Arthur could barely say those words, purely out of his own shame. He had never thought such a situation could make him feel that horrible. He was truly struck where he was least expecting.
The same Arthur who didn’t doubt himself once before, was now questioning if he was even useful in any way to Isla and the others. The game was simply not enough for Arthur. He wanted to do more, and be more present in the real world as someone who can stand up for himself and for the people he cared for.
But, so far, that didn’t change at all. Apart from his changed looks and his current popularity, Arthur was still the same. A very powerless individual trying to make it big through a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he got out of nowhere.
That single opportunity had opened huge doors for him, but was he truly capable of fulfilling that true potential… Not only inside the game but outside it too.
‘I really don’t know anymore… I really don’t know.’ Closing his eyes, he took in a deep breath as he arched his neck back.
Isla saw all those subtle emotions passing through Arthur’s eyes one by one. Nobody knew what was going through her mind at that moment as all she showed on her face was a composed look, the same one she always had.
A few seconds of silence passed before Isla opened her mouth. “Can I ask you a question, Arthur?” Her tone was calm and serene, unperturbed by the dilemma her friend was going through. However, the sheer power of her voice immediately made Arthur open his eyes as he stared at her.
“What is it?” He asked back.
Isla stared directly into his eyes and said. “What is your goal from entering the Divine Realm?”
“My goal?”
“I have asked you this question before, and you have replied that you’re simply seeking the thrill of exploring that world and seeing everything it has to offer. But… That is clearly not your only goal anymore. So, what is it that you want to do else?” She asked.
‘What… I want to do?’
For a moment there, Arthur thought that he knew the answer, almost by instinct. But, then he stopped for a moment and thought about it. What was really his goal when he entered the game? Surely fun was a major part of it, but what was the other part that Arthur didn’t really think much about till that point?
“I…” The boy opened his mouth to reply. He wanted to say that he didn’t know. He was certain that he had another goal he wanted to achieve but he didn’t know what it was yet. Perhaps it wasn’t really that important so his mind instinctively forgot about it. But… That didn’t make sense.
Seeing the lost look on Arthur’s face, Isla closed her eyes for a moment before she slowly stood up. “Follow me.” She said.
“…” Arthur stared up at her, a little confused. “Where?”
“You will see.”
“…”
“Are you coming or not?” She asked as she stopped at the door and looked at him.
Arthur nodded his head and simply walked after her silently. The two left the classroom and then the entire institution as a whole. Getting on their sonic boards, they moved out of the campus grounds and into the city.
The sun was already moving into the horizon as the city grew darker and darker. The temperature was colder than earlier and the wind was rustling Arthur’s hair as they traveled through the busy streets of the island. Many other students were going about their evening everywhere so the place was very lively.
“Where are we going, Isla?”
“You will see.” She replied.
The two continued on their way as Arthur got more and more confused. At some point, they passed beside one of the many libraries in the city.
“Hey, we just passed the library. Aren’t we going to study?” He asked again.
“Change of plans,” Isla replied. “We are going somewhere else.”
“…”
‘What is she planning?’ Arthur mused. Isla was always very mysterious and unpredictable, but this was a rather weird situation. Unbeknownst to Arthur, he had forgotten completely about all his worries and was now focused on finding out what Isla had in store for him.
A few minutes passed just like that until eventually, he saw something in the distance.
“Woah!!”
“AAAAAH!!!”
Screams echoed in his ears mixed with the noise of countless other humans and machinery. A whiff of a sweet smell filled Arthur’s nose and blinding lights filled his eyes. Then, Isla took a turn straight toward that place.
‘The amusement park?’ Arthur frowned. “Why did you bring us here, Isla?” He asked his friend. This place was the last place he expected Isla to bring him to.
The girl ignored him and parked the sonic board before she turned to look at the park silently. Arthur did the same and approached her.
“So, are you going to explain now or are we still on the mystery boat?” He asked with a hint of sarcasm.
“What else are we here for except to have some fun?” She asked back.
“Fun?” He looked at his device to check the time. “Now?”
“This is the perfect time to have fun. After a long day.” She said.
“…” Arthur was about to open his mouth, only for Isla to start walking toward the gate. “Hey, wait.”
“I’m not waiting. We are going in.” She replied.
“But, we don’t have time for- Hey! Isla!”
‘Tsk, why is she acting like this?’ Rubbing the back of his head with a sigh, Arthur looked behind him. Since Isla didn’t seem to listen, there was really no other choice for him. All he could do was follow her.
“So, are you coming?” She asked.
“I give up. Let’s go have some fun.” He lifted his hand up as a sign of defeat.
“Good. Now, follow me.” Tapping him on the shoulder, Isla walked into the amusement park, followed by Arthur.
The two stopped immediately in front of the ticket booth where there was a line of students waiting.
‘It’s amazing how people are going to the amusement park on a random work day. They really don’t compromise when it comes to having fun.’ Watching the smiley faces on people, Arthur could only smile slightly too. The atmosphere in the place was very positive and lively, giving him a different vibe from before.
All his negative thoughts were put aside and he was now focused on the matter at hand. By the time the two reached the ticket window, Isla said.
“Two tickets please.” She said.
“That will be 50 points, miss.” The man said.
Isla pulled her device out to pay, only for Arthur to tap her shoulder. “Hey, I can pay for myself.”
However, Isla shook her head. “No, this is on me. Consider it a gift.” She replied before she swiped the device over the glass, indicating the successful transaction. Then, she received a notification that the two tickets were sent to her phone.
“I have invited you. So, I will pay.”
A//N: Don’t forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3
