"I've got your encouragement. So, I should get serious too. Go for it, okay?"

The Guild Leader pumped herself up like an energetic anime girl, but her appearance didn't match that image at all.

I glanced at Alicia, and we both shrugged in perfect sync.

"Sorry, Guild Leader."

In perfect unison, Alicia and I bowed our heads.

"W-what's wrong? Why do you two suddenly look so apologetic? Did I say something wrong?"

"N-no."

As I spoke, I deliberately turned my head away, unable to meet the Guild Leader's innocent gaze.

"I'm sorry, Guild Leader."

"Why are you apologizing? W-what's going on? Why do I suddenly feel abandoned?"

The Guild Leader slammed her hands on the table. Her gaze darted between Alicia and me. The sudden shift left her flustered—the mood had been so warm just moments ago.

"Sigh, Guild Leader, don't be upset when I say this."

"Yes, please don't burst into tears. It'd put us in a tough spot."

"You're not about to say you're leaving me out, are you? Becoming the 'Emperor' is only fun when we all work together. The three of us striving for one goal. Growing stronger. Sharing laughs, losses, bonds, and countless memories."

Her newly sparked determination washed away like a receding tide. The Guild Leader slumped into her chair, waiting for our answer.

"Pfft, Yuki, you're so mean. Look how scared you made her."

Alicia couldn't hold it in anymore. She burst out laughing, bending over at the waist.

"Relax. Of course, it's more fun together. We were just getting back at you for poking our eyes with that gear earlier. A little scare, that's all."

"...But I really was scared!"

"Who told you to be so naive? This wasn't my idea—it was Alicia's plan."

"Hey hey hey! That was totally your idea!"

Once again, Alicia chased after me, making a fuss.

But some things I kept to myself. This was enough. Being a lone hero isn't really playing the game—it's just single-player mode.

After the commotion died down, we sat at the table, sharing a smile.

"Yae Yuki."

"Alicia."

I reached out my hand. Alicia nodded and placed hers on top.

"Tianhe Waji."

The Guild Leader placed her hand on top. Even so, I could feel the warmth of both their hands.

"Let's make a promise. What wishes do you have? After I become the 'Emperor,' I'll make them come true."

"Wishes, huh."

That was hard to think of. Come to think of it, my only wish should be for my fiancée to become a bit gentler.

After a pause, I shook my head. The Guild Leader turned her gaze to Alicia.

"Eh, is it my turn? Um, well..."

She shook her head, fidgeting slightly.

"If we reach our goal, let's meet up in real life. How about that wish?"

"Not a bad idea. I'm curious about what kind of girl the Guild Leader is."

I didn't want to mix game and reality, but this wish was acceptable. It even added a bit of anticipation.

"Reality and games are quite different, you know."

The Guild Leader tapped her cheek with her finger, trying to act cute to dodge the topic. We both ignored her.

"Alicia's wish is an offline meetup. As for Yuki, I wouldn't mind going on a date after the meetup."

"Guild Leader, your boyfriend is crying over there!" Alicia quipped suddenly.

"Hahaha, then that's the wish."

It was amusing. If I refused, rumors might spread that I preferred boys—which would be a headache. Besides, nothing would happen on a date. Both the Guild Leader and I had our boundaries.

We discussed in-game until late. The Guild Leader and Alicia logged off first. I stayed to search forums for ways to become the "Emperor." The official hadn't given methods—they left it to players to discover.

But one line in the promotional text stood out:

"Gather companions with the same dream. Fight together. Grow together. Become the world's strongest."

To become the "Emperor," a guild was essential. But it wasn't enough—other clues must exist.

I browsed post after post but found nothing significant. One thread caught my attention:

"When a guild hits level three, the Guild Leader gets a special main quest. Completing it grants a mark called the 'Holy Mark.'"

"Holy Mark," huh? I recalled it being mentioned in a company meeting, but I hadn't listened closely.

Knowing too much would ruin the fun. Exploration was part of the game.

"Tomorrow, I'll start with the 'Holy Mark.'"

I checked the time. Unconsciously, it was already 5 AM—time for my workout.

My consciousness withdrew from the game. My brain felt drowsy. Waking fully, I was a bit dizzy.

I shook my head to clear the sleepiness and prepared to get up. But my hand landed on something slightly raised.

Soft. Warm. Incredibly smooth.

Huh? Why was Oriental September sleeping naked in my bed...

Even with my hand on her chest, she slept soundly. Maybe it tickled—she turned over, facing away.

Damn it. She really wasn't wearing anything! Not even underwear or panties!

What a troublesome young lady. She should have some caution when staying over.

I grabbed the blanket and covered her, then got out of bed.

Outside, the sky was still pitch black. But many residents were already heading to work on bicycles, bundled in thick coats. They passed me, occasionally greeting familiar faces.

I breathed in the fresh air and started jogging. Sharp pains shot through my abdomen now and then, but I ignored them. Such minor injuries wouldn't stop my workout.

Ten kilometers of running. One hundred sit-ups. One hundred push-ups. One hundred squats. One hundred pull-ups.

By the time I finished, it was past 8 AM. I bought two breakfast sets near the park and headed home, feeling uneasy.

I really hoped this wouldn't turn into some melodramatic drama. Why she was naked in my bed—I truly had no idea.

But I didn't feel drained this morning. No bloodstains on the sheets. Probably just a misunderstanding.

Hopefully, that was all.