Chapter 37

"Ryn! Your breakfast is ready. Come downstairs and have it before it gets cold!"

A woman's voice rang through the house, loud enough to reach the ears of the boy upstairs. Ryn sat cross-legged on his bed, controller in hand, eyes glued to the screen as he furiously pressed buttons. His headset muffled most sounds, but he caught enough of his mother's voice to reply half-heartedly.

"Yeah, yeah! Coming in a bit!" he called out, not bothering to move an inch.

His in-game character dashed across the battlefield, dodging enemy fire as he landed a perfect counterattack. His fingers moved with practiced ease, the muscle memory of countless hours of gaming keeping him locked in. He was too engrossed to notice the approaching footsteps.

The footsteps grew louder, heavier, and then—

His bedroom door burst open.