Filyn shot Kaide a teasing grin.

"So, you're famous now, huh?"

Kaide rolled his eyes but felt a warm sense of pride bubbling up inside him. He had poured so much of his energy into this story, and hearing that people appreciated it made all the late nights and stress worth it.

"That's amazing," Kaide said, trying to sound calm, though his voice betrayed his excitement.

"I didn't expect that."

"I told you, Kaide, you've got something special here. The world-building is drawing people in like crazy. You've got a real future as an author if you keep at it," 

Mr. Scroll continued, the satisfaction in his tone clear. 

"They also mentioned how the characters are surprisingly deep for a light novel — especially you-know-who."

Kaide flushed slightly. 

"You mean. . . me?"

"Yep. They like the way you blend humor, seriousness, and your inner conflict. It's real. It doesn't feel forced." Mr. Scroll paused, then grinned. 

"They like all the energy. They can't wait to see more of it."

Filyn puffed her chest out, acting smug.

"Well, of course they do. It should be unforgettable."

Kaide chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in a while.

"So. . . what now?"

"Well, I'll be pushing forward with the next steps. There are a couple of editing tweaks that need to be made based on the feedback, but nothing major. I'm already thinking about the next round of test releases."

Mr. Scroll paused for a moment, then added,

"But I'll be honest, Kaide, this is big. The buzz is growing. It's only a matter of time before BOFURI becomes something even bigger. And I want you to be ready."

Kaide took a deep breath, trying to center himself.

"I'll be ready. Thanks for keeping me in the loop."

"Of course," Mr. Scroll replied.

"And remember, Kaide, don't get too caught up in all the praise. The hard work's still ahead of you. Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll make it."

"I will." Kaide's voice was firm, but inside, he felt something he hadn't expected: a sense of excitement. Maybe even a little bit of hope.

Mr. Scroll's voice softened.

"Alright, I'll leave you to it. I'll keep you updated on the next steps. You two enjoy your break, alright?"

"We will. Thanks again, Mr. Scroll." Kaide smiled.

The call ended, and for a long moment, Kaide sat there, processing the news. Filyn's tail swished with excitement beside him.

"You hear that, Kaide?"

Filyn teased.

"You're officially a hit. I guess I'll have to put up with your ego now, huh?"

Kaide rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the grin spreading across his face.

"It's not about the ego, Filyn. I just. . . I don't know. It feels real now. Like, I might actually make this work."

Filyn leaned back in her chair, looking out the window.

"You've already got the talent. All you need now is to keep pushing forward. I'm sure this is just the beginning for you."

Kaide's smile softened, and he nodded.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

"So, Kaide, do you want to celebrate your first accomplishment since coming here? It's only been two months, and you're already gaining success~"

Filyn's tone was teasing, her usual smirk playing on her lips as she nudged Kaide's shoulder. The words carried an air of mischief, but Kaide, as always, took them at face value.

"Celebrate?"

Kaide echoed, tilting his head slightly before pulling out his wallet and flicking through the bills inside.

"Well, we have more than enough money to keep us afloat even after splurging for the afternoon. Maybe we can finally buy a laptop. Writing manuscripts would be much easier that way."

Filyn sighed in exasperation, crossing her arms.

"Kaide. . . You really don't get it, do you?"

"Get what?"

"The part where I was joking. You're supposed to act all modest, maybe blush a little—"

Filyn made an exaggerated face, clasping her hands together like a noble maiden.

"— and say, 'Oh, it was nothing! I couldn't have done it without you, Filyn!'"

Kaide blinked at her, unimpressed.

"That would be a lie, though."

Filyn groaned. "Hopeless."

Still, she let the matter slide as Kaide started walking ahead. The idea of getting a laptop wasn't bad. If anything, it was overdue. She had been watching Kaide scrawl notes in that battered notebook of his for weeks now, flipping pages so aggressively that it was a miracle they hadn't been torn to shreds. It was about time they got something more efficient.

"You do realize that buying a laptop means I'll probably have to teach you how to use it, right?"

 Filyn mused, stuffing her hands into her pockets as she followed Kaide down the bustling sidewalk.

"I can use it just fine."

Kaide replied confidently.

Filyn snorted.

"Right. Just like you figured out how to use a smartphone and accidentally called the fire department?"

Kaide faltered for half a step before regaining his composure.

"That was a fluke. I don't know anything about emergency hotlines. The only numbers I know are peoples phone numbers."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just make sure you don't end up buying a laptop with, like, five buttons or something."

