Chapter 21: Her Talent

"Where is that inconsiderate NPC?" NukEncore asked after she calmed down.

"You mean Rangar?" Martin said.

"Yes. Him." She flicked her hair back in a dramatic, unapologetically sexy motion. "He fails to understand that players come here to fulfill their dreams. Of course he’s inconsiderate. But he also holds the key to the Level One Dungeon."

It sounded like a huge problem, being locked out of the dungeon, but NukEncore didn’t treat it that way. She’d trained hard, discovered the thrill of critical strikes, and clearly believed she was born to stir chaos.

"And if that’s not enough," she added, chin lifting, "I have a Plan B."

Martin let out a short laugh, more amused than anything. "Fine. He’s usually around the Light Tree, talking to players. Let’s find him."

"Don’t you have to sleep?" Chaosgraphy asked from behind, just as Martin started to stand.

His expression tightened.

If I push it tonight, I’ll pay for it tomorrow. And Tuesday, too.

"Yeah... sorry, NukEncore."

"Don’t be, Emperoar." NukEncore’s tone softened, but her pride stayed intact. "It’s a relief, honestly. A man who draws out my critical damage is also responsible in real life. Get some sleep."

Martin chuckled. "I’ll sleep much better now. Thanks. Night, you two."

He logged out.

As soon as he vanished, the air on the bench turned heavy. The two remaining players studied each other, as if confirming what they’d already suspected.

Chaosgraphy smiled first. "Real life doesn’t matter here."

"I know." NukEncore’s gaze slid over her avatar like she was assessing a costume. "It’s an eye-opener, seeing how people treat me when I look like this. You enjoy it too, don’t you?"

"I don’t." Chaosgraphy’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m not here to be bothered. I’m here to play. Emperoar reminded me why I logged in—to immerse myself in the villainess I admire."

"I’m here to fulfill my younger self’s dream." NukEncore rose. "And I don’t have time for you. See you Tuesday."

She turned and jogged across the street, heading for Rangar.

Up close, their impressions only hardened.

In real life, they chased attention in different worlds.

In the game?

Things had taken a different turn.

—

"You!"

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"Ohhh!" Rangar’s grin widened. "I recognize you, Miss NukEncore. Haha!"

He still remembered those mana bolts. Each one had a mind of its own. One had nearly taken his hairline. Even so, he looked genuinely pleased to see her. She was interesting in a stubborn way, refusing to let go of her dream of being a mage.

"How can I help you?" Rangar asked.

"Come to the training grounds." NukEncore’s voice carried a crisp authority, like refusal wasn’t an option. "I’ll show you the results of my training."

Martin had mentioned she’d been working hard and even helping him. Rangar had no reason to refuse, especially after finishing most of his reward talks for the day.

"Understood! Let’s go," he said, still smiling.

A few minutes later, that smile was gone. Rangar stroked his stubby beard, watching NukEncore’s Arcane Mana Bolts streak past the wooden dummy. Some hit. Some slipped wide.

Her accuracy had improved, sure, but the misses were still there.

"It’s strange," Rangar muttered. "How do you struggle with something so simple?"

Most players didn’t miss basic attacks. Even archers could send a straight arrow into the dummy with decent posture. For mages, it should’ve been even simpler.

"Miss NukEncore," Rangar said, eyes narrowing, "how do you gather mana into your staff?"

"Hm? I just want it to gather and shoot," she replied, as if it were obvious.

Rangar stared at her. "Do you... not use the skill icons to funnel mana into your basic attacks and skills?"

It was a common method for players who’d never handled mana before.

"Icons?" NukEncore waved a hand. "I turned them off. They ruined my immersion."

Rangar’s jaw dropped.

So she was gathering mana naturally, without UI support. That explained the inconsistency. She was doing something impressive without realizing the mechanics she was overriding.

NukEncore lowered her voice, speaking to herself. "I’m doing better... but I still haven’t landed a critical strike. I really need Emperoar’s help."

"Why?" Rangar asked, still stunned.

"Because with him, I hit consecutive criticals. Naturally."

Rangar’s gaze sharpened. She trained with Martin. He pulled threat. Something about that pressure forced the right channeling. He didn’t understand the full reason, but one conclusion felt obvious.

If she wanted to stabilize that mana flow, she needed to be paired with him.

"Miss NukEncore."

"Yes?" She glanced back, eyes bright. "Shocked by my hard work?"

"Shocked would be an understatement." Rangar straightened. "You have far more potential than I realized. I’ll admit it. I was blind."

"Really?" NukEncore turned fully, offering him a flawless smile.

He nodded, suddenly looking like a proud father. "Indeed."

"Of course you were blind." Her tone was pure confidence. "Wielding magic has always been my dream. Even if I can cast magic on people in the real world, I always wanted fire. Real fire."

"Your fire magic just needs a spark," Rangar said.

"A spark?"

"Yes." He hesitated, then committed. "I don’t fully understand why it works, but Martin seems to be your spark. And I believe he’ll want you with him for his first Level One party run." Rangar’s smile returned. "Would you like to take part in that challenge?"

That was exactly why NukEncore had come.

Rangar had no idea he now sounded like Martin’s mother, trying to pair a girl with him.

"All in," NukEncore said smoothly. "Ready to shine. Good, because my Plan B was... even too much for me."

"What was your Plan B?" Rangar asked.

NukEncore’s lips curved. "I was going to make excuses until you handed me the invitation. Something like: Emperoar and Chaosgraphy need an anchor to push them further." She clicked her tongue. "Desperate. And not my style."

Her eyes narrowed, amused.

"But it’s fine." She tilted her head. "It worked out."

And at the mention of Martin’s name, her smile turned slow and seductive, like she’d uncovered the sweetest secret in the entire game.