The tavern's noise had barely faded from their ears when Suzy's voice rang out, soft yet full of anticipation.
"Big brother," she tugged on Tony's sleeve, eyes shining with the hope only a child could muster, "can you please teach me how to play like you?"
Tony glanced down at her, lips quirking into a faint smile. Her sincerity was disarming. "Little Suzy, reaching my level won't be easy. But," his gaze softened, "I'll give you some advice. Learn to control your skills, train your body. Even outside the game. I work as an instructor at a dojo, so I know how important discipline is."
"Really? You're actually an instructor?" Suzy gasped, hands clutching her staff tightly. Even Maya's composure cracked, her eyes widening with surprise.
Becoming a licensed instructor was notoriously difficult. Endless examinations, rigorous physical tests, teaching demonstrations—most who earned the license were seasoned veterans, not young men in their early twenties. For Tony to have one meant his ability wasn't just game-born, but forged in the real world.
Tony shrugged casually. "I only got the license recently."
To the sisters, it sounded like he'd said he'd just picked up a loaf of bread.
Inside Bob's tavern, the air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, spilled ale, and the constant buzz of chatter. Tony tossed a silver coin across the counter, renting one of the upper rooms. For the sisters, the sight was dizzying. Just hours ago, they had been counting bronze coins, pinching every copper for necessities. Now, Tony spent a silver like it was pocket change.
Once the door shut behind them, he wasted no time.
"First, let's make things official." He pulled open his friends list and typed swiftly. Fire Wander (Suzy). White Rose (Maya). Invitations sent.
The sisters exchanged glances, then accepted.
Tony leaned against the wooden desk. "Before level 10, trading is locked. Only friends can trade, and even then, the limit's five items a day. It's the system's way of pushing players to grind. Level 10 isn't just the real start of the game—it's when doors finally open."
Suzy blinked, processing. Maya folded her arms, her mind sharp as always. "Brother Tony," she said softly, "after seeing your strength, I'm sure this armor is nothing to you." Her words carried curiosity as much as gratitude. With power like his, why bother with their scraps?
Suzy's gaze held the same silent question.
Tony smirked. "Three reasons. First, I didn't like the way that Bloodhound dog spoke to you. Second, I wanted to flex a little—to catch the eyes of strong players in this village. And third—" his hand ruffled Suzy's hair—"because she's too cute to be bullied."
Suzy lit up like a lantern, smiling so brightly the room felt warmer. Maya, however, felt a twinge of jealousy she quickly buried.
"Hihihi," Suzy giggled, puffing out her chest, "from now on, no one will dare to mess with me!"
"Exactly," Tony said, his tone almost brotherly. "And remember—if either of you ever need my help, message me. Doesn't matter where I am. I'll come."
Suzy beamed. Maya's lips parted, but her throat tightened. His words stirred something unfamiliar, dangerous, in her chest.
Tony tilted his head. "So, why sell the armor in the first place?"
Maya's eyes dimmed slightly. "We… needed money. We gave everything we had to a family who needed help. They gave us the armor as thanks, but we weren't strong enough to use it. Then that guardian knight—Chris—joined us. A family friend." Her voice wavered, disgust flickering in her tone. "We hunted monsters outside, but it was a disaster. We embarrassed ourselves. So we decided to sell it, buy gear that suited us better… and then you saw what happened."
Tony nodded, then without hesitation opened his pouch and transferred 10 silver to each sister.
Their jaws dropped.
"And one more thing." He pulled out a book glowing faintly red. "This belongs to you, Suzy."
The girl accepted it with trembling hands. Text unfolded across her interface:
[Skill Book: Fireball]
Type: Attack
Rank: B
Effect: Gather fire, release a blazing orb within 3 yards, dealing 50 + INT x3 damage.
Mana Cost: 10
Cooldown: 40s
Suzy's mouth fell open. "A… B-rank…?"
Even Maya, usually composed, froze. B-rank attack skills weren't just rare—they were legendary at this stage of the game.