"Laptops don't have just five buttons."

Filyn grinned.

"Exactly! That's why I'm coming with you."

Despite the bickering, there was a warmth between them, a sense of camaraderie that had only grown over the past two months. Even if Kaide didn't pick up on every joke, and Filyn sometimes pushed just a little too much, they balanced each other in a way neither fully acknowledged.

As they reached the electronics store, the automatic doors sliding open with a soft chime, Kaide took a steady breath. A new laptop meant more than just convenience — it meant progress, commitment, and taking one more step forward in this unfamiliar place.

Filyn clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning.

"Alright, let's get you something decent. And if we find one in silver, I'm totally calling it the 'Sword of the Exiled Queen' Edition."

Kaide rolled his eyes, but he didn't argue. Maybe — just maybe — this really was worth celebrating.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

"Kaide. . . do you ever take a moment to actually enjoy things?"

"I am enjoying this," Kaide replied plainly.

"A laptop is an important purchase. If I get one now, I won't have to rewrite Manuscripts by hand."

Filyn let out an exaggerated groan.

"That's not what I meant! I was thinking of having a fancy meal or something. You know, rewards?"

Kaide continued walking.

"A laptop is a reward. It's not like we're not going to eat out today either. We can get a bucket of chicken to celebrate. if you want"

She gave him a deadpan stare before sighing in resignation.

"Fine, fine. But if we're going to a tech store, I might as well get one too."

The automatic doors slid open with a soft chime as Kaide and Filyn stepped into the electronics store. Bright showroom lights reflected off polished displays, and the hum of quiet conversations mixed with the occasional click of a mechanical keyboard being tested. Rows of sleek devices lined the walls, each glowing with vibrant screens showcasing their capabilities.

Kaide walked forward with purpose, his gaze immediately scanning the laptop section. Filyn, in contrast, took her time, glancing at various gadgets along the way.

A friendly-looking saleswoman, dressed in the store's uniform, noticed them approaching and greeted them with a warm smile.

"Welcome! Looking for a new laptop today?"

". . .Yes, This one," he decided after a few moments of consideration.

his fingers trailing across the surface of a sleek black laptop, its metallic finish subtly catching the light. The specs were impressive: a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a spacious SSD. More than enough for his writing, and capable of handling other tasks if necessary.

"What about the Young Lady?" The saleswoman asks, looking at Filyn who was browsing with far less restraint.

"If I'm getting a laptop, it needs to be cute and strong in pink. Preferably a soft pastel shade. Oh, and it has to handle AAA games without turning into a toaster."

She moved between displays, dismissing a few before her eyes landed on one in a striking pastel pink — almost identical to the shade of her hair.

"Ooooh, this one is perfect."

The saleswoman smiled.

"That's a popular one among gamers. It has a high refresh rate screen, a strong GPU, and an upgraded cooling system, so it won't overheat even during long sessions."

"Look at these specs. It can handle high-end games and has enough storage for all my screenshots."

Kaide raised an eyebrow. "You take that many?"

"I have to document my victories."

She shot him a smug grin.

"Not that you'd know anything about that."

Kaide gave her a sidelong glance.

"You do realize buying a laptop doesn't automatically improve your skills, right?"

Filyn gasped in mock offense.

"How dare you! My skills are impeccable — I just need the right tools to match."

The saleswoman giggled as she guided them to the counter.

"Well, you two certainly have different priorities, but these should suit you both perfectly."

He sighed, deciding it wasn't worth arguing.

As she rang up the purchases, she glanced between them with a knowing smile.

"Matching high-end laptops? You must be a really close couple." The saleswoman joked.

Filyn burst into laughter, while Kaide stiffened. Before he could correct the assumption, Filyn leaned on the counter, grinning.

"Oh, you have no idea. We argue like an old married couple too."

Kaide exhaled through his nose. "Just process the payment."

With their new laptops secured in bags, they stepped out of the store. Filyn stretched, clearly pleased with their purchases. The afternoon sun starting to dip, casting golden light across the storefronts.

"Alright, now we really need to celebrate. Food? Desserts? Both?"

Kaide adjusted the strap on his shoulder, glancing down at the bag in his hand. A powerful new laptop — his first real step toward settling into this life. He sighed but allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile.

"Fine. Both."

Filyn beamed.

"Now that's progress."

