Trapped In Elysium: A Virtual Reality Nightmare-Chapter 40: We’re brothers now

As the healer walked back into her house, leaving Liam standing under the moonlight, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind. The revelation that she was an elf, combined with the cryptic nature of the favor she requested, unsettled him. He had no idea what she might ask of him in the future, and the idea of owing someone—especially someone so mysterious—didn’t sit well with him. But at the same time, he knew they couldn’t afford to pay her fee, and she had saved his life. For now, there was nothing he could do about it.

Exhaling deeply, he decided to push the thoughts away. Worrying wouldn’t change anything. Instead, he focused on something he could control—his strength. He turned his attention back to his sword, gripping it firmly in both hands. His body, though still somewhat weary, felt stronger than it had before. Perhaps the process of purging the poison had somehow refined his resilience. Either way, he felt an urgency to improve, to become even stronger so that he wouldn’t be caught off guard like that again.

He took a stance, planting his feet firmly into the ground. The cool night air brushed against his skin as he swung his sword in a controlled arc, slicing through the silence. The weight of the blade felt comfortable in his grasp, an extension of his body. He moved fluidly, his strikes becoming sharper and more refined with each repetition. The sound of his blade cutting through the air was oddly soothing, drowning out the worries clawing at his mind.

Minutes turned into hours as Liam lost himself in his training, each motion precise, his muscles gradually growing accustomed to the rhythm. The faint glow of the moon above provided just enough light to illuminate his movements, casting long shadows against the ground. He focused on every breath, every swing, and every step. By the time the first light of dawn began creeping over the horizon, he was covered in a thin layer of sweat, but he felt refreshed—alive.

As he sheathed his sword, he turned toward the house. The city was beginning to wake, the distant sounds of people stirring filling the air. It wouldn’t be long before the others woke up. He wiped the sweat from his brow and made his way back inside.

Sure enough, as soon as he stepped through the door, he was met with stunned expressions. Marcus, Jason, Eleanor, and Sophia all stood there, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Liam!" Sophia was the first to react, her voice carrying a mixture of shock and overwhelming relief. Before he could say anything, she ran straight at him and wrapped her arms tightly around his torso, pulling him into a deep embrace.

For a moment, Liam was taken aback by the sudden affection. Her body pressed against his, and he could feel the warmth of her soft breasts against his chest, her rapid heartbeat betraying just how worried she had been. She clung to him as if afraid that if she let go, he might disappear again.

"You idiot," she mumbled against his shoulder, her voice shaky. "You scared the hell out of us."

Liam smiled faintly, resting a hand on her back. "Sorry... I guess I made you all worry."

Marcus crossed his arms, smirking. "Tch. Don’t get all soft on us now, lover boy. You just pulled a miracle, man. How the hell are you up and moving already?"

Jason, leaning against the wall with a mug of ale in hand, raised a brow. "Yeah, seriously. Yesterday you were convulsing like you were about to kick the bucket. Now you’re swinging your sword like nothing happened. What gives?"

Eleanor, studied him carefully before nodding in approval. "It’s good to see you back on your feet. But are you sure you’re completely recovered?"

Liam let out a small chuckle. "I feel fine... better than fine, actually."

Sophia finally pulled back slightly, but her hands still rested on his arms, as if to confirm he was really standing in front of her. She narrowed her eyes. "You better not be pushing yourself too hard. You just recovered, Liam."

"I promise, I’m fine," he reassured her.

Eleanor turned to look at the healer, who had just entered the room. "You did this?"

The elf woman gave a knowing smile. "I simply gave his body what it needed. The rest was up to him."

Marcus rolled his shoulders. "Well, damn. Guess we owe you one, healer lady."

Jason scoffed. "We already owe her forty silver coins, genius."

Sophia’s brows furrowed as she stepped back slightly, folding her arms across her chest. Her concern hadn’t eased, and it was clear she wasn’t about to let the matter go.

"But Liam, how are we supposed to pay forty silver coins?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "That’s a fortune. We barely have any money as it is."

Eleanor and Jason exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring Sophia’s concern. Marcus merely tilted his head, waiting for Liam’s response.

Liam, however, remained calm. He let out a small breath, running a hand through his hair before looking at them with a reassuring expression.

"I already spoke to her," he said simply. "It’s resolved."

That only made them more confused.

"What do you mean, resolved?" Eleanor asked, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Did you—"

"I didn’t pay her," Liam interjected before she could finish. He sighed, knowing they wouldn’t stop prying until he gave them something. "She asked for a favor instead."

That immediately set off a chain of reactions.

"A favor?" Sophia repeated, her brows knitting even further.

Jason whistled, rubbing the back of his neck. "That’s either really good or really bad. What kind of favor are we talking about?"

Liam shrugged, acting nonchalant even though the thought still lingered in his own mind. "She didn’t say. Just that she’d call on me when the time comes."

Eleanor frowned. "That sounds... vague. Suspiciously vague."

Sophia looked even more distressed now. "Liam, are you sure that was a good idea? What if she asks for something unreasonable? What if—"

"She won’t," Liam assured her with confidence, though deep down, he wasn’t entirely sure himself. "She saved my life. If this is her price, I’ll pay it when the time comes. End of discussion."

Sophia didn’t look happy about it, but she sighed, knowing she wouldn’t get anywhere arguing with him.

The merchant, who had been silent during their exchange, finally cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"I hate to break up this little heart-to-heart," he said, adjusting his coat. "But have you all forgotten? We have a mission to complete. Or do you plan on staying here forever?"

That snapped them all back to reality.

Marcus, who had been unusually quiet folded his arms, frowning. "Yeah, that doesn’t sound right. Nobody just gives up forty silver coins for free. What did you promise her, Liam?" Not caring about what the merchant had just said.

Liam hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure how much he should tell them about the healer’s favor. The less they knew for now, the better. So he simply shrugged.

Sophia didn’t look entirely convinced, but she could see the confidence in his eyes. Finally, she let out a sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Alright... if you say so."

Marcus clapped a hand on Liam’s shoulder and smirked. "Well, whatever it is, you better not forget who’s got your back. Besides..." He grinned wider and thumped his own chest. "My blood runs in your veins now, and yours in mine. We’re brothers, Liam! We’re connected for life!"

Liam couldn’t help but chuckle at Marcus’s dramatic proclamation. "Yeah, yeah... I guess that makes us blood brothers now, huh?"

"Damn right!" Marcus laughed heartily, wrapping an arm around Liam’s shoulder. "Next time you’re on the brink of death, try not to take me with you, alright?"

Jason smirked, shaking his head. "This guy almost died, and the first thing he gets is a new brother. Lucky you, Liam." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Eleanor, though not as expressive, gave Liam a small nod. "It’s good to see you back. Just make sure you stay that way."

As the conversation settled, the merchant cleared his throat. "As much as I’d love to stand around and enjoy the bonding moment, we still have a mission to complete. The road ahead is long, and we’re already behind schedule."

Everyone’s attention was pulled back again, back to the real reason they were here. The healer had done her part, and Liam had survived—now, it was time to move forward.

Marcus was still grinning as he playfully elbowed Liam. "You ready to get back on a horse, or should I carry you?"

Liam rolled his eyes but smirked. "I think I can manage."

Sophia gave him one last glance, making sure he was truly alright before finally relenting. "Alright then. Let’s move."

One by one, they mounted their horses while the merchant prepared his cart. The healer stood by her doorway, watching them as they set off. Liam met her gaze briefly, and she gave him a knowing smile before disappearing back into her house.

As they rode off, the weight of everything that had happened still lingered in the back of Liam’s mind. But for now, all that mattered was the road ahead.