Let's go right back into this!

Chapter 4: The First Step

The next day came by as Dumas walked through the virtual town, looking around his surroundings before leaning against the wall. Thinking back, after he exited the world yesterday, he told the official he spoke with before about his deductions. Afterwards, he was told to keep that info secret to avoid panic, both in the virtual and real world. He questioned it, but didn't care as long as it got this over with.

He then sees the market from before, heading into there as the thought of Sinon being there passed through his mind.

As he enters, he sees the store that had all the guns, seeing the various types they use in the game. He then hears a familiar voice behind him.

"Didn't expect to see you here." It was Sinon, her hands on her hip as she had a curious look on his face.

"What, in the game?" Dumas joked.

"You know what I meant. So, why are you here?"

"Uh... I was actually thinking of... g-giving these a shot." He answered with hesitance in his voice.

Sinon raised an eyebrow, "You don't sound too sure about it."

"It's personal." He said briefly. "I just need your expertise on the guns."

Sinon looked at him with curiosity before asking, "What guns are you interested in?"

"Revolvers." His answer was instant, which surprised her a bit.

"All right, let's look around."

As they do, they saw all kinds of models for various guns such as shotguns, rifles, and even rocket launchers. They did eventually find the revolvers, which Dumas then started talking.

"Which models would you recommend?"

"Well, there are many different models for your preferred style. There are the Smith & Wesson models if you're more into power, then the Single Action Army revolvers if you want better accuracy..."

"What about this one?" She notices Dumas pointing at one of the screens.

"The Ruger Super Blackhawk? Not a bad choice, it's pretty accurate with good power to compliment it."

Next thing she knew, he purchased it and the robot from before brings it to him. "Thanks." He said as he took it.

"Thank you for your purchase." The robot said before it left.

After the two purchased a holster for the revolver, the two headed to the shooting range and got a booth. Sinon leaned on the wall as she watched Dumas prepare to aim. He stood there firmly as he held both hands on the handle, aiming the gun at the target. But, she noticed each time he tried to pull the trigger, he freezes up.

"Something wrong?" She asked.

"N-No. Just... haven't done this in awhile." He admits.

The place was silent as he stood there aiming, but still have yet to actually shoot.

"...Need some help?" She offered.

"U-Uh... n-no. I can do this." He then tried to pull the trigger twice, yet he still kept freezing up.

"You're tensing up too much." She points out.

He actually just now noticed that, the bullet circle was going frantic and his heart rate increased each time he tried. He stood there in thought when suddenly, another pair of hands came from behind him and placed themselves on his own.

"Take deep breaths, focus on the target." It was Sinon, speaking against his ear as her head was on his shoulder to see over it.

Taking her advice, he slowly breathed in and out... in and out... in and out... his heart rate slowing down and the bullet circle was aiming more around the target. Once the bullet circle was over the target, he pulled.

BANG!

"There you go, wasn't so hard." She congratulated.

She then noticed Dumas was struggling to stand and helped him keep steady as she leaned him against the wall. He slid down to sit when she spoke.

"You all right? You look like you're about... to..." Sinon then went silent.

Dumas looked at her and noticed her expression, which looked like she was remembering something. He was gonna ask her what was wrong, only to find himself at a loss for words. The two were actually in silence for some time, which was strange since there is no one here right now.

"You said earlier... you're doing this because of personal reasons, right?" Dumas looked at Sinon, who now has a neutral expression.

He simply nodded in response, "Do you... want to talk about it?" She asked sincerely.

He was finally able to catch his breath as he looks at her, seeing her rather concerned. As he was thinking about what to say, she spoke up again.

"If you don't want to, that's fine. I'll lend my ear when you're ready."

Hearing that, Dumas couldn't help but smile a bit at her kindness. Still, she deserves a bit of the story since she's helping him.

"My father... owned a gun store in America. Just a simple man following his dreams since he used to watch old westerns and war movies as a kid. Always had an interest in guns since then. When he got the money, he opened that shop and it did rather well, thanks mainly to the location of the place. The people there were gun enthusiasts just like him. Eventually, I took an interest as well and we became father and son, in guns... and in blood."

Sinon listened quietly as he told the story, waiting until he paused to ask a question. "Did something happened?"

Dumas stayed quiet in response. Sinon was thinking of pushing it a bit more, but the look on Dumas' face told another story as he looked straight ahead of himself.

"Well, thanks for telling me." She said, standing up and holding out a hand.

Dumas looked up at her for a moment before accepting her hand, getting himself up to his feet. He then puts the revolver in his holster, "You're helping me, so it's only fair. Thanks."

Sinon let out a small smile before she realized something, "Oh, we should get going! Don't wanna miss the second round."

"Oh, almost forgot about that. Let's go!" He said as the two left the range.

They managed to make it in time and got ready for their next match. When Dumas got transferred into the loading screen, he placed the holster for the revolver on his left thigh.

"I hope I don't have to use it so soon, just in case I need it." He said to himself before he teleports to the arena.

Done! Next round right around the corner! See ya then!