MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist-Novel

Ren raised his gaze, glancing over the infinite blue sky that promised sunshine throughout the day. The warm breeze swirled around him, sending his hair in all directions.

The majestic crystal clear ocean enticed its viewers to explore its deep waters and search for the treasures it hid within.

On its shore was the golden sand that sparkled like tiny jewels and colorful gem-like seashells that reflected the dazzling sunshine as if waiting to be picked.

The water gently caressed the shore, leaving white traces every time it left.

Men who wore nothing but swimming trunks played volleyball and frisbee with each other. Exposed under the sun were tanned women wearing skimpy bikinis. The laughter and giggles of children made the atmosphere livelier as they built sandcastles. There were also some adventurous people water-skiing or paragliding and chill people relaxing in a canoe or yacht.

Ren inhaled a mouthful of warm sea breeze. The soothing smell of the wind and the smooth sand beneath his feet made him feel relaxed and peaceful.

Unfortunately, he was with a company that could instantly nullify that feeling.

"I'm so excited," said Saya, who was next to Ren. "This is my first time being invited to such a fancy event."

". . ." Ren didn't reply. He couldn't wait for the event to finish, so he could return to the game. COVENANT was his only solace now.

"You should have worn something fancier," commented Saya as she scanned Ren's all-black polo shirt, shorts, and slippers.

Saya especially wore an expensive Gucci swimsuit, but Ren looked like he didn't even bother and just pulled randomly from his closet on the get-go.

He didn't even show admiration for her two-piece bikini or her sexy frame. The expression on his face remained impassive, with his lips shut in a thin line, making Saya think that she wasn't appealing enough.

Being with Ren damaged her pride and confidence, but still . . . she refused to let him go.

Ren was too good to pass now.

Saya was convinced that, at the end of the day, Ren would end up liking her.

All he needed was a little push. Saya thought to herself.

On the contrary, the man whom all Saya could think about couldn't care less.

"It's a beach event. People here don't even wear clothes," replied Ren without an ounce of excitement.

He then went ahead in hurried steps, leaving Saya and forcing her to jog to catch up.

Meanwhile, watching them from one of the bar tents, Isolde couldn't help but drink another glass of cocktail. Beside her was Leonel, who was so worried for Ren that he couldn't sit still.

Leonel had come all the way here with Isolde, wanting to look after his friend out of worry.

Instead of having his worry alleviated, it only got worse when he saw how Ren acted around Saya on the beach.

"Something is definitely wrong," Leonel muttered and then chugged another bottle of beer.

Whenever faced with a problem, the beer tasted like water, so before Leonel knew it, three bottles were already emptied, and he was about to finish the fourth.

"Yeah," Isolde agreed. "I never saw Ren look so constipated before. Maybe he ate something bad."

"Not that — well, his face looks constipated all the time, but this time, it's different. He was long over Saya, and now they're together? And after he just confessed to Evie? Something is definitely not right here."

Isolde's mood plummeted. It seemed like Ren's type was short and petite girls, after all. She really stood no chance.

"Maybe he is not really over her?" Isolde said, chugging another bottle of cocktail as if it was juice. "You know, years of feelings couldn't possibly disappear after just . . . four months?"

Leonel vehemently shook his head. "I know him. Once he didn't like a person, he wouldn't like that person forever. You could clearly see on his face that he was being forced."

Isolde laughed a little. "There's something that could force Ren?" She had a hard time believing that.

"I know him. He might look like everything is in control, but deep down, he is easily rattled if things don't go according to his plan."

Isolde sighed. "But he wouldn't tell you anything, right? Best to just leave him alone for now."

It was at that moment that Leonel pulled his attention away from Ren and Saya. He faced Isolde. "You're right. I'll confront him another time when he's ready to spill the beans."

He then grinned when he noticed Isolde get up. "By the way, why are you in our school swimsuit?"

Isolde looked at her one-piece swimsuit, which had the logo of their school on the front and her name on the back, before shrugging.

"I forgot where I put my swimsuits at home. They're renovating my bedroom so everything is a mess there. And it was a chore to go shopping at the last minute. You calling me to come here was so urgent that I didn't have time to prepare. Honestly, I wouldn't go if you hadn't insisted."

Leonel smacked his hands together as a form of apology. "Sorry. I don't want to be alone here and be that odd guy on the side. But on a side note, our school swimsuit looks good on you."

Isolde smirked and flipped her long hair. "I know. That's why I wore it."

It was followed by a little wince as she pulled the strap from her cleavage. "It's a little stuffy, though."

Leonel looked to the side with a wry smile on his face. It's because of your chests. He thought.

Though Isolde looked lean because of her choice of clothes and height, when dressed in a skimpy outfit, her nice figure really showed.

Come to think of it, wasn't he lucky? Leonel thought.

Isolde was cool, rich, capable, dependable, and had a very nice figure. And she was his girlfriend? . . . Right?

He liked her big eyes as well as her confident smile and personality. Their compatibility with each other was also an added bonus.

It must be the alcohol at work, but Leonel found Isolde more appealing than before. He had a lot of crushes, but he never considered seriously taking it to the next step.

Leonel shook his head. Why was his heart beating more erratically than usual?

( . . . continuation on NOTES)