Chapter 101

Lemira heard Alaric's voice but chose not to engage. The dungeon raid commenced, and she teamed up with her fellow players. Alaric, however, lingered nearby, bombarding her with questions: "What's the deal? Are you unhappy with our company's offer? What more do you want?" His anxiety was palpable. Failure to recruit a suitable player jeopardized their chances in the month-end finals.

Lemira frowned. Did Alaric not realize others were present? Was he oblivious to the implications of his words? Soon, a male voice interjected, "Hey, isn't that the SkyBlaze captain? If you're recruiting, at least show some manners!" Another added, "Yeah, such an impolite attitude. It looks like headhunting to some, and burying a body to others!" A third suggested, "Ms. Lemon, why not join the Reapers? Both pay and fame are decent there."

Alaric instantly flared up, "She's not allowed to go!" He'd been patient until today, when the realization that SweetLemon might be Lemira shattered his composure.

Someone countered, "You're being too possessive, Mr. Langston. Ms. Lemon can join any team she likes." Another chimed in, "Exactly, you think you own the beach? Mind your own business!"

Alaric, infuriated, retorted, "What's it to you?" He believed he had a right to speak as he pleased; this streamer might be his sister.

Lemira intervened, "Stop it, the Boss is about to spawn."

"Alright, Miss, we'll listen to you," they replied. Another player added, "Let's give Ms. Lemon some credit. Even though we're just ordinary people, we're honest and not afraid of these trust fund babies."

Lemira remained silent, leading her team against the Boss. Alaric, however, remained upset, attempting a solo fight against the Boss and consequently perishing. The team couldn't resist mocking his demise. Fuming, Alaric stared at his grayed-out screen: "Damn it!" His secretary approached, "What's wrong, boss? The streamer won't agree to join?"

Alaric massaged his temples. "It's not about her joining anymore." The possibility that the streamer was Lemira overwhelmed him. He considered her skilled, knowledgeable gameplay, seemingly professionally trained. A doubt arose; Lemira had never received such training. The incongruity was striking.

He concluded, "This streamer can't be Lemira. If she were, everything I said would be a joke." He was afraid to confront this truth. He told his secretary, "Find someone else."

"So, we're not pursuing this streamer?" she asked.

"Do as I say! I refuse to believe she's the only one out there for us." His feelings were complicated by the streamer's impressive skills. If she was Lemira, was she toying with him?

After completing the dungeon, Lemira noticed Alaric had logged off. She surmised his bruised ego prompted his departure; his pride was important to him. This felt like a stinging rebuke. However, Lemira didn't dwell on it. Feeling tired, she left the study for water.

She found Orion on the couch. "When did you get back?"

Orion, roused from a doze by her footsteps, replied, "Just got back. Did you go to school today?"

Chapter 102