Jake woke up after the quiet and painful evening.
He stared at the ceiling without any will to do anything.
Being a pioneer and representing his own archery weighed too much on him. He didn't know whether he had disappointed Viktor, Ingrid, or Master Aaron. He couldn't think positively as it was the first time Jake had done something for others, not solely for himself.
It wasn't even comparable to the help he'd given his friends over the years.
It was similar to an adult responsibility, but Jake wasn't ready.
"Jake! The breakfast is ready!" Jake's mother shouted from downstairs.
'Already?' Jake thought. He usually followed his morning routine, except for brushing his teeth before breakfast. He'd then quickly take care of his teeth afterward and proceed with his schedule.
Sighing, Jake scrambled to his two feet and slowly left his room.
He glanced at Mary's door. It was locked, meaning this peculiar older sister was still in the slumber after playing the game until late at night. She was an adult who earned from the game, so their parents no longer bother with her schedule.
Jake hovered his half-lidded eyes on the door before turning around and going downstairs.
Edward was already at the table.
He held his tablet and read the morning news.
A short glance at Jake, however, stopped his morning routine as he noticed Jake's red eyes. A night wasn't enough to wash Jake's sadness.
Edward put the tablet on the table and cut to the chase.
He asked, "What happened?"
Jake's mother looked over her shoulder at Jake. She noticed that he was feeling down.
"I haven't," Jake replied.
"Aren't those just your assumptions, then?" Edward asked. "Don't forget that I'm a player, too. I know that archery is not popular, and most countries have barely any NPCs related to it. Rather, they're hidden or delegated from capitals. Which means, your show of archery must have taken the training grounds and at least a few NPCs by storm.
The Asta Bow House's representative should be overjoyed about your performance. You've shown that your archery has the potential to be strong and fun, which is exactly what players want. In my opinion, if that representative is as disappointed as you think he is, then he's not worth your time and effort."
Jake blankly stared at his old man.
Edward faintly smiled, "The fact that you're so burdened by the consequences of your loss means you've matured enough not to be obsessed with a single goal. Even if those consequences are related to your current obsession, you're overwhelmed by them. As a man, you'll be weighed down by various matters outside your comfort zone as you live.
I'm sure you will be fine because..." His smile widened, "...you've finally opened your eyes, Jake."
Jake didn't know if he had been ever so overwhelmed by emotions.
He couldn't even eat the breakfast as he gawked at his father.
The old man was so supportive, even though it was only about the game: the game in which Jake earned nothing!
"...should I skip college today and check how it is?" Jake asked.
Edward nodded.
Jake's mother nearly fell off her chair!
Jake faintly laughed. "I think I've opened my eyes for real... like, I was so jealous of the player I defeated. His girlfriend came out from the crowd and defended him so much. It was so cute. Makes me want to ask someone out, too."
Edward and his wife laughed at the table.
The lady of the house was the most eager about this statement. She asked if Jake had eyes on someone, but he casually shrugged and said no one in particular had caught his attention.
That didn't stop his mom from asking more.