Chapter 2

July 1, 2025

Fields Outside Glocken

We've been levelling for the big tournament that happens at the end of the month. Well, almost all of us anyway, Dino's just here for support. "You guys suck!" He shouted in encouragement. "I wanna take part in this too!" He's very enthusiastic in supporting us.

"Dino, if you hadn't gotten that big-ass gun, you'd be able to take part in the tournament too!" I thanked him for the encouragement. "Just, uh, get a smaller gun for the next tournament maybe? I don't know."

He grumbled inaudibly.

"So, with that, let's continue." I smiled. Before we could get any more practicing in, Dino spoke up.

"So, which of these guns do you think I should use?" He asked, pointing to a menu of heavy machine guns.

"Dude, even if you get a new weapon, you won't be able to train with it enough in time for the BoB. It's within the week." I explained to him.

"Oh ho ho, don't take me too lightly. My friends and I were able to reach G-rank in Monster Destroyer in less than a week. I'm sure I can master a new weapon soon enough." He said proudly.

I put my hand on his shoulder. "Dino, you do remember back in Aincrad when you wanted to try out a sword and shield combo?" I asked him.

"Yeah, and?"

"Well, think of it this way, it didn't work out so well, did it?"

"…No."

"There we go, maybe in the next tournament man." I said to him, walking away. "Alright you three, round two"

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A few hours later

Dicey Café

"Well if it isn't Slasher and Alice. What brings you two here?" Egil welcomes us as we walk into the bar.

"Good evening Egil." Alice smiled. "John and I are here on a date. Our VR date got sidetracked last time so we're here tonight."

"That, and we figured we hadn't seen you in a while, so we dropped by." I added.

"You made the right choice in coming here then." Egil said smugly. "I'm not cooking the food tonight, so you know the food will be great."

I supressed the urge to make a joke at Egil's expense and took a look at the menu. "Hey Egil, what are your specials today?"

It continued on like this for the rest of the night. Being a weeknight, The Dicey Café wasn't very busy so we were able to just hang out like when we first met (though she is a lot more talkative than she was back then). Egil's wife told us stories of when they first met, how awkward he was, it was a good laugh at his expense.

We finished off our date and headed home. I can't tell you what happened afterwards, but that was the gist of it.

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Day 4

Fields Outside Glocken

"You guys are still horrible!" Dino reassured us. "Can't I at least take part in the practice battles?"

"You know he's just going to keep complaining right?" Alice whispered to me.

I just sighed and motioned for him to join us. "Woo hoo! Now I can show you guys what I can do." I think it's safe to say he's happy that he can finally take part in the practice.

Within a few short minutes he was already off to the side, having been taken care of by his girlfriend Aria. "That seemed to have shut him up." I mused. "Shall we continue?"

"You're on brother." Jenny said with confidence.

"Nah, I think I'll sit this one out." Aria said beside Dino.

"Alright, it'll be two against one." Alice said, siding with my sister.

It was a long battle, the combination of my little sister and my girlfriend almost did me in, but in the end, I was able to finish off my sister. Alice, as always, was faster than I was, so I wasn't able to block her quick hit and runs, and I was at a low enough health to have lost the duel.

After training, we headed back to the Capitol to head to the apartments we had there, originally, the game gave us one each, but Alice and I were able to get one to ourselves, as well as Aria and Dino. Jenny was still alone, so that was all well and dandy.

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The Next Day

The Day of the BoB Preliminaries

"Alright you guys, today's the day. Today, we get our name out there." And make some money in the progress.I added as an afterthought.

"Honey, we can hear what you're thinking." Alice said. "While it would be nice to be able to get some extra money, you don't have to broadcast your thoughts everywhere."

"Ah, I've been scolded."

"Furthermore, I don't think our squad should be too big, it's really fine the way it is." She's continuing? "We could maybe fit one or two more people, but that's about it."

"Alright, alright, I got it."

"And don't even get me started on-" I looked to the others as Alice continued.

"Well, time to find some good materials. Are you coming Aria?" Dino asked.

"No, I'm gonna go back to the city with Jenny and get some cute clothes." Aria grabbed my sister.

Don't leave me!

Jenny had a look on her face that said sorry.

Crap.

-20 minutes later-

"-and that's why you shouldn't do those things." Alice concluded her longest scolding yet.

"Alright, I get it, so, should we head back to the city so we can sign up for the Bullet of Bullets?" Alice's eyes widened.

"Why didn't you say anything!" She yelled, grabbing my hand and taking off. We got back to the city in record time. With just three minutes left to sign up, we filled the forms out at the terminal just in time. As we finished, we were teleported to a waiting area for the prelims.

"I wish my family's last name was time." I said out of nowhere.

"Why?" Alice asked, intrigued.

"So that I could change my name to Justin Time." I said with a stupid smile on my face.

"Dork." Alice chuckled and kissed me.

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I am terribly sorry, I still have a really bad case of writer's block. Or as my friend puts it, Writer's Brick House. But, I've finally been able to finish this chapter. It ends on a good note, and I'm sorry for that joke at the end. I really am, but I just had to make it.

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Alice: You are so adorkable.

Thrasher: Well I'm sorry. I inherited my dad's sense of humour.

Alice: I'm not saying it's a bad thing.

Jenny: Your sense of humour is terrible. It's just like dad's.

Thrasher: Nice of you to join in Jenny.

Jenny: Just s-

Well, that's all. G'night you guys.

Jenny: Motherfu-