Awkward conversation, now that they weren’t in the same team. At least Choo was having fun with the other sentient items. Showing the upgraded artifact had been a mistake. Tetsuo had immediately noticed and looked at Ally with a knowing, insider look.

To their credit, they hadn’t asked about it. Enoch bragged about killing Quad Nail, those who had cut his leg and harassed him for no good reasons. Other that he had killed one of them on day one, that is. Anyway, they made a toast for the occasion. The dinner proceeded, all discussion on their shared past, the battles and the crazy traps.

Steak, mashed potatoes and a brown sauce. Lots of ale. Standard strength this time. All enhanced with buffs and, interface obliged, incredible taste. Having the budget for expensive food was one of the best parts of the endgame, along with the maxed Speed and the loot.

“Well, I hate to impose. You probably have a raid to plan or something.”

Enoch pushed back his chair and rose.

“Maybe we’ll plan a trap for a maxed Speed Scout who can teleport,” said Ally.

Anton laughed. Too loud. Tetsuo stayed silent, a hunger in his eyes. Or not. Maybe Enoch imagined things.

The Scout waved at them dismissively and left. Choo and two animated bowls followed him, wobbling out soup at random. Good thing this was a simulation, or he and his jolly companion would have made a mortal enemy out of the janitor.

He sat by the window, a few feet from the Bird Spider, said, “I saw your beacon. Congratulations on first place.”

She spared him a look. Stayed silent. Took a sip of purple juice, said, “we haven’t meet down there yet.” She pointed at the moon world with a nod. Added, “lucky you.”

Enoch rose. Pushed his chair way too. Caused a collision with one of Choo’s absurd, floating bowls of soup.

Omnifeet in a hot puddle of chicken stock complemented by carrots and celery, Enoch snapped, “You don’t even eat soup. Why would you carry it around like a lunatic?”

“It’s for you Master.”

“Oh.” Enoch paused. Looked at the Bird Spider who looked back in disbelief. “Well.” He took a sip of the remaining soup. “Delicious!”

He cringed out of there so hard he couldn’t even walk normally. Once conscious of his gait, it was already too late. Clumsy robotic movements, bad timing to touch the floor, half-stumbles. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and walked to his chamber, Choo trailing him with an animated dessert.

***

The omnitoes shredded the soft soil as they propelled Enoch forward. Long strides blurred by the speed. The smell of wet grass did wonder for his mood, as did the fresh air, the wind, and the sky shining in all its glory. Ooloo, the gas planet, enclosed the horizon. The one constant between all games. His old friend.

Vaporwave played in his head. The chat scrolled, ignored. Enoch unconcerned. Who, in fact, could catch him?

Calm rivers crossed with a half jump. Bounces over hills. Parkour for the hardest cliffs. He raced toward the purple beacon. The first player would go down.

The clear calls of Sail horses echoed all around. Five beasts flanked him. Their long shoulder blades bent in the wind. Enoch laugh out loud. Stress pouring out of him. He had made it. No matter what happened next, he would keep Choo. The upgraded version! And the money. The tips rained nonstop.

His viewership had exploded. He stood alone at the end of the continental final. The dead players’ audience funnelled to a select few survivor, including him. So, he laughed, and laughed again.

Choo laughed too although the Artifact probably didn’t even know why.

“He has issues.” Tag | Little Bro