CHAPTER 71: GOOD NIGHT

"Alright, let’s get into the match," Luther said directly.

Joshua had only just learned that, aside from himself and Henry, everyone else already knew how to play this game.

"Don’t worry, Joshua, I’ll help you level up! As for gear, well—money can buy it all!" Luther said as he leaned in close, practically wrapping himself around Joshua’s shoulders.

Joshua’s eyes stayed fixed on the screen, watching the characters rushing across it.

The game was set in an ancient era where humans and gods coexisted, along with many other races. However, players couldn’t choose their race—when they entered the game, it randomly assigned one. Their mission was to slay monsters and level up until they were strong enough to defeat the gods and rewrite the order of this chaotic world.

Joshua’s character was an elf. The elf had small, dragonfly-like wings—though more intricate in design—and pointed ears. It wore a simple white robe and went barefoot, as elves never touched the ground.

Watching the elf flit back and forth above his own character’s head, Luther couldn’t help but laugh. "You might as well just sit on my head."

Joshua: "Seriously?"

Then he actually made his elf sit on top of Luther’s character. But just as he did, Luther’s avatar suddenly moved, pressing Joshua’s elf flat beneath him.

"Joshua, you little—let me show you how—"

Before Luther could finish, a glowing energy arrow shot across the screen and one-shotted his character. Messages instantly popped up in the chat.

[Take your flirting offline, you clowns! Game characters can’t do that move!]

[You’re playing the game AND feeding us dog food? I’m gonna lose it!]

[Capture that elf and make her your wife already!]

Joshua: "..."

He kicked Luther aside, while Luther, clutching his phone, shouted, "Unbelievable! They ambushed me and still have the nerve to talk trash! Joshua, just wait till I respawn—I’ll wipe them out!"

Joshua said nothing. He already knew Luther must be terrible at the game—aside from his flashy, money-soaked gear, he had nothing going for him.

"Joshua, where are you? Send your location," Justin said quickly.

Joshua frowned. "I don’t even know where those functions are."

Just as the group of enemies was about to swarm Joshua’s character, a shadow suddenly descended from above—a demon with blazing crimson wings.

Leonard swiftly maneuvered his character, taking out three opponents in one clean combo.

Joshua’s eyes widened as he watched the animation—Leonard’s movements were fast and fluid, his skills powerful and beautiful all at once.

He looked up to find Leonard also glancing his way, lips curling into a teasing smirk. "What do you think? Mesmerized already? Not that any of you could ever pull off this kind of skill anyway."

Joshua nodded eagerly and scooted closer. "Leonard, you’ve got to take me with you!"

By now, Joshua had clearly learned the art of clinging to the strongest player.

Leonard could feel the warmth radiating beside him as Joshua wedged himself between him and Henry, his whole body leaning subtly in Leonard’s direction.

Leonard pressed his lips together, suddenly feeling uncomfortably hot. His body stiffened a little, and when he spoke, his voice came out just a bit strained. "Dragging along dead weight isn’t much of a problem for me!"

With that, he quickly resumed controlling his character, leading Joshua through waves of monsters. Joshua’s eyes sparkled as he cheered from the side, occasionally throwing out a few healing spells—even though Leonard had made it clear he didn’t need them.

Henry sat stiffly on the other side, not moving away either. His gaze tilted slightly, and within his line of sight, there was only Joshua.

After a long pause, he suddenly reached out and lightly patted Joshua’s head. Joshua, too focused on the game, didn’t react. Henry did it again.

This time, Joshua raised his hand—not to push Henry’s away, but to gently pat his head in return, as if offering comfort.

Henry froze. His hand fell, and a glimmer of light flickered through his eyes. The redness on his ears crept downward, spreading to his neck and nearly up to his face.

He abruptly stood up. "I’m going to the bathroom."

Joshua immediately pointed out the direction, then went right back to his game.

In the end, Justin and Leonard continued grinding levels with Joshua. Henry stayed in the bathroom for quite a while, while Luther kept dying in the same area over and over, never managing to catch up to Joshua’s group.

"Let’s enter this new dungeon—you can gain two more levels here!" Leonard said enthusiastically.

But just then, he felt something lightly brush against his shoulder.

He turned his head—only to see Joshua’s eyes closed, his body sliding down from Leonard’s shoulder, fast asleep.

Leonard quickly caught Joshua, holding him close to his chest, his arms filled with warmth.

He pressed his lips together, his heart racing uncontrollably.

Joshua bumped against Leonard’s chest and slowly came to, blinking a little. He leaned back, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

Justin glanced at his watch. It was already seven in the evening. No one had expected time to pass so quickly.

Luther stepped forward and gently lifted Joshua’s face with both hands. Joshua tilted his head, eyes half-closed, his cheeks pressed against Luther’s palms, leaving a small soft imprint.

Luther’s eyes widened. This sight of Joshua was just unbearably cute.

Suddenly, the sound of a camera shutter rang out, drawing everyone’s gaze to Henry.

Henry’s expression remained blank as he quietly muted his camera.

"You look so sleepy, Joshua."

Joshua only responded with a long yawn.

Everyone in Room 202 knew Joshua truly loved his sleep.

"Probably just sleeps all day when he’s home alone," Luther murmured.

Nine stayed silent, thinking to himself that Luther had guessed correctly without even trying.

Joshua yawned again, a small trickle of tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. He gently pushed Luther back and stood up. "Alright, everyone go home."

Joshua realized that if he didn’t say anything, these people would probably sleep here with him. So there was no need for politeness—time to kick them out!

He nudged everyone toward the door.

Luther frowned at him. "Go eat dinner first, then sleep."

Joshua nodded politely, then shut the door.

The four outside exchanged glances. Luther led the way and looked at Henry. "Where’s the photo? Remember to send it to me."

Henry glanced at Luther once, said nothing, and left first.

"That bastard!" Luther muttered under his breath before quickly following. Justin and Leonard also departed.

Inside the room, Joshua struggled to keep his eyes open. After brushing his teeth, he collapsed onto the bed.

Finally, Nine spoke up: [Did you have fun today? I called you, but you didn’t even answer.]

Joshua buried his head in his pillow, mumbling, "Find another house. I want to move."

Nine paused for a moment, then replied: [Alright.]

The room fell silent. After a while, Joshua spoke again. "Nine, thank you. About that thing online... thank you."

Joshua knew the person in that picture had to be his former self. He didn’t realize how Nine had managed to fix the records, but thanks to him, everything had been resolved smoothly.

Nine’s voice rose slightly: [It was nothing, really...]

He spoke on, only to notice that Joshua wasn’t responding—he had already fallen into a deep sleep, breathing steady, his face exhausted.

Why are you always so tired, Joshua?

Nine even felt that lately, Joshua seemed more tired than usual.

[Good night, Joshua.]

Nine spoke softly, then fell silent himself.