Sunday morning, I wake with a knot in my stomach. My conversation with Aileen plagues me. What can I do to help? It feels like the weight of the world is pressing against my chest. I want to be a good friend. But the wrath of the ocean seems like too big of an enemy to face.

My mother knocks against my door. "Time for church! Log on now."

I pull myself out of bed and get dressed in my church clothes—slacks and a polo t-shirt. When my father died, my mother turned immediately to her faith. We've never missed a church service in ten years. She's become strong through her faith in God. At first, I was resistant. But I decided that I can't live without having faith too. The world is too dark of a place to go alone. Everything seems a bit easier when thinking of Jesus' sacrifice and how he would speak kindness to this dark state of humanity.

I find the right server on my computer. I log on and blink a few times to get adjusted to my new surroundings, a cathedral with a modern stage and tinted windows. The ceiling vaults high, and spherical lights hang low and illuminate the various paintings of biblical scenes—Moses and the burning bush, Noah's ark, the clouds parting for the baptism of Jesus.

I wave hi to a few friends from school. Then, I sit on the pew next to my mom. She greets me with a grin that makes my world feel a bit lighter. Despite us being in opposite rooms, the same feeling of being right next to her comforts me.

Pastor Job begins his message. He picks a hot topic—the end times. He speaks about being prepared, that Jesus is coming back soon. We need to spread the gospel to as many people as possible while we still can.

It's a good message. But my thoughts lie with Aileen and her family. I can't imagine that God would allow their home to be destroyed yet again. I feel helpless. By the time we enter into a time of worship, my heart feels like it's in another place. I know I should focus, that my heart should go deeper than just singing along. But to be honest, I'm looking forward to the end of service, to the beginning of my adventure in Starlia.

After service, I wave goodbye to my church friends and change servers to Starlia.

Star Town loads up, just as vibrant as I remember. The time of day reflects the Pacific Time Zone, so it's around late morning. Liquid sunshine warms the whole town, and palm trees sway in the light breeze. There's no sign of stormy clouds, and the humidity levels are natural, like a tropical kiss against my skin. Everywhere I look, players gather into their cliques. They hold various weapons related to the six classes, dressed in their respective armor. It feels like a big block party, minus the food trucks and adding stalls selling everything from virtual snacks to clothing and accessories. The NPCs look like real humans, pacing back and forth in natural strides. I expected them to be more robotic, but I guess I'm witnessing a testament to the talent of the gamemakers.

Aileen meets me in the city square. She's changed from her blue armor into a more appropriate tent dress—like she's going on vacation. She still strapped a sword to her back, however. She looks ready to party and kill at the same time.

"You look great," I say, pointing to the frills and white and coral fabric.

She smiles, radiant compared to the crumbled soul I comforted in the grocery store. "Thank you. How was church?"

I can't lie in front of her—she'll be able to tell anyway. "Good. But I was thinking of you the whole time."

She sighs, her features drooping a bit. "It's my problem. You can't worry about me too much."

"I know." Then, desperate to move onwards, I point in the direction of a large portal—a shimmering mirror-like expanse north of the city square. "That's where Nathan told us to meet him, right? Gosh, I can't believe I'm already in a guild and I'm only level three."

Aileen winks. "That's just the benefits of knowing me. You couldn't have beaten Olivia without me."

I snort, remembering the way she grabbed onto Mysteriously's second-in-command. "You were amazing. You should take up wrestling in real life, by the way."

"And you should take up harp-throwing," she says.

Nathan is waiting for us near the portal. He waves high above his head. A group of admirers surround him, but they all give him a wide berth. He must be the king of this game. I can't believe my luck that he'd find Aileen and me interesting. Joining Mysteriously sounds like an opportunity to become a pro in Starlia, and it'll be a great distraction for my friend, giving her some reason to stay hopeful.

"Hey you guys," he says. "My favorite players who almost got crushed by the king slime."

I fake offense, while Aileen flips her hair and tries to defend herself. "I was just caught unprepared," she says. "I would've crushed that thing otherwise."

Nathan quirks his brow. "Nice. I never doubted you. But seriously, when you two get to a higher level we should go back and exact revenge."