Kaide glanced at the bag in his hand, then at Filyn — her bright pink laptop peeking out from the edge of hers. He exhaled, a rare hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

"Maybe a little."

Filyn grinned. "Good. Now let's go. My victory needs celebrating too."

Kaide rolled his eyes but followed her lead.

For the first time since arriving, this city didn't feel quite so unfamiliar anymore.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

The door to their room clicked open as Kaide stepped inside, setting down his bag with a quiet sigh. Filyn followed close behind, kicking the door shut with her foot lightly, her hands full with both her laptop bag and a large bucket of fried chicken.

"Alright! Mission successful!"

she announced triumphantly, plopping the food onto the small table by the window.

"Two brand-new gaming beasts aaand — our well-earned feast!"

Kaide, ever efficient, had already begun unpacking his laptop, carefully removing it from the box after placing a tub of ice cream on their table

"You act like we stormed a battlefield," he muttered.

Filyn huffed as she tore open the box of chicken, the aroma of crispy, golden-brown goodness filling the room.

"Excuse you. Shopping is absolutely a battlefield. Ever seen two people fight over the last sale item? Terrifying."

Kaide took a seat across from her, grabbing a drumstick without protest. He had learned long ago not to challenge Filyn's logic when it came to dramatic exaggerations.

For a while, they ate in comfortable silence, the occasional sound of crunching and the rustling of napkins filling the air. Kaide methodically cleaned the bones of his chicken, while Filyn alternated between eating and scrolling through her phone, seemingly lost in thought.

Then, as if struck by an idea, Filyn's eyes lit up.

"Oh. Ohhhh, I just realized something."

Kaide barely looked up.

"That's rarely a good sign."

She ignored him, setting down her half-eaten wing and wiping her hands.

"We have to test out our laptops. And what better way than with a friendly—" she paused dramatically,

"—game night?"

Kaide raised an eyebrow.

"You just want to crush me in some multiplayer match."

Filyn smirked.

"That's what you think. But how about this? We make a bet."

She leaned in, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"If you win, I'll start taking your whole writing thing seriously."

That made Kaide pause. He met her gaze, skeptical.

". . .And if you win?"

Filyn grinned. "You have to admit that I'm the best sidekick ever."

Kaide gave her a long, unreadable look before sighing.

"Fine. But don't complain if you lose."

She cackled.

"That's the spirit! Now let's boot these babies up and settle this properly."

|♪♪♪♪♪|

After finishing their meal and setting up their new laptops, Filyn stretched her arms, cracking her knuckles with a confident grin.

"Alright, now for the real test," she declared, navigating through her laptop's newly installed library of games.

"Since you're new to this, I'm going easy on you. We'll start with Iron Fangs 7 — classic one-on-one fighter. Simple enough, right?"

Kaide stared at the screen. The title screen flashed with an intense cinematic of armored warriors clashing under a blood-red moon, their attacks sending shockwaves across the battlefield. It looked. . . dramatic.

"You picked a fighting game," he observed dryly.

Filyn shot him a smug look. "What, scared?"

Kaide sighed, adjusting his posture.

"I just don't see how this is a fair test when you clearly have more experience."

"Oh, don't worry~"

She gave a theatrical wave of her hand. "I'll be gentle."

Kaide wasn't sure why, but that felt more like a taunt than reassurance.

They both selected their fighters.

Filyn picked Veyra, a nimble, acrobatic rogue with twin daggers and absurdly fast combos.

"Ahh, my girl. Haven't lost a match with her in weeks."

Kaide, meanwhile, scrolled through the character list. He didn't recognize any names, so he went for someone with a solid build and simple attacks: Kael, the Black Lion, a tall, armored swordsman wielding a massive broadsword. He looked slow but powerful.

Filyn snickered.

"Ohoho, you're going for a heavy hitter? Interesting choice for a newbie."

Kaide remained unfazed. "It seemed practical."

The match began, the two fighters facing off in an ancient, ruined arena under a full moon.

"Round one. . . FIGHT!"

Filyn immediately dashed in, chaining together a flurry of light attacks. Veyra's speed let her dance around Kaide's slow swings, her daggers slicing through his character's defenses.

"Tsk, tsk~ You're too slow!"

Kaide narrowed his eyes, quickly adjusting his strategy. He started blocking more, waiting for openings in her relentless assault. Then, the moment she overextended — he landed a devastating counterattack.

Veyra was sent flying across the screen.

