Going Off-Script - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Since the day the mission was declared a success, the System vanished. Three months later, the System reemerged as I was stepping out of Brimble Network after picking up a late shift. "It's been a while, Player. Have you been well?" I grinned. "Pretty good. Things have been a whole lot better than before." The System fell silent for a bit. "T've passed along your feedback to headquarters. You're the first player to pull off a successful quest after switching assigned targets.

We might be expecting a huge change in our upcoming conquest." I stopped in my tracks and uttered, "To be fair, I'm not putting the blame on you. I was too attached to the fleeting kindness five years ago, and I ended up making the same mistake. Still, I want to say that the relationships between women shouldn't be limited to the heroine and villainess fighting over some man. We are all human beings with our own feelings and minds." The System sighed. "You have a point. We'1l make improvements. Perhaps the next player would have a choice to choose the target for the quest.

"Tneed to let you know that Patrick isn't doing well." I paused. "Lately, he's been dreaming about you-about you cooking for him, your silhouette waiting outside the lab, and you standing in the rain watching him leave. He can't explain it, but seeing Arabella take your hand shattered his heart." I carried on my way, my voice still. "So he's finally hurting, huh?" The System asked cautiously. "D-Don't you want to know how he's holding up now?" "No." My answer came right out, surprising even myself. It turned out that the moment I let him go, his joy and sorrows were no longer connected to me.

Iran into Patrick again at the industry summit held at the end of the month. Patrick lost a lot of weight; his gaze stuck on me. Paying him no mind, I made a beeline to the Brimble Network booth, but he came in my way. "Skye, can I have a word with you?" Furrowing her brows, Arabella stepped out in front of me. "Mr. Suede, we are currently on the clock. Ms. Simms can't possibly make the time." Patrick looked at me, his eyes welling up. "Five minutes is all I'm asking for." All eyes were on us. Letting out a sigh, I nodded at Arabella. "It's okay.

It's just five minutes." It was windy on the terrace of the convention center. Towering over me, Patrick lit a cigarette. "How have you been lately?" Ileaned against the railing, my tone flat as if I was talking about the weather. "Pretty swell. Brimble Network offered me triple what I had been paid before, and I got my own office. They even throw in Christmas bonuses. It's a massive upgrade from getting a cleaning lady's pay at Suede Corporation." Patrick turned pale. He let out awry smile, his fingers shaking as he helda cigarette. "T deserved it.