Chapter 2-Part 4 "Elaina's Daily routine"
[Vivek's Room – Time: 2:29 PM]
When Vivek opened the door to his small apartment, the familiar scent of old books mixed with the lingering aroma of the milk he had left out for his black cat, filled the air. She was perched on the edge of the table, delicately lapping at the milk, her soft purring creating a serene backdrop to the whirlwind of thoughts that cluttered his mind.
Seeing him return home earlier than usual, she leapt down from the table, her movements fluid and graceful. She curled affectionately around his legs, her silky fur brushing against his skin. Vivek chuckled softly as he bent down, a smile breaking through his furrowed brow. "I know you're happy to see me, but I'm exhausted today," he said, gently running his hand over her back. The simple act of petting her seemed to melt away some of the tension in his muscles.
Cat looked up at him with her luminous green eyes, her meow resonating like a gentle reminder of the bond they shared. "Can you wake me up when I usually come home from the academy?" he asked. The cat meowed again, as if she understood his request. Still, he set an alarm for 5:00 PM, just in case. With the weight of the day's events and the endless speculation from the townspeople swirling in his mind, he sighed deeply and collapsed onto his bed, sinking into the soft embrace of his mattress. As his eyelids grew heavy, he could hear the faint sound of cat purring beside him, lulling him into a deep, much-needed sleep.
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[Back in Elaina's Realm – After the Bath]
Elaina stepped into the training hall, her damp hair tied back into a neat braid, the remnants of her morning bath still glistening on her skin. She wore the usual attire for practice—a fitted tunic and flexible leggings that allowed for a full range of motion. The training hall was a sanctuary, its stone walls echoing with the determination of countless warriors who had come before her. Rebeca, her instructor and trusted mentor, was already present, her expression a mix of sternness and calm that never failed to command respect.
"Due to the launch of EQUAL, today you'll have plenty of time to practice," Rebeca announced, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "But before anything, let's start the day properly."
Elaina sighed inwardly, knowing there was no way around her daily routine. The rituals were ingrained in her—part of a disciplined life she had grown accustomed to. Though part of her was eager to dive into the new game, a world so unlike her current existence, she understood the importance of grounding herself. Rebeca was right; the routine kept her sharp, focused. "Alright, Rebeca, let's get started," she agreed, rolling her shoulders to loosen up, her resolve hardening as she prepared for the drills ahead.
They began with the usual series of drills—strikes, counterattacks, and precision training with various weapons. The clang of steel against steel reverberated through the hall, an exhilarating symphony of discipline and power. Yet, even as her body moved through the motions, her mind kept wandering, pulled by the magnetic allure of EQUAL.
In that game, she wouldn't just be Elaina, the daughter of a noble house burdened by expectations and duties. She wouldn't be the flawless warrior or the heir to the family's legacy. In EQUAL, she would simply be Elaina—a name that held the promise of new beginnings.
The thought of exploring a vast realm, free to carve out her identity without the chains of lineage or title, ignited a fire in her heart. No rules. No constant pressure to excel. For the first time in her life, she could be free to make her own choices, to embrace failure without the fear of disappointing those who had come before her.
As the morning dragged on, Elaina's body moved through the familiar motions, but her mind was already envisioning the landscapes of EQUAL.
She could almost feel the cool breeze against her skin as she imagined wandering through vast forests, with ancient trees whispering secrets, or standing atop a mountain peak, the world sprawling below her in breath-taking beauty. She envisioned towering cities alive with colour and sound, each corner offering endless adventures that called her name like a siren.
When the clock struck noon, her training finally came to an end. She wiped the sweat from her brow, her muscles taut but satisfied from the exertion. As she turned to leave the training hall, she offered Rebeca a small nod of thanks. The mentor's approval was something she cherished, yet today, it felt overshadowed by the anticipation of what awaited her beyond the confines of her current life.
As she made her way to the dining hall, the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted through the air, mingling with the clatter of silverware and low conversations. Her parents were already seated, deep in discussion about matters that felt trivial compared to the world she longed to escape into.
Her father's voice, steady and authoritative, echoed concerns about trade routes and partnerships, while her mother spoke delicately, weaving in hints about Elaina's future role in managing the family estate.
Elaina, however, remained silent, her mind a cacophony of thoughts swirling around the upcoming launch of EQUAL. She absentmindedly toyed with her food, her heart racing with nerves and excitement.
The realization struck her like a lightning bolt: tonight, would change everything. Tonight, she would step into a world where she could finally be herself—not the dutiful daughter, not the heir to an estate, but simply Elaina, an adventurer in a vast new realm.
Each moment spent at the table felt like a countdown, the seconds ticking away toward the start of her new life. She imagined herself donning armour crafted for a warrior, wielding weapons imbued with magical properties, and embarking on quests that would test her strength and wit.
This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where her choices would be her own, unshackled from the weight of family expectations.
As the meal progressed, Elaina caught glimpses of her parents' loving faces, the pride in their eyes contrasting sharply with the yearning in her heart. They meant well, but she felt suffocated by their visions for her future.
'Can't they see I crave adventure? I want to make my own mark,' she thought, her heart pounding with the desire for freedom.
After the meal, as she prepared for the evening ahead, a newfound determination ignited within her. She would carve her path, confront every challenge head-on, and embrace the uncertainties of life in EQUAL.
With each breath, she could feel the boundaries of her old life begin to dissolve, replaced by the exhilarating prospect of becoming her true self.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Elaina stood before her mirror, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Tonight," she whispered to her reflection, "everything changes." With a heart full of hope and dreams, she knew that the adventure awaited, and she was ready to embrace it all.
It was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one where her choices would be her own.
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To Be Continued...