Filyn blinked.

"Wait. Hold on. You're not supposed to figure that out so fast."

Kaide gave her a glance.

"I am paying attention."

The next round began, and this time, Kaide played more defensively. He baited Filyn into attacking, then punished her mistakes with brutal strikes. One well-timed grab sent her character slamming into the ground.

Filyn gawked at the screen.

"EXCUSE ME?!"

By the third round, it was a full-blown war.

Filyn was pulling out every trick she knew — sidesteps, mix-ups, even a few sneaky grabs. Meanwhile, Kaide had adapted frighteningly well, turning every slip-up into a calculated counter.

The health bars flashed red. One final move would decide the match.

Filyn's Veyra lunged in for a high-speed finisher.

Kaide's Kael dodged at the last second and countered with a crushing Lion's Wrath — a massive overhead slash that shattered the ground beneath them.

Veyra collapsed.

"KO! Kael Wins!"

The screen froze on the victory animation as Kael sheathed his massive sword, the words PLAYER ONE WINS flashing across the screen.

Kaide calmly set his hands in his lap.

Filyn, meanwhile, sat in stunned silence.

". . .No way. That did not just happen."

Kaide looked at her.

"So. About that bet—"

Filyn threw her hands up.

"NO, NO, NO, NO. Best two out of three!"

He raised an eyebrow.

"That wasn't part of the deal."

"I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS."

Despite her protests, Kaide leaned back, the faintest trace of amusement in his eyes.

Filyn dramatically flopped over her desk. "This is the worst."

But she didn't really mean it.

In fact, deep down, she was really enjoying this.

And if she 'accidentally' challenged him to a rematch in a few minutes?

Well. He didn't have to know it was just an excuse to keep playing.

The next few hours were filled with the furious clicking of keyboards, shouts of triumph, and groans of frustration. The room's only light came from the glow of their screens, casting a mix of pink and black reflections across their faces.

Kaide, much to Filyn's surprise, held his own far better than she expected. He wasn't a gamer, but he had an annoying knack for strategy. She almost regretted making the bet.

Almost.

When the final match ended, Filyn threw herself back onto her chair, arms raised in victory.

"HA! And still undefeated!"

Kaide exhaled sharply, leaning back as well. ". . .I was so close."

Filyn wiggled her fingers at him.

"But not close enough. So, go on, say it."

Kaide stared at her for a long moment before, in the driest voice possible, muttering, 

"You're the best sidekick ever."

She beamed. "Damn right I am."

"Even though you lost the first match."

"That was Dumb Luck! Besides, You didn't even win once I locked in on the matches."

Kaide shook his head, but there was no real irritation in his expression.

By the time midnight rolled around, the heated competition from their gaming session had finally died down. The room had fallen into a pleasant quiet, save for the occasional hum of their new laptops running updates in the background.

Kaide sat back in his chair, arms crossed, staring at the dimly lit screen.

Filyn, on the other hand, stretched with an exaggerated groan.

"Ughhh, I need a break. I've stared at a screen for too long."

Kaide raised an eyebrow. "You played for hours without complaining."

"Yes, but I lost, which means it wasn't as fun as it should have been."

She spun around in her chair and hopped up.

"Besides, we've been here all night. Let's get some fresh air."

Before Kaide could respond, Filyn made her way to the window and, with a dramatic flourish, yanked open the curtains.

The room was instantly bathed in soft, silvery light.

Outside, the city was quiet, the streets below almost empty. Streetlights cast long shadows, their glow contrasting with the deep, endless sky above. And there — above the rooftops and the distant skyline — was the real sight to behold: a vast sea of stars, twinkling like scattered fragments of light against the dark canvas of the universe.

Filyn rested her arms on the windowsill, gazing upward.

"Huh," she murmured, almost to herself.

"It's. . . actually really nice tonight."

Kaide approached the window, standing beside her. His eyes flicked to the sky, scanning the constellations.

"Did you not expect it to be?"

Filyn shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

"I dunno. I guess I just don't stop to look up that often."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, she didn't move.

There was something in her voice — an unspoken weight she didn't want to admit to. But rather than push, Kaide simply stayed there beside her, the silence between them settling into something natural.

Kaide watched her quietly. The way the moonlight softened her features, the reflection of the stars in her eyes — it was rare to see her so still.

But, of course, Filyn wasn't the type to stay quiet for too long.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

Chapter 9

Celebration and Rewards

3161 Words