The place where I was supposed to meet Luche was quite familiar to me.
My range of activities is extremely narrow. Even when I was a kendo athlete, I wasn’t the type to travel a lot, and after my legs were injured, it became inevitable for that range to shrink even further. Now, I mostly just go back and forth between home and the hospital. Beyond that, my occasional visits to the convenience store are pretty much the extent of my outings.
Given that, there weren’t many places that could be described as “familiar” to me. This time, it was within the grounds of Sigma Medical Group — specifically, the hospital I usually visit. The area I frequented was the rehabilitation center, but this meeting was happening right in front of the main gate.
When I arrived, there were already two women waiting by an elegant car. Though I wasn’t late, they had clearly arrived earlier.
Of course, one of them was Luche. The woman I didn’t know was likely Camellia.
“You’ve worked hard to get here. This is Camellia. And this is…”
“Gawol. I believe you’ve already guessed. Ah, my real name is Da-eun.”
“Camellia. Shin Eun-chae. I apologize for what happened earlier.”
Upon seeing Camellia for the first time, her appearance was much cleaner than I expected. Unlike the fiery and fierce character she portrayed in-game, in person, she seemed more like an exemplary student. The way she fidgeted upon seeing my legs suggested that she wasn’t a bad person.
I could sense doubt and confusion in her wavering eyes.
Perhaps she was wondering how someone with legs like mine could move the way I did. Her reaction came more through actions than words. Shin Eun-chae bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle, and her demeanor clearly reflected sincerity.
Seeing her in such a humble position oddly didn’t fill me with pleasure.
“Alright, it’s fine. I let loose back then, so there’s no point in being mad now.”
“I will be more careful next time.”
“Please straighten your waist first.”
Was I really such a cruel person? Watching her lower herself made me feel more burdened than anything else. I helped her straighten her posture, and only then did I see Camellia visibly relax.
Yes, good. With the apology accepted, that’s enough.
I’m not exactly someone who can stand on high moral ground either. Besides, I was already feeling self-conscious under Luche’s scrutiny because, let’s not forget, I also lied to her.
On the day I appeared on Elderlyn’s broadcast, I said I was leveling up a Fire Sorceress. However, my real face was exposed that very day through Gawol, revealing I was Da-eun. Luche must have felt quite taken aback upon discovering this.
“That… I’m sorry too. For deceiving you while playing the game. I didn’t have any bad intentions. That’s why…”
“I understand. I’ve gone through similar feelings.”
Ah, that’s why I like Luche.
She too has experienced difficult times, thus she understands the sensation of feeling burdened by one’s own limitations. It feels good to be understood, and it calms me.
“Shall we get in the car? Staying out here for too long doesn’t feel right, so let’s go somewhere for a drink.”
—
Sigma Medical Group is a globally influential medical foundation with an authority that can proudly claim to be the best in the country.
It’s the only place where I could get treatment for my legs or receive rehabilitation training.
Fitting for its grand scale, there were several stylish cafes within the foundation’s grounds. After a short ride in Luche’s car, we arrived at a cozy three-story cafe. As soon as we stepped out, subtle glances were directed our way.
Let’s be honest—it wasn’t entirely unrelated to Luche or me—but the majority of those gazes were already on the car before we even stepped out. It was only right to say they were focused on Luche’s vehicle.
‘It’s not the kind of car you see every day.’
Indeed, Luche has money. While Elderlyn’s car wasn’t exactly a budget model either, Luche’s vehicle was on a completely different level. It wasn’t just about earning well; the disparity extended beyond that.
Her noble aura could be felt in even the smallest of gestures, unlike my uneasy demeanor.
“What would you like to drink?”
Luche chose a cold brew. Camellia went for an Americano, and I chose a milkshake.
Ever since my body changed, sweets have been particularly satisfying. Eating brings a spark-like sensation in my mind, and oddly enough elevates my mood. It gives me a reason to find one each time the opportunity arises.
As we waited in our seats for our drinks, Luche broke the silence. She seemed a bit strained.
“Da-eun, may I ask the reason you’ve taken a break from gaming?”
“Ah… well…”
Here comes the inevitable topic.
It was something I had anticipated. After all, I came here because I had a request for her.
