Chapter 151 - Luna's Parents

[See you both later! Thanks for playing today!] Rumi said cheerfully.

“Bye!~” I said.

“See you later.” Luna said.

As soon as we left the call, Luna left the bedroom and headed towards me. I didn’t even get the chance to turn off my laptop before she was right up in my face.

“When!?” She questioned immediately.

I couldn’t help but curl the corner of my lips as I returned the stare with crescent eyes.

“When what?” I asked, tilting my head and acting clueless.

“You know what!” She said, “The collaboration!”

“Collaboration?” I paused for a moment before smacking my fist against my palm, “Oh! You’re talking about that collab!”

“Why are you acting so clueless!?” Luna pinched my cheeks playfully.

“Hehe!” I giggled, “Were you surprised?”

“Very!” She exclaimed, “I almost forgot we were on stream and asked you there and then!”

“Hehehe!” I laughed, “That wouldn’t be good, now would it?”

“No, it wouldn’t have!” Luna said, “So, tell me! When did this happen?”

I proceeded to explain that I met with chairman gramps when she did that mid tier gate. I also talked to her about the other contracts I signed and the new game they’re working on.

“Ah, so that’s the ‘chairman gramps’ person you were talking about back then.” Luna said after a moment.

“Yep!” I nodded, “He’s pretty nice.”

“Mm, so, they’re making a moba, seriously?” Luna asked.

“Yep! I don’t know much about that, but, I assume it’s just going to be like any other moba. What I’m mainly interested in is the story part! They’re making a whole chapter based off of my character!”

“The lore…” Luna mumbled, “Can you do me a favor?” She asked after a moment.

“Hm? Of course! What’s up?”

“Can you not tell me anything story related?” Luna asked, “I want to figure it out myself when it comes out.”

I widened my eyes slightly before smiling from ear to ear,

“Sure! My mouth is sealed zip! Not a single spoiler will leak from my mouth! Nada!” I gestured a zipping motion over my mouth.

“Thank you.” Luna smiled, “When’s it coming out? Do you know?”

“Next year I think. Ah, but, like late next year. I’ll know more about it in the future.”

“I see, I see.” Luna nodded, “Say…” She said after a moment, “…Does all the loot we find in your area really have a chance of exploding?”

“Don’t know~” I said with a smile, dragging out my voice making it sound untruthful.

“Tell me!”

“Tell you what?” I tilted my head.

Luna shot me a glare and I giggled.

…

[LITTLE BOMBER COLLAB CONFIRMED!!]

Author: xx

IT’S OFFICIAL LITTLE BOMBER IS COMING TO ALG ROYALE!!

SHE’S TAKING OVER THE ABANDONED THEME PARK AND FROM WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, EVERY ITEM LOOTED HAS A CHANCE TO EXPLODE! I THINK THE TRADE-OFF WILL BE HIGHER LOOT QUALITY!

AND THAT DAMNED BOUNCY BALL CAME BACK. EVEN IN THE GAME IT’S HAUNTING ME. I HOPE IT’S A LEGENDARY ITEM WE CAN USE IN GAME!

I’M SO EXCITED!!

→ [OMGOMGOMG SHE’S COMING!!]

→ [Dude, this is the most hype I’ve been for an ALG update, I stg if they butchered her skin, I’m gonna be pissed.]

→ [She’s taking over the theme park!! I wonder if she chose the spot herself or if the devs did.]

↳ [This does bring up an interesting question if she chose the spot herself: Why? I wonder if she plays the game and likes the land there, simply thought the theme park was a cool location, or if this could be foreshadowing for the rapturous world collaboration.]

↳ [Knowing her, she probably saw the list of locations and chose the one that sounded the funnest. I mean, if you had the option to choose between an abandoned theme park or treetops, one of them sounds vastly more fun than the other.]

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from NovelPhoenix. Support the author by reading it there.

↳ [Hold on, I didn’t even think about that! Could this be a hint that the rapturous world collaboration is coming? That would be AMAZING!]

↳ [Hm…I have a theory, but, I won’t say it. It has something to do with the recent expose though.]

↳ [ ‘I hAvE a ThEoRy bUt I WoN’T sAY iT’ screw you, gatekeeper.]

→ [Dude, I am buying the skin IMMEDIATELY! AND I’m running the Little Bomber meta for maximum roleplay. I’m gonna have a blast.]

→ [Did anyone notice that the shoes are different? I wonder if this indicates an outfit change for future floor clears?]

↳ [The boots are really cute. I think an outfit change would be good, currently, she doesn’t look much like a climber. I actually think that all of her clothes are ones you can buy at a local store, with how much money she’s gonna make, I think it’s about time for an equipment update.]

↳ [True. I’m expected the floor 6 comeback for her to look completely different and in clothes that’ll actually protect her.]

