Checkpoint
Out came the harsh reality that was the life system implemented in the game, otherwise known as our heroes' current reality. Despite having discovered the wonders of the Imagisphere, they've come to understand not everything was all sunshine and rainbows, even away from the real world.
"That was to be expected. Just what exactly did you think was supposed to happen after we've completely run out of lives, Kai?" Charlotte posed towards Kai with folded arms. Kai smiled nervously with his brow sweating a little.
"Every game has it's Game Over, I guess." Kouta added. Whether you have the capability to complete a game up to the very end, or die trying, eventually all good things must come to an end.
"Now then, companions, I wouldn't have dragged you here if I knew you weren't capable, which is not the case. I've witnessed you on all your adventures. I know what you guys can do. And if you were anything as good as you were all those years ago, I'm sure I can fully rely on your help now."
Sackboy looked at the other three, and this time they were all the same size. He placed a hand each on Charlotte and Kai's shoulder. He was now a mentor to them, even though they kind of already knew how his world worked.
"Trust me on this, you guys can do it."
"For now, let's focus on clearing First Steps and return to the Pod… which is what I'm assuming will happen, right?" Kouta asked, just to be sure. Sackboy nodded, agreeing that was naturally to be their next destination.
"Now that the seriousness has died down a little, you guys realise the clock's still ticking?" Kai reminded everyone.
"Shoot, the race!" Kouta gasped. They forgot all about the two-minute race that had practically passed by in a jiffy.
Moments later, they encountered a handful of empty Prize Bubbles, which awarded fifty points each. Not containing any sort of prize either means the prize had already been obtained before, or there wasn't one placed inside at all, very much to their knowledge. Kouta had already obtained every collectible there is contained in the entirety of the story mode.
The finish line was dead ahead, and Kai managed to run through first with only a few seconds left to spare, closely followed by Sackboy, then Charlotte, and finally Kouta in last place.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! I still got it, even inside Craftworld itself!" Kai cheered proudly. Charlotte shook her head again, while Sackboy just admired the situation. Kouta's focus was shifted more towards the mechanics of the game. Not only were they unable to take fall damage, but they also had an incredible amount of stamina. He didn't feel tired one bit, even after all of that running. It did made sense though, considering the amount of running, jumping and grabbing the Sackboys have performed in their lifetime.
"Ah, there's an all too familiar sight!"
Sackboy hopped as they approached a large computer made from cardboard. This simplistic piece of machinery marked the end of a level as soon as every player present stood on top of it, and presented their overall high score and level achievements, if any were obtained beforehand. And so, our four nifty companions walked up to find out their first results.
The computer beeped, displaying their scores accumulated altogether in a pie chart, revealing which of the players contributed the most points.
"What the… Charlotte there's no way you are in first place!"
"That's because you kept running without chaining strings of Score Bubbles! How do you expect to rack the biggest score if you're just going to grab one here and there, mister?"
Charlotte frowned at his lack of brains. It wasn't that difficult to comprehend, yet she knew all Kai worried about was completing the level faster than everybody else.
"There Miss Smarty Pants goes and does it again. Kouta, how do you keep up with her?"
"W-What is that supposed to mean, all of a sudden?" Kouta responded to a teasing Kai, knowing they've been close friends longer than he has.
Charlotte was known to be the most intelligent of the group, and although that fact alone is what Kai had abused back in school before they officially became friends, he still nitpicked here and there, knowing not to cross the line. Kai had grown to realise who his real friends were instead of those seemingly cool kids, and genuinely cared about those around him, and those who kept him close. Kai stretched his arms and placed them behind his head, not seeming too disappointed. In fact, he was looking even more pumped up and looked forward towards the new challenge presented before him.
"Oh well, I'll definitely remember that little tip for the next level!" he said, determined to beat Charlotte and grab first place himself.
"It's just a title… oh forget it. I won't go easy either!" Charlotte added, contributing to his hype. Kouta and Sackboy were watching the scene unfold, with smiles on their faces.
"You really have the best friends, you know that, Kouta?" Sackboy stated. Kouta nodded in agreement. It was exactly what he wished for, right before everything changed.
"I wish we could always be together like this."
Kouta's best memories all came flooding back at once. His very wish has been granted again, having been reunited in a most peculiar situation where they were to save Craftworld again. This time, not from behind the television. Kouta hasn't been seen smiling this much in a long time, even as a Sackboy. They awaited the next prompt to appear on the computer before supposedly heading back to the Pod.
Thirty seconds had passed. They stood, waiting in anticipation.
"Umm Sackboy, what happens now?" Kouta asked, wondering when the Return to Pod option was going to appear.
"It should've been here already, that's weird. Usually, we'd be teleported straight back to the Pod once the administrator selected the prompt…"
Sackboy's speech slowed down and gasped as he came to a realisation. There wasn't going to be any prompt because there was no overall administrator controlling them this time. For the first time, Sackboy had no clue of how to return to their Pod.