Alan’s spirited argument with the Crimson Gunner had caught the attention of a few onlookers, but as the situation quickly settled, they went back to their own business, leaving Alan standing in front of his small group – Daniel, Milo, Vicky, and Luis. They all looked at him expectantly, waiting for his next move.

Feeling the weight of their anticipation, Alan let out a sigh, feeling torn between his list of tasks and their desire to spend time together. He finally spoke, “It’s a huge port, you are all free to do anything you want. There’s no need to hang around me, you know.”

Vicky, ever the lively one, quickly interrupted, “Alan, I’m sure everyone here is grateful for what you did in the last game. I suggest we celebrate with a drink and get to know each other better.” She turned to the others and asked, “What do you all think?”

“Agreed!” Luis and Milo chimed in enthusiastically.

Milo didnt say a word but was willing to join for the occasion.

Alan, having other plans in mind, was prepared to politely decline the offer. However, before he could utter a word, Daniel interjected, excitement brimming in his eyes. “We’re going, right? Can we, Mr. D?” He pleaded with his teacher, hoping for a positive response.

Caught off guard and feeling the weight of Daniel’s anticipation, Alan found himself conceding. “Alright, maybe just for an hour.”

“Let’s go!” Vicky exclaimed, leading the way with her characteristic enthusiasm.

As they made their way to the bar, the group passed through the vibrant hub of the freeport. Players from all walks of life mingled, some excitedly discussing their strategies, while others traded rare items they had collected in the previous game rounds. The atmosphere was a mix of tension and excitement, knowing that the next round of the Apocalypse Game was looming.

Vicky’s choice of the closest bar turned out to be a classic establishment, reminiscent of those found in many places across the United States. The bar’s rustic wooden exterior and neon sign gave it a welcoming feel, even in the midst of the virtual world.

Upon entering, they found several other players already occupying the bar stools, nursing their virtual drinks. However, there was an unmistakable air of dread and despair surrounding this group. It was evident that these players had just come out of a harrowing game round, and some might have even lost friends or allies along the way.

Having played the game for three years, Alan had witnessed this somber atmosphere numerous times before. Despite surviving the challenges, players couldn’t escape the grim reality of the Apocalypse Game. The constant threat of danger and loss left its mark on everyone, including those who managed to make it through.

For a moment, the sight of desolation affected Alan’s group, making them hesitate before stepping inside. But Vicky, seemingly impervious to the gloomy atmosphere, walked in with confidence. She went straight to the bar and engaged in a lively conversation with the non-player character bartender.

“Five beers, please!” Vicky ordered with a smile, her energy and enthusiasm evident even in this gloomy environment.

Still determined to lighten the mood, she strutted over to the jukebox and selected a catchy country-style song. The upbeat melody and familiar lyrics filled the bar, and Vicky began swaying to the rhythm, encouraging others to join in.

True to her ability to uplift the spirits of those around her, more players started to follow Vicky’s lead. The once solemn bar gradually transformed into a lively scene as people sang along and danced, if only virtually, to the music. 𝔬𝚟𝒍𝐞xt.𝗇𝓔t

The group found a cozy corner to sit in, away from the bustling crowd. As they sipped their virtual beers, they were pleasantly surprised by how realistic the experience felt. The taste, aroma, and even the after-effects of the virtual drink were strikingly close to the real thing.

“Give us five more glasses!” Vicky shouted excitedly, her laughter echoing in the bar.

The usual silent Milo said “Actually just four, one is enough for me”

“Seriously a big guy like you!!”

The group embraced the moment of respite, savoring the camaraderie and forgetting, for a while, the dangers that awaited them in the next round of the game. Each member sharing bits and pieces of their lives outside the game. Luis was the most talkative among them. Milo, as usual, remained a man of few words, but his subtle smiles and occasional nods showed that he was enjoying the camaraderie.

When it came to Alan’s turn, everyone’s attention shifted to him, intrigued to learn more about the enigmatic schoolteacher who had shown remarkable prowess in the game.

Vicky, the ever-curious and friendly one, couldn’t resist teasing Alan a little. “So… school teacher, are you really?” she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

To everyone’s surprise, Daniel was the one to answer eagerly, “Yes, Mr. D is my science teacher!”

Vicky couldn’t help but smile even wider at this revelation. “You are an interesting man, Alan, or should I say, Mr. D?”

However, despite Vicky’s charm and skill in drawing people out, Alan’s true background and reasons for playing the game remained elusive. His mysterious demeanor only added to the intrigue, leaving the group to wonder about the depths hidden beneath his calm exterior.

As Alan got up to get another drink, Vicky’s curiosity about Alan’s true identity persisted, and she playfully prodded Daniel to share more about his teacher’s life.

The group, expecting to uncover a thrilling secret or hidden identity, instead their hearts sank as they learned about Alan’s deceased wife and his role as a single father, raising a sick daughter on his own

Luis, the Mexican man, was particularly moved by the emotional story. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he couldn’t help but cry like a child.

When Alan returned to the table, he noticed the change in their expressions and demeanor. The once playful atmosphere had shifted to one of somber understanding.

“So, Mr. D, what are you going to do next?” Vicky asked.

“I plan to go shopping,”