↳ [I hope ALG adds that new outfit as well. Like the ability to switch between the two.]

↳ [Knowing the company, they probably will. There not as greedy as some others.]

→ [Bouncy ball…can’t escape…follows me…GAHHHHH!]

↳ [You good, dude?]

↳ [NO!]

…

The days passed by smoothly until eventually, it was Christmas Eve.

I stared at the table in silence as I tapped it repeatedly with my pointer finger. Chewing on my lips, I felt even more nervous than when I was attempting the fifth floor.

Today was the day I was meeting Luna’s parents.

My anxiety had spiked to its peak. I’m really understanding just how she felt when she had to meet my parents now.

Yesterday, I had prepared the best gifts I could think of: Potions, expensive meat, and homegrown strawberries. Since Luna’s mother was a former nun, alcohol was off the table.

When I asked Luna what I should get them, she didn’t give me a direct answer, instead saying “They’ll appreciate just about anything you give them, but, they’ll like it more if it comes from yourself rather than me telling you what to get them.”

So, I chose the three things I was most confident in. You can’t go wrong with meat! Well, unless you’re vegan, but, Luna told me that they aren’t! So! You can’t go wrong with meat! Especially expensive meat.

And I made them potions for multiple reasons: For one, the taste. Even without the effects, my potions always taste delicious and…Wait…Are they calorie free? Hm…Definitely not…But! At least they’re low in calories! Plus, all the potions I’m giving them are fatigue potions!

The strawberries are self-explanatory.

Hopefully they’ll like them…

“Haah…” Just as I sighed, arms wrapped around my neck as I was hugged from behind, “Wah!” I flinched.

“Are you okay?” Luna asked calmly.

“You scared me!” I said, placing my hand over my heart.

“My parents will love you, don’t worry too much.” Luna said directly.

“Mm…” I gave a noncommittal nod, “It’s still nerve wracking, you know?”

“I know.” Luna said, “But, it’ll be okay. I’m right beside you, aren’t I?”

“…” I smiled after a moment, “Well, you’re technically behind me.”

“Not literally-Haah.” Luna gave up and sighed with a smile, “Alright, shall we get going?”

“Okay.” I nodded, standing up.

…

Luna parked in the driveway and I took a deep breath. Her parents owned a one-story house in a peaceful neighborhood. The house was painted blue and the greenery outside was well-maintained. I could even tell that they just cut the grass recently. There were Christmas lights strung up just below the gutters just below the roof. She lived in a suburban neighborhood only twenty-five minutes away.

I can do this…It’ll be fine…

As I was mentally reciting a mantra to myself, Luna placed her hand over mine. The nervousness I had slightly cleared up. Slightly. I was still as tense and stiff as a rock. But, knowing she was by my side definitely made it easier.

Stepping out of the car, I carried the package of meat—this thing was like $200 at the supermarket. Luna carried a box that was filled with fatigue potions, just about 100 of them. There was also a bag of strawberries inside the box.

We walked to the front door.

“It’ll be okay.” Luna said again.

“Mm.” I nodded.

Luna knocked on the door and stepped back.

And just after a few moments, we heard a voice from the inside,

“Coming!” It was a soft-spoken voice that sounded pleasant to the ears even when muffled.

“That’s my mom.” Luna whispered.

I heard her approaching the door. It made an unlocking noise before it finally opened, revealing Luna’s mother.

Immediately, I recognized where Luna had gotten her beauty from.

Luna’s mother wasn’t short like us, she stood around 170 CM, being on the taller side. She had long silver hair that looked as smooth as silk. Her eyes were a beautiful blue, they weren’t deep and captivating like Luna’s eyes, but, clear and stunning like a gemstone. She had fair skin without a single blemish to it.

She wore a light green T-Shirt and a comfortable looking white cardigan. Around her neck was a bead necklace with a beautiful cross attached to it—a rosary if I remember correctly. Covering her legs was a long, gray skirt that nearly reached the floor.

When she saw Luna, she smiled warmly and spoke,

“Luna, you made it.” Her voice was gentle to the ears, I got the feeling she’d be great with children or good at calming people down, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too, mom.” Luna smiled, “Is dad home?”

“He’s currently cooking at the moment.” She replied before turning to look at me. I flinched as she continued to speak, “You must be Stella, Luna’s told me all about you.”

“Ahaha, good things, I hope.” I nervously said.

“Nothing but compliments.” She smiled, “My name is Julia, thank you for keeping Luna company and fed all this time.”

“Ah, I s-should be the one thanking her!” I said, “N-nice to meet you, Mrs. Britemill, I’m Stella Nyxotol…” I said…Wait…She already knows my name! What am I doing!??