However, I wasn’t prepared for the conversation that followed.
“I have some guesses. Did I ever mention what I initially planned to do before becoming a professional gamer?”
Iga-yun began casually, and upon reflection, the connection was straightforward, though I hadn’t linked the dots seamlessly.
Elderlyn, who earns a considerable fortune as a streamer, might even have less wealth compared to Luche. Could Luche’s wealthiness really depend solely on her professional gaming salary?
She used to ride horses before being a professional gamer. Equestrian sports are also quite expensive.
“Originally, I wanted to become a researcher in the virtual reality field, but I stopped after a horse riding accident when I no longer wanted to continue studying.”
“Hmm.”
“And the accident also influenced my start in gaming.”
Sigma eSports is Luche’s team, a well-known fact. However, the truth is a bit different.
Sigma, a US-based company, has its eSports team based in the Korean league. Her entry into the Pro League coincides roughly with the team’s formation timeline. Moreover, Luche has served in various capacities within Sigma for quite some time.
Sigma Medical Foundation—or more specifically, its entire Korean branch—was supported by a person named Iga-yun. More concretely, she is the only daughter of the branch director.
“Recently, a game company approached me with a request. It was about analyzing connection logs and verifying usage records. There aren’t many people who have expertise in VR interfaces and can also test skills at a professional gaming level.”
The vibration bell sounded, signaling that our drinks were ready. Camellia naturally stood up to fetch them.
“Sigma is quite established in the virtual device sector. The stability of access devices is also legally recognized. Even so, it is a domain where personal influence can’t easily interfere.”
“…”
“I know this much. That’s why Eun-chae came along. I’m somewhat worried that I’m prying into Da-eun’s wounds without permission. Apologies for finding out without asking.”
It became slightly alarming.
This was how the secrets I wanted to hide could slip out. But maybe that’s a good thing.
—
Camellia returned with our drinks.
She gently stirred her milky shake with a thick straw. During this time, I had sorted out my thoughts.
It’s impossible for me to fully recover the use of my legs overnight. Similarly, it’s impossible for me to connect using a regular VR interface and perform as I used to. Yet, filing formal complaints with the gaming company and fighting it — while difficult — is a possible course of action.
“I think you’re right. I didn’t take a break from gaming; I couldn’t play anymore. I was using a neural interface before, but it was blocked due to stability issues. Other interfaces are fine to use.”
“So, as suspected. Unfortunately, the stability issue is beyond my scope of influence. I can only thoroughly provide verifiable facts.”
“I understand that.”
I’m not entirely ignorant of societal rules. This could escalate into a legal dispute between corporations, so the processes would have been carried out fairly.
However, the answers given just now strengthened my conviction.
My judgment was correct. Luche could become a strong support in my current situation.
Iga-yun asked, “Do you wish to continue gaming?”
“Yes. That’s why I came.”
No deliberation or hesitation when asking for help.
“Please help me. I don’t want to quit this way. I don’t want to lose Gawol like this.”
I want to reclaim what I’ve lost, to return to the world where I could run with my own legs, if only once.
I have always lost, always trampled by life.
Why can’t I fight back this one time?
Even if it appears messy or unrefined, that’s fine. If I’m rejected here, I am prepared to cling to Luche’s ankles, not letting go until I become a bloody pulp.
“Do you have any plans in mind?”
“Yes, I do.”
The game company isn’t invincible.
In past VR game-based fantasy novels, game companies were often depicted as entities above the law, but that’s not true in reality. They are still parts of society.
If so, I should fight in the societal domain. It will be a tiresome and prolonged battle, but there is hope. After sharing a few of my premeditated plans, Luche gave her thoughts.
“That’s quite straightforward. Honest and direct. It will take an extremely long time, though, and there’s no guarantee of your skill maintaining its peak level until then.”
“…I’ve mentally prepared for that.”
“So, why fight all the way to court? You’re still quite naive. The law is full of loopholes, and oddly enough, principle-driven people are often adept at exploiting them.”
I understand.
As long as I stay within the rules, it’s fine, right?
With a faint smile, Luche pulled something out of her bag.
There was a contract on the white paper.
“Shall we sign it first then? It’s irreversible.”
—
*
