Cecelia wasn’t sure how to feel as she watched Leo and Ashley chat and have fun like nothing was going on around them. Both of them had succeeded where she had failed and it felt… awful. The feelings of inferiority were swelling like a balloon receiving too much air. It was all she could do to stop the inflation.

If her father had been here to see her like this she’d never have heard the end of it. That man was likely ruling his own tutorial and prospering in this new world. She wouldn’t be surprised if he was running the planet before long, now that limitless power was available.

Her goals did not align with those of her fathers, and hadn’t for a long time. It was why she branched off to form her own company to compete with his. Yet the Viremont name that she carried continued to open doors wherever she went, and not because of her own achievements.

So when this new world came along and she was given the chance to form her own way without the oppressing name of her father breathing down her neck, she took it as a miraculous blessing.

Then she met Ashley Rosewood and her world flashed back to that of business dinners and fancy galas. Rubbing up against the corporate pigs that would trade their own family for a half percent increase to profit.

As soon as she had learned her name, she had expected Ashley to be a force to be reckoned with when it came to leadership. The Rosewood family had basically run the country in tandem with her father and his corporation. Some would say the elected leader was in charge, but she knew the real truth.

Instead, the girl was completely disinterested. Having fun and doing as she liked and it made Cecelia… envious.

Not because she was jealous of her power or ability—which she could admit was impressive. Nor was it her relationship with Leo.

It was her freedom.

She acted how she wanted, talked to who she wanted, and didn’t care whatsoever about being in charge, despite her fathers powerful, influential origins. And it stung.

Cecelia’s shackles ran deep. Not being in a position of power was unthinkable. All of her struggles were so she could prove that she wasn’t her father. She was better.

Leo being above her was one thing she had come to accept, after all, he was a monster in human skin that wasn’t worth comparing herself to in her current state. Ashley being stronger was much harder to accept, even with Ron’s encouragement and support.

What could she do to close the gap? And how was this gap forming in the first place?

Just as her mind started to wander down the path of inferiority once more, she decided to speak out in order to mute them.

“As heartwarming as this reunion is, and while I am glad you two have made up. I think we should discuss the repercussions for clearing the Tower.” The words were forced and held little of her usual demeanour.

She just couldn’t find the will right now.

“We can definitely get to that,” Leo said to her. “But first, I have a gift for you.”

Cecelia chuckled, a rare thing for her to do, but decided to go along with whatever he was concocting. A distraction could be nice.

“Oh? I’m flattered but I’m not sure a present would—”

A long, gorgeous, insanely sharp looking sword materialised in his hands in front of her and the words were cut off in her throat.

It was one of the deadliest looking things she’d ever seen and after inspecting it she couldn’t believe her eyes.

~

Leo held the sword out in front of him while Cecelia just kinda stared at it and as the seconds passed he started getting more and more awkward.

“Do you not want it? I thought it would be great for you.”

His words seemed to snap her out of her stupor. “Did you get this from the Tower?

“Sure did, one of the few rewards I got for clearing it,” Leo replied.

Ashley popped her head round Leo’s shoulder while Ellie’s head appeared from the other side. It was like he’d grown two extra heads all of a sudden.

The hydra’s right head spoke out, “Ooh, let me see!” Ashley started before she stared in awe. “That’s so pretty! Is Epic rarity good? It sounds like it is. You sure know how to spoil a girl. You womanizer.”

Ellie nodded from his other side in agreement and Leo didn’t doubt she was just going along with it and didn’t pick up on the sarcasm.

“Take it before these two end up changing my mind,” Leo said, and placed the sword in her hands.

“I-I can’t take this. It’s too precious,” Cecelia whispered, her words betraying her true feelings.

“Sure you can, it’s not that crazy. I can’t use it at all so it’s better than just sitting in my ring gathering dust for the rest of its life. Use it to slice up some ants or…ooh!” An idea popped into his head.

“Kill the golem with its own sword. That would be poetic justice for that monster.” Leo nodded as if complimenting his own idea.

