Chapter 330 Chapter329-Amelia's Call
As John severed his psychic connection and returned to the real world, daylight was already streaming in through the windows.
He rose from the VR game chamber, stretching lazily.
Another night without sleep had passed.
Indeed, since the advent of VR game chambers, many gaming enthusiasts have treated these devices like their own beds, immersing themselves in them at night.
They'd work in the real world by day and journey into the gaming realm by night.
Entering the game world through a mental link allows the body to fall into a deep sleep, without affecting rest.
John had long grown accustomed to this lifestyle.
Even after experiencing so much in the game this time, he felt no exhaustion.
On the contrary, he was exhilaratingly invigorated.
After a quick meal, John was preparing to dive back into the world of Godslayer when his phone suddenly rang.
At first, he thought it might be Emma, the ever-restless girl seeking his company, but a glance at the phone screen displayed "Amelia."
Somewhat puzzled, John answered the call. Amelia's icy voice came through, "Mr. Foster, what have you been up to?"
John hesitated briefly before answering with a light chuckle, "Ah, Miss Amelia. I've just exited the game, had something to eat, and now I'm gearing up for the grind of life!"
Amelia's crisp and melodious laughter echoed on the line, "Mr. Foster, always the jester. For someone of your stature to say such things, isn't that a bit much? I've taken the liberty of researching this 'Galewind' persona of yours over the past couple of days. And, to my surprise, the reputation attached to the name was staggering..."
"It turns out Mr. Foster has quite the reputation in Godslayer. You've intrigued me enough to consider giving the game a shot!"
The corners of John's lips curled slightly upward as he responded nonchalantly, "If Miss Amelia is curious, I would recommend giving it a try... Believe me, the pleasure of that game will certainly exceed your expectations."
Amelia's voice took on a playful tone, "It's settled then. Once I'm done shooting this film, I'll purchase a game chamber. And when that time comes, Mr. Foster, you better guide me through it!"
John's smile remained unchanged as he replied softly, "Of course. Just send me the game details when you're ready..."
There was a brief pause before Amelia suddenly remarked, "Mr. Foster, have you perhaps forgotten something?"
John was momentarily stunned but soon remembered the invitation Amelia had extended during their last conversation.
He glanced at the electronic invitation on his phone.
The concert was, in fact, scheduled for tonight.
Maintaining a composed facade, John replied, "How could I? Your invitation has always been on my mind. Rest assured, I will definitely not be absent tonight..."
Amelia seemed quite pleased with John's answer. "That's good to hear. I'll eagerly await Mr. Foster's arrival this evening..."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two ended the call.
With a touch of resignation, John shook his head, absentmindedly fidgeting with his phone.
Truth be told, he held little interest in concerts.
In John's rugged perception, such events were merely gatherings where people watched stars engage in tedious performances.
Many claim music has the power to cleanse the soul.
Yet, John had never felt such an effect.
On regular days, he scarcely listened to music, only indulging occasionally during moments of sheer boredom.
After Amelia sent him that electronic invitation, John had taken the initiative to search online for her tracks.
Lately, his playlist primarily consisted of Amelia's original compositions and covers.
But having made a commitment, it would be discourteous to break it.
Thus, John chose to put his in-game activities on hold, diligently preparing for the evening's engagement.
...
As night fell, the sky sparkled with stars.
John stepped out of his home.
Walking along bustling streets, his hands clasped behind his back, he resembled a leisurely tourist.
Admittedly, despite having lived in the city for such a long time, John seldom ventured out at this hour.
As a top-tier gamer, this time was usually dedicated to intense gaming sessions.
Observing the young men and women passing by, a faint smile graced John's face.
He suddenly realized he had become entirely disconnected from their world.
While they shared similar age brackets, John couldn't fathom the source of the younger generation's happiness.
The streets were alive with vehicles and pedestrians—some laughing heartily, others cloaked in sorrow.
Such is the tapestry of life.
Now, John felt like a mere passerby, playing the role of an observer, quietly studying the expressions of each individual, dissecting their emotional state.
This was an activity John had always relished.
By analyzing the psyche of various people and tracing their actions back to their origins, he could often discern the short-term trajectory of their lives.
The city's main hues were the bustling sounds of peace and the stillness of contented life.
Taking a deep breath, a hint of contentment appeared on John's face.
Perhaps he truly should spend more time savoring the beauty of the real world.
Immersing himself day in and day out in the Godslayer virtual realm wasn't always the most comforting choice.
Yet, with the impending invasion of the parallel world, the beauty and prosperity he witnessed now might evaporate with the onset of war, casting a shadow over his heart.
No one currently knew the precise moment the real world and the Godslayer realm would merge.
This meant the invasion from the parallel world could occur at any time.
While the present appeared peaceful, who knew how many were secretly preparing for the imminent war?
Recalling the weary expression on Elder Anderson's face during their discussions on these matters, John forced himself to push away any complacency.
Now wasn't the time...
To preserve the beauty he saw before him, the calamity of the parallel world's invasion had to be addressed.
The very reason these young people around him could afford such nonchalance was merely due to their ignorance of the truth.
But John was acutely aware: the crisis of the parallel world's invasion could erupt at any moment.
Remaining vigilant and striving to save the world was the heaviest responsibility he bore.
Following the address on the electronic invitation, John traversed several streets until he finally reached the venue of the concert.
Glancing upward, he realized his previous assumptions were utterly mistaken.
This concert was not as simple as he had imagined.
It was hosted in an opulent building, with the word "Opera House" prominently displayed above.
John had initially assumed the concert would resemble those music festivals on television: perhaps held in a stadium where fans could buy tickets, wave their glow sticks, hold banners, and sing along, expressing their adoration for their idols.
But he quickly realized he had been mistaken.
An opera house, at full capacity, could only accommodate a few thousand.
This meant that this concert wasn't for the average person.
Without substantial financial means or the right connections, one would not gain entry.
Observing the attendees at the opera house's entrance and then glancing down at his attire, a peculiar expression crossed John's face.
The audience was dressed to the nines: men in tailored suits or elegant tuxedos and women adorned in heavy makeup, their exquisite evening gowns shimmering alluringly under the lights.
In contrast, John's outfit was decidedly casual, only missing flip-flops and shorts.
Scratching his head in slight distress, he wondered if the security at the entrance would even permit him inside with his current get-up.
Yet, having come all this way, it was too late to return and change.
Thus, with a bold face, John headed toward the entrance of the opera house.
Passing by the line of luxury cars parked outside, when John stood at the entrance of the opera house, all eyes turned to him in bewilderment.
It couldn't be helped; amidst a crowd dressed to perfection, John's distinct appearance was bound to attract attention.
Many of the elite ladies initially showed disdain upon catching sight of John's casual attire.
Yet, the moment they glimpsed his face, all aversion seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke.
A middle-aged woman, her face heavily made up, swayed her slender waist as she approached him.
"My, such a unique outfit for a concert," she cooed. "I quite fancy a young man with your sort of character. Would you perhaps share your contact information with me?"
The scent of her perfume, while not unpleasant, was overpoweringly strong, making John slightly uncomfortable.
He replied impassively, "Ma'am, you've misunderstood. I'm not here for the concert; I'm merely the parking attendant outside..."
The flirtatious smile on the woman's face froze instantly.
With a dismissive wave of her hand, she scoffed, "I see. What a waste of a handsome face on such a menial job..."
Without waiting for John's response, she strutted haughtily into the opera house.
John, slightly bemused, touched his nose.
He hadn't expected to be approached in such a forward manner by a woman like her.
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on fre(e)webnov(l).com