The little things, it was always the little things that tended to add up one after another and become something that bothered you immensely.
Lukas wished that he didn't notice these things, but he was someone who could get himself all wrapped up in his thoughts.
What were the things that made you happy, sad or frustrated? While not the most self-aware, Lukas considered himself to at least be somewhat good with it.
That was what you got after spending so much time by yourself.
'I'm someone who can't help but feel intimidated when someone seems wealthier or richer than I am. I can't help but feel that I'm lacking, or lesser than them… and it's a stupid feeling to have.' Lukas thought as he looked away from Anthony.
His gaze drifted to Matthew in front of him, a young man, barely sixteen but already looking for work and trying his best despite the struggles.
'And on the other side of that freaking coin, I sympathize and relate to those who are having a hard time. I see myself in them… but maybe it's just the fact that misery loves company? Hah. So does it mean that I really care about them or I'm just trying to feel good about myself?'
These thoughts, Lukas hated it when they sprang up. One after another, when he was home alone in his apartment without nothing to distract him from the world.
It was why Lukas scrounged up every penny he had to afford entertainment and then became elated when the VR Reality Pod Capsules became a mandated item to be given to every single individual.
A lot of the work was most commonly done through the VR Capsule after all, and so was most transactions either. The only reason why physical shops still existed was probably because of the old fashioned people and a case of nostalgia.
…And the fact that having a physical body meant that you kinda had to go out from time to time.
The luxury of being healthy, free and not needing to step away from your home was something not everyone afforded and Lukas was certainly one of those who still worked.
Things like genetic modification was expensive, or probably was priced exorbitantly by the companies to generate wealth for themselves.
But that was him getting distracted again.
Lukas shook his head and tried to pull his thoughts away from his past as the line in front of them started moving.
'Things are different now. I actually have relationships with other people, this power inside of me and a chance to experience a world unlike any other. Getting stuck in my memories or my thoughts isn't going to help anyone.'
Lukas' gaze flickered around into the Dark Forest, where luckily, his Vampire vision aided him to see easily through what might have blinded him in the past.
He took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with air and trying to taste it. His ears shifted and picked up the sounds of insects, critters and crawlers to even birds that watched them from the trees. Experiencing the world for himself, and be submerged into his senses.
A much better place than anything.
The sound of footsteps crunched the trodden branches and twigs beneath them. Every now and then, Lukas glanced around and tried to check if anything was following them.
He had learned from his time in the Veiled Forest and he wasn't about to let his guard down now.
For a moment, everyone in the group seemed to have held their breaths in the awe of their surroundings and taking in the sight of everything—before finally, Iolathane broke the silence.
"If you think this place is serene, then you are more or less right to some extent. The forest itself is not dangerous, the trees and plants do not come out and attack you as opposed to some of the creatures here, but be on watch still."
Lukas didn't think that reminder was necessary, but then he saw some Vampires pull out digital capture devices and took photos of their surroundings.
"This thing is now looking more and more like some toured guide destination." Lukas said.
"Oh, well, it is our first time here—"
"HELP!" Somebody shouted.
Lukas swerved to the sound of the voice, dagger in hand—barely dodging as a crossbolt shot past him, and actually nicked Matthew's cloak by a breadth, nearly hit someone if not for Matthew throwing them down, before the thing flew forwards to the source of the sound.
All in all, it was a chaotic mess.
However, Lukas bit back a groan when he saw the sight at the front of the line.
Since they were taking pictures, some of the Vampires actually went up to the trees and now their cloaks were tangled and stuck with some of the bushes.
It occurred to Lukas a second later that the crossbolt was still flying.
"Wait, watch out!" Lukas called out.
Iolathane smacked down the crossbolt and stared daggers at the back of the line, this time, it being Anthony and not Lukas.
"My bad!" Anthony apologized.
"I can't help but have the feeling that she thinks I'm partially responsible." Lukas sighed once Iolathane glanced away and walked down the path, resuming their travel once more.
"Woah, thank you for pushing me away." A Vampire said. "Nearly got me if it weren't for you."
"No problem." Matthew said sheepishly.
"Oi! Watch where you aim that thing, Landel." The Vampire threw a dirty look at Anthony, who raised his hands apologetically.
"I don't think shooting at something immediately when someone cries for help is a good idea." Lukas added.
"I know, I know. Just a bit jumpy I guess." Anthony said. "My bad, Phil. You too, Matthew and especially you, Lukas. But dang, your reflexes are good."
"Eh, it's luck." Lukas said, trying not to scratch the back of his head. He hadn't known that Anthony would do it, and knew that it would have hurt like hell if it hit.
But the fact that he nearly got struck by a bolt when there wasn't even any monsters around should have been an indication that bad luck was just about to begin.
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