Cecelia moved to hand the sword back again but stopped herself.

“Just take it Cece,” Ashley said casually, still poking her head around Leo’s shoulder. “No one else uses a sword like that right? Especially not this guy, can you imagine him using a sword? The last time he touched yours all he did was punch it into a monster.” She started laughing.

“You were unconscious! How did you even know about that?” Leo moaned in complaint.

“A girl has her sources.” Ashley winked.

Leo just rolled his eyes, secretly joyed to have their old banter back.

“She’s right though, I can’t even swing it without pain going down my arms. The perks of Unarmed Mastery.”

“I’ll pay you back for this one day. I swear on my name.” Her words carried no tone of false promise and they almost felt ethereal.

“No ne–” Leo began before Ashley stopped him with a touch.

“If a Viremont swears on their name then don’t try to change their mind,” she whispered into his ear. “They are super serious about promises like that.”

Leo just shrugged, unsure of what she was really talking about but figured it was just rich people politics and nodded in respect to Cece’s promise. Even if he didn’t understand it, he could respect the emotion and resolve behind her words.

Now that Cecelia had gotten her sword, Leo looked around for the next recipient for a gift and couldn’t see him anywhere in the nearby crowd.

“Where’s Bjorn? I’ve got something for him too.”

Cecelia had stored the sword in her storage ring and looked to her left, “He was right here. I assume he is feeling rather ashamed of his actions and has hidden himself from my ire.”

“I suppose he did storm into the Tower, but it’s not like he caused any irreparable harm,” Ashley said, also looking around.

“Bjorn! Get your ass up here!” Ashley’s bellow came out of nowhere.

Murmurs in the crowd started as people looked around in search of the man that was summoned. The man in question appeared from behind a crowd of people, looking very shrunken in appearance as he hung his head low. He walked through the people gathered and up on to the plateau.

Leo did have to admit that maybe a less prominent area would have been better for any kind of conversation. Right now it felt like they were on stage for an audience of people pretending not to listen.

Thankfully Cecelia got the picture and spoke to the gathered people.

“Thank you all for your strength and courage today in getting to the Tower. I will convene in private with my generals and get back to you all with what will happen next. Please disperse and relax for the evening. You deserve a good rest.”

With that simple speech, those gathered got the idea and went their own ways. Most finding places to sleep or rest. Others chatted about their experiences in the Tower or asked for advice in certain trials. Leo could see Gordon’s eyes locked on him in hyper excitement and could only suspect he would ask for another fight.

Leo had to admit, Cecelia definitely had the presence and leadership thing down. If it was him in the crowd, he’d have wanted to hear about what the crystal shattering meant at the very least. Cecelia would probably talk to them about it later, better her than him.

“Now,” Cecelia started, “how about you and Bjorn have your talk. The rest of us will wait until you describe what will happen next with this dome shield and Tower.”

“Thanks Cece,” Leo said sincerely.

One by one, his party members descended the stairs until only Bjorn and Leo remained. Even Ellie had taken a stroll down, and by stroll he meant completely sealed within Ashley’s embrace.

Bjorn’s eyes never left the floor, even when he was face to face. Leo didn’t know why he was taking this so badly. Ash was right, there was no irreparable harm, and if anything, he gave everyone the push to at least attempt it. Not that they wouldn’t have anyway, just perhaps after a bit more rest.

Either way, it was time to move past it, so Leo decided to speak from the heart.

“Why did you run off like that? Was it something I said?” Leo asked, a hint of emotion leaking into his voice.

Bjorn looked up at once as if to object but then sighed. “Sort of,” he admitted.

Leo said nothing and waited for him to keep going.

“You talked about how much I needed to protect everyone and that got me worried that I wouldn’t be able to protect those close to me again. I can’t…” His body started shaking until Leo saw him dig his fingers into his flesh hard enough to draw blood and suddenly he stopped.