"Brother Tony, this is far too precious!" Maya shook her head vehemently. "We can't accept this!"
Suzy clutched the book to her chest, eyes torn between desire and guilt. "It's so amazing… but she's right. We shouldn't…"
Tony chuckled, folding his arms. "Take it. It's just a skill. If I find something better later, I'll give that too. Skills and gear are meant to be used, not hoarded. If it fits your class, I'd rather see it in your hands."
The sisters stared at him, overwhelmed.
"Why?" Maya whispered. "Why are you so good to us?" Her eyes shone with unshed tears.
Tony's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "Because you both have the potential to become great. I see it. And I protect what's worth protecting."
The room stilled. The sisters' emotions overflowed—hope, gratitude, longing. For a moment, it wasn't just about the game.
Tony added quietly, "Whether here or in the real world—if you're ever in trouble, don't hesitate. Even if I'm at the far end of the world, I'll find a way to help."
Their smiles bloomed like flowers in spring.
Later, the three walked through the village marketplace. Tony bought the sisters sturdier equipment, explaining each choice. The girls whispered privately behind him.
"Big sis," Suzy murmured, "let's ask for his help. He's… reliable. He feels like family."
Maya bit her lip. "Not yet. We just met him. Let's wait. Maybe this game will change our lives. If things get bad… then we'll ask. For now, we follow him. We learn."
Suzy was quiet for a moment, then asked softly, "Big sis… is this what it feels like to have a big brother?"
Maya's steps faltered. Her heart clenched. She glanced at Tony's back—the way he walked ahead, steady, protective. For the first time in years, she let herself imagine what it would be like. If only we had someone like him in our lives… She quickly shook the thought away.
Their stroll ended at the herb hall.
[Quest 2: C-Rank]
The villagers who gather herbs are being harassed by monsters. Protect them.
Reward: 35 EXP, 55 bronze, healing potions.
[Quest 3: E-Rank]
Bring back a healing herb for a sick woman.
Reward: Unknown.
Suzy's eyes widened. "Big brother! You already had these quests and didn't do them?"
"We searched for hours and only found one," Maya added, astonished.
Tony smirked. "It's not about luck. It's about how you carry yourself, how you pay attention. This game isn't like others. Every detail, every hint matters. NPCs notice confidence. If you show you can handle it, they trust you with more."
The sisters scribbled mental notes, hanging on every word.
But then Tony froze. His hand gripped his sword. His gaze shifted left, toward a thick patch of bushes about eight yards away.
"You've followed us long enough," he said flatly. "Why don't you come out?"
The sisters jolted. They hadn't sensed anything. Yet, a moment later, a woman emerged from the shadows. Her movements were fluid, her beauty striking, her presence dangerous.
Maya gasped. Suzy's jaw dropped.
"R-Red Lotus…"
The infamous thief, one of the three top players of the village, smiled thinly. "What kind of monster are you, to detect me at that distance?"
Tony's lips curved. "Nah. Your stealth just sucks."
A vein twitched on her forehead. Few dared mock Red Lotus. But the aura Tony radiated… it pressed against her like a storm. Her instincts screamed that this wasn't someone to cross lightly.
After a pause, she smirked. "You're worthy. Equal to us—the three heads." Her eyes glittered. "I'm Red Lotus."
"Mad Demon," Tony replied simply.
For five seconds, they stared, an unspoken clash of wills sparking in the air. The sisters felt it like crushing pressure, yet they stood firm, refusing to falter. Tony noticed. His approval of them deepened silently.
At last, Red Lotus broke the silence, stepping back. "If there's a chance, let's work together."
"Actually," Tony said, tilting his head, "I already have something in mind. How can I contact you?"
Her brows rose, intrigued. He wasn't just strong—he was bold. "Send me an invite. Message me when you've finished your quest."
For the first time, Red Lotus felt genuine curiosity about another player.
This Mad Demon… might just shake the entire village.