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you too.” Her gentle voice soothed me slightly…Wait…Am I being affected by some type of skill? “I heard from Luna you’re a good cook?”

“Ahaha, well, just about average I suppose.”

“She’s being humble,” Luna chimed in, “Her food is really delicious.”

“Then, I’ll have to bother you for a meal sometime, if you wouldn’t mind.” Julia said.

“O-of course! I’ll try and satisfy your stomach anytime!”

AH!! THAT’S SUCH A WEIRD WAY TO SAY IT!!

What am I doing!?

“Thank you in advanced.” Julia simply replied with a smile, her eyes turned to the package in my hand and box in Luna’s, “What might those be?”

“O-Oh! I…I brought some gifts…I didn’t know what you’d like and Mouse wouldn’t tell me, so, I picked what I thought would be good.” I said, “This is prime grade meat,” I gestured to the package in my hand with my chin and then to the box, “Those are mostly fatigue potions. If you’re ever feeling muscle soreness or even a little tired when you don’t want to be, drinking those will make you feel really good. There’s also a bag of strawberries I grew myself in there.”

“Meat, potions, and strawberries…” Julia said, “Thank you, those are good gifts, I have been feeling a little sore lately. Luna has told me about how delicious your strawberries are as well, I’m excited to finally try them.” She smiled, “Now, please, come inside.”

Luna stepped in first and I followed right behind her. We took off our shoes and left them by the door.

The interior was fully decorated with all the Christmas ornaments: Stockings, lights, and even some decals of Santa and reindeer. There was even a Christmas tree in the corner with presents under it. I heard a Christmas song playing from the TV.

“Where do you want us to put these?” Luna asked.

“You can put the box on the living room couch for now, and, Stella, sweetie,” Julia looked at me.

“Y-Yes!?” I flinched.

“Would you be a dear and bring the meat to Nathan with Luna? I need to excuse myself for a moment.”

“G-Got it!” I nodded.

“Thank you.” She smiled before heading deeper into the house.

“Phew…I didn’t screw up too bad, did I?” I asked.

“Hah,” Luna chuckled softly, “You did well. My mom likes you.”

“What? How can you tell?” I asked. I didn’t notice anything that would give off the impression that she liked me?

“Hm…You couldn’t tell?”

…Of course I couldn’t tell! How could I tell when this is my first time meeting her!?

“…I couldn’t.” I said.

“Then,” Luna smiled, “I’ll just tell you the most obvious sign.” She said, “Calling you ‘sweetie’ and asking you to meet my dad without her. If she didn’t like you or even had neutral feelings, she would have come along.”

“Huh…That’s good, I think?” I said.

“It is.” Luna nodded, “Come, follow me.”

The front door led directly to the living room, so, all she had to do was place the box on the couch. After that, we were heading to the kitchen.

“Say,” I started, “Is your mom an awakener?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Luna nodded, “My mom’s a priestess. My dad’s unawakened.”

“Huh, interesting. Is her silver hair also a product of awakening like yours?”

“That’s right. Originally, both my hair and hers were black.”

“Neat…” I nodded, black hair Luna would definitely look just as beautiful as silver-haired Luna. “Um…Question.”

“Hm?”

“Was um…Was your mom using a skill? It felt like my emotions were soothed at first.”

“Ah, that’s a passive trait.” Luna answered, “When she was a nun, she worked with children a lot so she picked up a trait that helped ease emotions.”

“I see…” I nodded. So, I wasn’t going crazy! But, wow…That trait sounds really good? I wonder what rank it is, if it’s low-ranked, then, just what would a high-ranked version of that trait be like? Could she calm down rampaging monsters with just her voice or something?

We made our way throughout the house and after just a little bit of walking, we found ourselves just outside the kitchen.

In it, was a tall, black-haired man. He was around 185 cm, if I had to guess. He wasn’t fat or muscular, but he wasn’t skinny. He had a clean-shaven face and wore black-framed glasses. He wore a white apron with a black shirt under it. Covering his legs were red basketball shorts. This must’ve been Nathan, Luna’s dad.

He definitely wasn’t ugly, but, he also wasn’t handsome.

Nathan was standing in front of the stove, stirring a pot.

“Dad.” Luna said to draw his attention.

Nathan turned his head and smiled when he heard his daughter’s voice.

“Luna!” He said loudly, “You’re here! I’m almost done with the alfredo. I hope you’re hungry!”

“I…” Just as Luna was about to reply, Nathan continued,

“Oh! What am I saying? There’s no way you wouldn’t be able to eat! My little glutton can out eat a horse!”

“Dad!” Luna shot him a glare as Nathan laughed.

After he wiped his eyes, he turned his gaze to me.

“Ah! You must be Luna’s girlfriend! Stella, right? One second, let me just wash my hands.” He headed to the sink.

…I like this guy already.