestly, without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Liz once remarked something similar—that my own AC win served as a catalyst for the surge of female players joining CoA and stepping into the professional scene. Seeing it firsthand, it makes my heart swell with pride.

Should I confess? She seemed trustworthy and genuinely expressed her gratitude. It’s probably no big deal, right?

As I prepared to respond favorably to her, a sudden awareness struck me. I had only known her for just over a day, yet I found myself willing to place this level of trust in her.

Why was that? Was it her undeniable charisma that made everyone instinctively want to please her? Everything about her—her body language, the way she spoke, even the little expressions she made—felt like it was perfectly designed to pull people in without them even realizing it.

She could step into someone’s personal space as if it were no big deal, leaving them totally at ease. Honestly, she seemed flawless… perhaps almost too flawless.

Realization slowly settled in. She’s… not all that different from me—wearing a mask to hide her weakness. However, the key difference was that, for her, it wasn’t a matter of choice or convenience.

From my quick research of her past, I learned that she was a famous idol before becoming a professional gamer. That’s why her mask was likely a survival mechanism, born from her life as a celebrity, given the countless prying eyes that watch her every move.

It must be incredibly demanding to constantly keep up the act. A part of me couldn’t help but wonder what lies beyond the façade—her true self, hidden beneath the public image of ‘Yuna’ that the world knew so well.

“Hellooo~! Earth to Kathy!” Yuna’s voice suddenly sliced through my train of thought, jerking me back to reality.

“Huh?” I blurted out.

“You were totally spacing out~!” she giggled, her tone equal parts teasing and curious. “What’s going on inside that busy little head of yours?”

“Just random stuff from class,” I muttered, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Suddenly, a replay of her words flashed through my brain. Wait a second. Did she really just call me… Kathy?

“Kathy?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, Katherine’s too long. Isn’t it a cute nickname?” she replied, tilting her head slightly with an innocent charm.

“…My friends usually just call me Kat. You’re the only one who has ever called me that,” I said, trying to keep my composure.

“Oh~! Even better! I want to be special to you,” she added with a wink so lethal that I swear I felt my soul leave my body for a moment.

Rest in peace, Kat. You had a good run.

No, wait! I’m not dead yet!

I scrambled to reboot my brain as the gravity of the situation hit me. If I were a guy, I’d mistake her for flirting, but based on my recent understanding of her personality, she’s probably just acting super friendly to get closer to me. Right? RIGHT?!

Thankfully, the staff arrived with our order, providing me with a much-needed escape from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my head. The sound of the door opening was like a lifeline, pulling me back to reality.

As the waiter approached, his steps faltered unexpectedly. He froze mid-motion, tray in hand, as if someone had hit the pause button on him. It was such an odd sight that I couldn’t help but glance at him in confusion. But then, the reason for his sudden paralysis became glaringly obvious—he had seen Yuna’s face and must have recognized her as a celebrity.

Yuna, realizing the situation, raised a finger to her lips in a playful, yet alluring gesture. The message was clear: keep quiet about what you’ve seen.

His face turned a deep shade of red, and he stood there for a moment, visibly flustered. I could almost see the gears in his head grinding as he processed what had just happened.

I couldn’t help but feel a wave of smug satisfaction as I watched him squirm. See? Now you know what I’ve been dealing with!

Eventually, he managed to snap out of it, carefully setting our plates down while trying to maintain professionalism, and mumbled something about enjoying the meal. Then he practically bolted out of the room.

We had lunch with a few casual comments about how good the food was. I had pasta while Yuna had different types of food served to her that I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to eat all of it. It was clear that she genuinely loved trying different cuisines—she practically lit up with every bite, which is a genuine treat to watch. Almost as good as the food I was eating.

“When’s your next class?” she asked, breaking a moment of comfortable silence between bites.

“Three,” I replied curtly, glancing at my phone for confirmation.

“Oh, plenty of time then! How about hitting the arcade after this?” she suggested, her tone light and playful.

I hesitated, not immediately answering.

Noticing my pause, Yuna leaned closer and smirked.

“What~! Don’t tell me you’re scared of losing again?” she teased.

Although she might probably have some ulterior motives, I genuinely enjoy her company. Besides, I haven’t beaten her yet. Every single match we’d played so far had ended in her victory, but I wasn’t about to let that pattern continue this time around.

“…You’re on,” I slowly replied, meeting her gaze directly.

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??????’s PoV

My attention was instantly drawn to a new thread discussing my Goddess. Even though there are thousands of posts like these every day, as her most devoted admirer, I take pride in staying informed about everything related to her. This time, however, the thread's title was particularly striking, since I live in the same city as the OP.

YunaFan143: I think I saw Yuna in a high-class restaurant near our condominium in Philadelphia! I’m not really sure it’s her since I couldn’t see her face, but I took a picture with my phone.

See attachment

I immediately clicked on the attachment to see the photos. There, I noticed a woman seated in the waiting area of a restaurant I had passed several times on my way to work. Her face was concealed by a mask, and she wore a hoodie, rendering her identity difficult to ascertain. Yet, her unmistakable presence caught my attention—she bore a striking resemblance to the Goddess I deeply admire.

Ignation42: @YunaFan143, Yet another person farming for clout. Yuna is currently in her home country of South Korea; there's no chance she’s there!

NewsMaster341: It is most likely just fake news, like many of the posts in her fan community forum that claim to have seen her in person. Stop spreading misinformation just to get likes!

Skepticks: No way that’s Yuna. She always has bodyguards with her wherever she goes. It’s probably just an attractive civilian who has the same build as her.

YunaStans00: @Ignation42 I wouldn’t be too sure. A friend told me she saw Yuna at her school in Summit’s Peak. I didn’t believe her at first, but if that picture is really her, then it checks out!

Shipper87: If it’s her, what is she doing alone in the waiting area? Is she waiting for her secret boyfriend, perhaps?

The comment hit me like a ton of bricks. No, there’s no way Yuna will have a boyfriend. She belongs to us. She would never betray her fans!

TheSimps: @YunaStans Me too, my brother told me she saw Yuna in an arcade in that city. I thought he was just messing with me since I’m a huge fan, but now, I’m not so sure.

Huntahh: Whoah, if this is true, I wish I was there! My dream is to shake her hand in person!

After reading through the comments in the thread, I felt my heartbeat intensify with a mix of hope and nervous anticipation. The idea of my Goddess being in the same city as me sent my mind racing.

Although I knew deep down that there was a high chance it was just another baseless rumor circulating online, I couldn’t ignore the small glimmer of possibility. Even if it were only the faintest chance, the idea of meeting her in person was irresistible. I simply couldn’t let such an opportunity slip away.

I need to see her more than ever. Time has been rough lately—I was recently laid off from my job, I'm struggling to keep up with rent payments, my relationship with my parents has been strained due to a recent argument, and my financial debts are mounting.

As I rose from my seat, my eyes scanned the room, taking in the countless pieces of merchandise that reflected my admiration for Yuna—her posters, figurines, accessories, photobooks, stationery, pins, and badges, most of which were limited editions. These are my treasured collection, which have given me a sense of peace and comfort.

But recently, everything feels like it's crumbling, yet she’s my hope, my light when everything else feels so dark.

That’s why I need to see her in person, even if it’s just for the briefest moment. And I’d do anything—absolutely anything—for that chance.