Fallen Chronicles

Chapter 31 31: Zero (Part 1) [1/2]

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"Alright, I only said that because you seemed a bit off. I just wanted to help you snap out of it. Don't be mad at Brian; he's a good guy and even kinda, well, cute?"

Renji recalled the brief yet pleasant interaction he had with the bearded gentleman in the private room, offering this description.

However, when Eileen heard this, she rolled her eyes in disbelief.

'Cute?'

'Both of you call each other cute, one of you calls the other a lovable fool. So, does that mean I'm the only one who's the bad guy here? '

But that's not what Eileen was most concerned about at the moment.

"Old timer, you're not actually believing his nonsense, are you?"

"Not really. We've only just met; it's been less than a day. While I have confidence in my charm, I'm not so narcissistic"

Renji shrugged, but then quickly took a jab at Eileen.

"However, Miss Eileen, you seem a bit strange. Could it be that you've fallen head over heels for me, captivated by my handsome face?"

"Ugh—no way!"

Hearing Eileen's expected response, Renji sighed with relief.

"Anyway, just to be on the safe side, let me clarify: I already have someone I like,"

Renji said, looking very serious.

Countless hours spent gaming— even if you played twenty-four hours a day without eating, sleeping, or taking breaks, it would still take over a year. In reality, it took Renji around four or five years to reach his goal.

Spending so much time on an unpopular single-player game was not Renji's style. However, he was going through a difficult period in his life at the time. The game served more as a psychological anchor and a refuge from reality.

For that reason, Renji felt a deep emotional connection with the game "Fallen Chronicles" and the characters he had cultivated. They brought him joy and healing during a dark time. He enjoyed the process of gradually strengthening his favorite characters— a sensation he found deeply satisfying. This might be what people refer to as being a "Character geek, or Waifu"

Eventually, after they helped him out of his slump, he shifted his focus back to reality, becoming more pragmatic about the game, aiming to complete it quickly.

'It's funny; this reminds me of a meme often shared by internet trolls': (Don't get fooled by women in the real world!)

Renji chuckled to himself. Regardless, he had resolved since the start of his second playthrough to make up for the regrets of the first one. No matter what, he would spend time with his beloved characters in the game.

He didn't try to hide his feelings, so Eileen could clearly see the spontaneous smile that came from deep within as he reminisced about his gaming experiences. It was a kind of joy and nostalgia that was hard to fake.

"But you said you're from 500 years ago."

"That's correct. The person I like is also from 500 years ago."

"So, she's already..." Eileen's voice trailed off, her chest feeling heavy as if a large stone was blocking it.

From Renji's few words, Eileen had already outlined a story in her mind. Two people deeply in love but separated for various reasons. When one wakes up, they find that what now separates them is the greatest and most insurmountable distance—time.

Feeling this, Eileen was suddenly filled with a strange sadness. It was like she was back to being a little girl, secretly reading romance novels under her blanket and crying her eyes out.

She never thought such a thing would actually happen in real life, right before her eyes.

In an instant, her gaze softened when she looked at the young man across from her.

As for Renji, well...

Seeing the pity and sympathy on the young girl's face, Renji thought it better not to clarify.

After all, if Eileen knew that "they" were still around, and that "they" were actually more than one, it would ruin the mood.

However, before Renji could speak, Eileen immediately asked:

"So you're saying you're looking for them, the five imperial guards of the Emperor, in hopes of finding traces of your beloved one through them, right?"

'Hah...'

Renji looked up at the moonlight shining on him.

He first sighed deeply, then shook his head and chuckled, creating an aura of someone who knew they were heading down a dead-end but still chose to forge ahead. Finally, he nodded at Eileen,

"Exactly."

The girl nodded in understanding, resolving all the questions in her mind. Now she understood why Renji was so fixated on the Emperor's guards, why, even after she had told him about their prestigious status, he still wouldn't give up.

Eileen tried to put herself in Renji's shoes. If the person she loved required her to confront the five individuals at the pinnacle of power and ability in order to be saved, what would she do? Eventually, she concluded that she would make the same choice as Renji, even if those people were the legendary Emperor's imperial guards. She believed she would be fearless.

Thinking this, she started to like the young man in front of her even more.

"Hmph, fine, fine. I admit I misjudged you. Turns out you're a pretty devoted person. Just for that, I, Eileen, accept you as a good bro!"

Eileen extended her fist towards Renji and glared at him when he didn't immediately react. Finally, when Renji also extended his fist, she bumped it strongly against his.

"This is the scavenger's pact. From now on, you're my bro, and your problem is my problem. So rest assured, I'll help you out. No matter how crazy the task, I'll be right there with you!"

"Thank you."

"However, before that... ahem... you'll have to help cure my mom first,"

Eileen blushed, seemingly aware that she had just made a grand declaration only to end up needing something in return, which made her a bit embarrassed.

"But we're bros now, right? Helping each other out is what bros do!"

"Also..."

"Actually, curing my mom would be beneficial for us in finding Goddess!"

"Oh? How so? Your mother isn't part of the church, is she?"

Renji asked this casually but was surprised when the girl nodded in affirmation.