“I can’t have what happened to my… wife happen again. How will my kids look at me if I tell them I couldn’t protect their Mom? I can tell you look up to me kid, and the feeling is mutual. I think of you as one of my own.” He chuckled.

“Saying that out loud does sound a bit silly since we’ve known each other, what? Like a week? Two? But it’s true. You helped me find my wife, helped me save her. You have no idea what that means to me.”

Leo was taken aback. He could feel his face get a little warm with emotion while a lump in his throat started to crawl its way up. Was he that desperate for a father figure that he latched onto the first older man that treated him well? What did he actually know about Bjorn? Not a lot. Yet, he did trust him.

Bjorn continued while Leo was thinking. “So, when you talked about protecting people, I started to feel like I wasn’t enough. Compared to you, Cecelia, Ron, I’m weak as hell. How am I meant to live up to your expectations? I went into the Tower to try and find out.”

Leo felt a tear form in the corner of his eye. Then he took a small step forward and brought the man into a fierce hug. Bjorn hugged him back with the same force.

“I’m sorry Bjorn,” Leo began, “I didn’t mean to put pressure on you. This new world is so much different than a videogame but I still see the similarities in a lot of ways. My words came from that other side, the side that knows how strong you could be, and will be!” Leo released him and stepped back.

A black metal shield, inscribed with golden runes appeared in his hands.

“And with this you’ll be able to do it.”

Bjorn looked at the shield and gawked. He may not understand much about items, armour, stats or skills like Leo did, but he knew a treasure when he saw it.

“Don’t make me try and convince you like Cece, just take it.” He pushed it forward.

Bjorn accepted it with a nod and met Leo’s eyes once again. A beaming smile shone through his bearded face.

“Thanks, kid. I’ll use it well. Maybe I can even block one of your hits with it,” Bjorn smirked at him then chuckled.

Leo, on the other hand, lit up like a kid at christmas.

“Easy, kid. I’m not level 25 yet. I can’t use it for a little bit.”

“Aww.” The sound came from two people as Gordon had come over upon seeing the shield. It appeared he was excited to try hitting the shield too.

Bjorn laughed out loud, his usual hearty chuckle now back. Leo just smiled softly. It was a really good day.

But he still had to report to the boss lady before he could call it a real night. Or…. morning? The sun was beginning to peak up from behind the buildings, wiping away the dark like a fresh layer of paint.

Leo found Cecelia, who was looking at her sword while everyone chatted around her. She must have really liked it as she was running her fingers along the golden runes as if she was touching something precious.

Her precious? Leo held in a chuckle as he imagined the sword turning her into a Gollum-like character.

She looked up when Leo had fully approached.

“Ah. You and Bjorn sort out your issues? I have my hands full with one reckless fighter. Nevermind two.”

He shook his head, huffing out a small laugh. She really did love her scolding. Leo couldn’t exactly deny her words, though, so he didn’t.

“Yeah. All good, thank you,” Leo replied casually.

Cecelia shook her head. “I should be the one thanking you. A sentiment that is long overdue yet held due to my arrogance and pride.”

She stood up, walked towards Leo and held out her hand. “Thank you, Leo.”

Leo grinned. He was still in a great mood and was acting a little impulsively.

Which is why what he did next stunned not just Cecelia, but Ashley too.

“You’re welcome!” Leo walked forward and swiftly grasped her in a hug.

Cecelia brought her hand around and just patted him on the back briefly before coughing.

“That was… nice. I suppose,” she said, unsure.

Leo let her go and smiled.

Until he realised what he just did.

And his face went pale.

His Voltaic Reflex was giving him some danger signals and he looked towards Cecelia but she seemed a little taken aback at most, mainly unconcerned.

Maybe it was on the fritz, just the mental fatigue.

He turned his head and saw Ashley, and the blood that had briefly returned to his face was once again sent to his boots.

Narrowed eyes, a slight snarl and a feeling of bloodlust directed solely towards him. Then it faded and was replaced with a very, definitely, completely, real smile.

Leo just gulped. He wished he had gotten her a gift too.

Maybe she liked rocks…