BONUS Chapter left = 4

As darkness fell, the most important hour of the clan fire arrived. Early evening was the time of the shared clan meal, the time of magic and ritual, stories and ceremonies. It was the time that the clan fire burned the brightest and hottest, as everyone gathered and conversed around its heat and light as a ward against the darkness and proof that they were still alive for one more day.

The clans prepared food over the fire as the shadow lengthened and the sun tires and wanes. Large pots were set boiling, baskets of fruits, spices, and herbs were dragged into the clan fire, and the meat was roasted. All was made ready for the every night feast.

Clan members went out from their dwellings, bringing food to the clan fire, cooking them at the edge of the fire, and warming themselves for a new night.

This was the last night of Sharina Quest, and by dawn tomorrow, every guild would know who would get her prized blade.

There were at least a dozen of guilds by the fire, but Ren wasn't in the mood to pay them any attention. He was waiting for Orakh to return and proceed to tell him what he wanted to hear.

Ren couldn't help but feel unease no matter how smooth his progress was. After all, this quest, he hadn't experienced it firsthand. He just relied on the information in his memory.

"You okay?" Evie asked on wavering breath. She was even surprised at herself that she was starting a conversation with Ren.

Ren briefly looked at her and replied, "What made you say that?"

"You seemed on edge."

Was he too obvious? Ren mused to himself. He thought he was hiding his emotions well? Did the tapping of his foot against the ground give it away?

"I'm fine." Ren covered his mouth as the edged of his lips turned up. Why was he even happy at a simple conversation? It was not even a conversation. It was just a simple question.

"You . . ." Evie didn't notice the smile on Ren's face because she was busy looking at the ground and thinking about her next line of question.

"You know who I am, right?"

". . ." Ren paused for a short moment before he said, "Yes." It was no use hiding it. And he had a feeling that one of these days, Evie would ask her that question.

". . ." Evie was silent before she sighed through her nose. "I thought so . . ."

"Don't worry," Ren said almost immediately, keeping his voice calm as much as possible, "I won't tell anyone. If you want, we can have it in a contract."

Evie shook her head. "It's fine. It's not like I'm popular anyway. This mask is just for my peace of mind."

". . . You'll be popular one day. Especially since you've got one of Meriyaah's rare items."

". . ." Evie paused, and she looked over at Ren with questioning eyes. "How do you know about my item?"

". . ."

Each second that Ren was quiet, Evie's hope grew till her heart was ready to shred. Could her initial thoughts be right? Could he be the same Ren she knew?

Evie really didn't know what to feel if in case that Ren was really the player Ren she knew. But as of now, she just wanted to know.

It was just a slip of the tongue, and Ren stopped for a moment to think. How could he forget that it was his other persona who knew of the mask?

If alarm crossed his eyes, he didn't know. But one thing was for sure. He needed to get out of this predicament.

Ren looked to the side to hide the panic in his eyes. "Ah . . ."

"I told him," Ragnar said with a stoic face. "He asked about your mask, and I said the name. I hope you don't mind."

"That's right," seconded Ren. "I got curious, so I asked Ragnar." Blame him. Ren shamelessly thought, which warranted a glare from Ragnar.

". . . Is that . . . so?" the disappointment in Evie's tone was felt by the two men, and both Ragnar and Ren looked at each other in bewilderment.

Ren couldn't make heads or tails at Evie's reaction. But it seemed that he was off the hook for now.

Not many knew of Meriyaah's rare treasures or even laid eyes upon them. And Evie would certainly question as to why Ren knew of it. Unless, of course, if Ragnar indeed told him. So Evie's suspicions disappeared, and she was back to being quiet.

Come to think of it, there was also THAT option. Evie thought. There was two ways to ask a player to be friends, or add them to their contact list. One was by sending a friend request (Player's ID) and another was by their phone number or email.

What if . . . the system doesn't combine the two and separate them? Like having two numbers on the phone but still the same person?

The Ren she knew sent her a friend request while she and (classmate) Ren exchange numbers.

What if . . . she sent a friend request to Ren? Evie blinked and really pondered that thought.

Not far from where the three were seated were Saya and Mike and their group, Black Lion. Mike was giving the silent treatment to Saya while the latter was doing the same.

They just broke up, and she already expressed her desire to leave Black Lion, which Mike neither commented to.

It was not the first time that they argued and broke up. And in the end, they still get back together again. Give it some time, and Saya would come to him with bend knees. Literally. Mike chuckled.

However, Saya's full attention was on Ren and Evie. The very sight of them made her mouth go sour and sharp pressure clamped her heart

She knew Ren. She knew him. Every grin. Every stare. Every gesture. She knew . . . just from his reddened ear and genuine smile. There was no doubt that the girl she was with was Evie, the girl he liked.

Apprehension dried Saya's throat that Ren really liked her. She curled her fingers into the palm of her hands, not even feeling them digging in. If she didn't act now, she might lose him forever.

Saya launched herself in Ren's direction. Her fear and jealousy made her bolder that she didn't even notice how desperate she had become.

"Hey, there," Saya said, but looking at Evie. "Mind if we talk?"

Ren's lips thinned in a sour line at Saya's appearance. He was about to brush her off when Evie took to her feet.

"I'll go get something to eat," she said, and Saya took her spot without a second thought.

Evie didn't mind since the log was wide. There was plenty of space later. Without looking back, she went to the food section.

Sensing that something was up, Ragnar also excused himself, which warranted a pointed look from Ren which he ignored.

"I'll go and sharpen my tusk," he said and threw a smirk at Ren's way before he walked towards Evie, leaving Ren and Saya alone.