I'm highly aware of being watched. I swear that some people are throwing metaphorical daggers against my back. It seems that everyone wants a piece of Nathan. Above my head, the M emblem floats and declares me as one of his own. I don't know whether to be intimidated or pleased with myself. I'm unsure of what to feel when people are obviously jealous of my position. I mean, I've only played for a day!

"Let's hop through the portal," Nathan says. "This is what people use to head to their individual guild houses. I can promise you that ours is the best."

I follow Aileen, and despite the fear running through my veins, I jump through shortly after her and Nathan. A shimmering light covers my body, and I feel coolness whip across my skin. I blink a few times, and I take several steps outward to the land of Nathan's guild house.

Leaving the portal behind me, I find the mansion of Mysteriously. Wow... just gorgeous. The stucco walls shimmer white, and the dark, midnight blue roof resembles Nathan's hair. Plenty of windows look out to the surrounding garden, and the house sits in the center of a forest clearing. Kind of like the king slime's home, without any slimes in sight. The mansion, four stories high, boasts dark oak doors which stand twice as tall as my body. In the lawn, a wooden sign sits next to a mailbox, with the word Mysteriously painted in black, cursive ink.

"This is... amazing." Aileen glances at the flowers in the garden, the fountain where crystal-clear water flows. "I can't believe we're a part of your guild."

"I'm a man of my word," Nathan says. "Just stay active and don't break any of the game's rules, and you'll be part of my team for life."

Suddenly, I'm aware of the honor I have for being a part of Mysteriously. I have to be extra careful now. Despite knowing Nathan for a short while, I don't want to fall out of his favor. He seems like the type of person who's best to have on your side.

"Are we meeting some of the other members now?" I ask, remembering that a guild can hold a maximum of twenty-five people.

"Olivia should be in," Nathan says. "And you'll be able to meet Mags too. She's the third-in-command. The rest of the members are out training or taking a break. Sunday is kind of our off day."

Nathan takes off in the direction of the mansion. I follow closeby, next to Aileen. Her eyes go wide in wonder. And I have to admit, that makes me excited too. A new era in our friendship is beginning. As we walk through the doors that Nathan opens, my heart pounds.

The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior. The white tile floor looks almost slippery, and light blue wallpaper decorate the walls. The ceiling stretches high, and star-shaped bulbs sit in niches to illuminate the sitting room. A spiral staircase leads up to the second floor, and luxurious carpets sit next to the passageways. Sunlight streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Delicate ceramic vases filled with carnations sit on the sidelines. Marble sculptures in abstract shapes stand next to the staircase. Someone leans on one of them.

She turns to us once we enter. She's a black girl with a long braid, flowing all the way down to the small of her back. She has hazel eyes, and her dark hair is streaked with fiery red. She's tall and slim. She's strapped a longbow to her back. When she smiles, her whole face changes, lighting up. She tilts her head and scans me and Aileen. Newcomers.

"A level three bard?" she says. "Nathan, something must be wrong with you. Don't you even know what bards can and cannot do? Emphasis on cannot."

I blush, well aware of my status as a newb, and for possibly offending her. Did I totally mess up while picking my class? "I...."

Mags takes a few strides my way. "I'm just kidding, you know. I'm glad to have you two aboard. Your levels will soar in no time. And bards are cool musicians after all!" She extends a hand to Aileen first and me next. Her firm and confident grip steadies me in place.

"Don't make fun of our new recruits, Mags." Nathan sighs, turning his attention to me. "Just to let you know, Mags is a jokester. She's probably the opposite of Olivia."

She pouts, crossing her arms. "Nathan, you know that isn't fair. I'm just as capable of being calm, composed, and serious."

"Really?" Nathan tilts his head. "I haven't seen that yet."

Mags and Nathan banter like schoolchildren, until Mags raises her hands in mock defeat. "Whatever. Aileen and Josiah, let me give you a tour of the place."

Do you think we'll be regularly attending things like church through something like the VRS in the future? I kind of can't wait for it. 

You'll be seeing more of Mags very soon! Can't wait for you to see the Mysteriously crew in action.