MMORPG: Rebirth of the Shadow Mage

I logged off the game with a stupid smile glued to my face.

" I've acquired a friend! "

I thought out loud. Even in my previous life I didn't have that many people who I could call friends. People similar to me who sold their lives to the guilds could be considered friends, because we both had respect for each other, but since our meetings were scarce, I wouldn't call it friendship.

Before I became a Player I was a quiet kid with no friends or need for attention. I just existed...

All my school years I've spent alone and outside the social circles. In class we had some kind of an unwritten rule that I bother no one and no one will bother me.

As you can guess I'm not that good with socializing and communicating, luckily I had two lifetimes of experience.

Descending down the stairs I wore my favorite black hoodie and tied up my shoe laces. Since my parents will come back home late, I decided to eat outside.

Leaving the old house I locked its rusty door and left into the dark.

Walking through the dark streets I wasn't wary at all. One would think that I would be scared of getting shot just like my parents, but since I spent a lot of time in the cave I was kind of used to the dark. I also knew that the gang responsible for my parents death would only come to the neighborhood in a few years.

I almost wanted to see those people who hurt my parents. Unknowingly I clenched my fists and my face had a frown.

Gritting my teeth I took a few deep breaths and calmed myself.

' There'll be time for revenge, calm down '

I somehow managed to control my anger and walked down the street towards the closest pizzeria. I wasn't able to buy such food often, but today was a good day. Tomorrow will be a game update after all.

Scrolling through my phone I noticed media attention being quickly drawn towards the new game. Almost one fourth of the people on earth had already played the game and the reviews were good.

I also noticed more and more people writing comments about how weak demons are compared to the other races. Their main complaint was that many strong monsters surrounded the starter village. One of the side arguments was that compared to other races demons had less Attributes which was not wrong.

Even though they weren't wrong I snickered. This game is already almost perfectly balanced and demons will gain more Attributes once their class advances.

' Yes, yes pick the other races '

My eyes shined, recalling how I needed to push through the crowd to reach Oliver's shop.

" No more crowds, no more annoying people~ "

I mumbled while nearing the pizzeria. When I was about to enter the Building I stumbled and almost fell. My hands were tightly holding the phone while I was reading an article I just came upon.

< Player Leo - Unknown Player ? >

~ Today a worldwide message spread through the....

The article wrote about how the world came to know about my existence. Apparently I somehow forgot to decline the question if I want to announce my achievement and upon logging off the message was automatically deemed as accepted.

Leaning on the closest wall I rammed my hand into it.

' It's alright, there's no proof that Unknown player and I am the same person '

I forcefully tried to calm myself down. Scrolling down the comments I noticed somebody posted a link to a website where all known information about unknown player will be posted.

Scrolling through the website I found some pictures of me demolishing a wall and even a video of me running off into the distance. All my known stats and skill speculations were also written there. Even though they were off by a margin it was still interesting to see my wiki page.

I wasn't happy with the attention I received, but the most annoying thing was my carelessness. Even though I was tired it isn't an excuse for revealing myself. Entering the pizzeria building I quickly walked up to the cashier and gave her a smile before ordering a pizza.

Since I didn't eat pizza often I went with the safe option of ordering margarita. Sitting on one of the tables I looked around, the restaurant was half full and most of the people were already eating. Putting a phone in my pocket I crossed my arms and closed my eyes.

" Tomorrow, I'll be a millionaire "

I mumbled into my alcove. Scanning everything around I noticed a waitress approaching me with my order.

' One Margarita Pizza '

~~~~

I ate the whole meal and left a good tip for the waitress and left the restaurant taking a long route back home. It was chilly midnight and most of the people were already sleeping. Strolling through the empty street I raised my eyes upwards looking at the stars shining in the sky.

It was beautiful...

It still hasn't hit me how lucky I am to be reborn and once again experience life. Having another chance to relive my life was simply amazing and I even knew the future.

Sighing from relief I felt a burden on my shoulders lessen and I finally felt free. From the contract I've signed in the previous lifetime, my useless past self and finally the death of my close ones.

I could restart it once again and fix my past mistakes...

Closing my eyes I made a wish to be able to protect my loved ones.

~~~~

Entering the quiet house I unzipped my hoodie and took off my shoes. Climbing up the stairs I slightly opened my parents' room and took a quick peek.

They both were already sleeping.

Sighing from relief I walked back to my room and laid on the floor. Tomorrow it'll be different. Tomorrow we'll move, we'll move to a better place!

Doing some exercises, I felt sore all around my body. Going to the bathroom I took a quick shower and jumped onto my bed right after immediately falling asleep.