MY GAME BEGINS Episode 4 / Chapter 4: The Truth, Atonement, and Redemption (Part 7: Cracks on the Mask — Part 2: Aftermath)

MY GAME BEGINS

Episode 4 / Chapter 4: The Truth, Atonement, and Redemption

(Part 7: Cracks on the Mask — Part 2: Aftermath)

Moments later...

Inside Ren's Quiet Room...

Jin, Kaito, and Rose remained seated in the plush, oversized armchairs, while Srinivasulu—in Ren’s form—lay resting against the headboard.

Kaito stared at Srinivasulu in sheer awe.

“Ren... all this time, you stayed so quiet that I always wondered what was going through your head! But, man, you’re really not like the rest of them out there. Until you spoke up today, I never realized just how deeply grounded you are. Your traditional values, good manners, and noble upbringing are practically shining through your behavior, bro!”

Srinivasulu blinked, bewildered by Kaito’s dramatic praise.

Why is this guy getting so emotional over basic common sense? he thought to himself.

Out loud, Srinivasulu looked at Jin, Kaito, and Rose.

“Oray... I just asked what was on my mind in general, ra! Why are you making such a massive fuss over it?”

He shifted slightly on the bed, adjusting his posture.

“Running around in secret relationships behind your parents’ backs, or living together without getting married... those are the kinds of irresponsible mistakes people should avoid! If someone has honest intentions, what’s wrong with asking directly?”

Srinivasulu turned his gaze toward Rose.

“What do you think, Rose? Did I say anything wrong?”

Rose looked back at him, her expression soft and thoughtful.

“Not at all. You did the right thing in the right way. How long can anyone keep something like that hidden, anyway? The truth has to come out eventually, and by laying everything out today, you did the right thing.”

Srinivasulu turned toward Jin.

“What about you, Jin?”

Jin nodded in full agreement.

“I agree with Rose. You handled it with complete integrity, Ren. You did the right thing.”

Kaito vigorously clapped his hands together with a wide grin.

“Look at you, Ren! You’ve got that marriage glow on your face already, bro!”

“Oray, stop it!” Srinivasulu cut him off quickly.

“I simply spoke my mind, and they happened to respect my honesty! That doesn’t mean the wedding is being arranged tomorrow! There’s still plenty of time for all that, so don’t go putting crazy ideas into their heads!”

Kaito shrugged playfully.

“Hey, her parents gave you their blessing! That’s ninety percent of the job done right there!”

Jin chuckled softly.

“Honestly, Ren, Kaito isn’t entirely wrong. That’s one massive load off your chest! Now you can breathe easy and focus entirely on your studies. Snag a great job, build a stable career, and then you can happily walk down the aisle!”

Rose nodded, her tone turning practical and encouraging.

“Jin is right. Right now, your main focus should be on two things: defeating these Demons and securing your education. The Demons won’t be a permanent threat once we defeat them, so your real long-term priority is studying hard and landing a solid career. Do that properly, and your whole life will be settled.”

Srinivasulu let out a dry, nervous groan.

“You guys say it like it’s as easy as making tea! In that moment, I somehow summoned the courage to blurt it all out, but right now? My heart is hammering like a freight train! It feels like it’s racing at 196 kilometers per hour!”

The three of them exchanged amused glances.

Rose let out a quiet, stifled laugh.

Kaito shook his head, thinking to himself:

Usually, guys panic BEFORE proposing... how is this idiot losing his mind AFTER getting a total green light?!

Meanwhile, Jin fought hard to keep a straight face, internally shaking his head.

Man, why is he acting like such a nervous little kid all of a sudden?!

Srinivasulu cleared his throat anxiously.

“Anyway, you three should go check on Aira’s parents. See how they’re settling in... and especially check on poor Aira. Go see how she’s doing. Quickly!”

The three stood up and started walking toward the door.

“Guys!”

Srinivasulu suddenly called out.

They stopped and turned around.

Srinivasulu looked at them with wide, anxious eyes.

“Seriously, though... I really didn’t say anything wrong back there, right?”

Rose, Kaito, and Jin shouted in unison,

“YOU DIDN’T!”

Srinivasulu breathed a sigh of relief.

“Alright, alright... go on, then.”

As they turned to leave again, Srinivasulu called out once more, his voice dropping softly.

“Wait... Rose, hold on a second.”

Jin and Kaito exchanged a knowing look, then turned toward Rose.

Rose waved them off gently.

“You guys go ahead. I’ll catch up in a minute.”

Jin and Kaito smirked and slipped out into the corridor, shutting the door behind them.

Rose turned around and looked at Srinivasulu.

“What is it now, Ren?”

Srinivasulu opened his mouth, hesitating as the words caught in his throat.

“Well... there’s something I wanted to tell you...”

Rose raised an eyebrow playfully.

“What is it this time? Should I ask my dad to arrange a big celebration party for you two?”

Srinivasulu took a deep breath, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

He swallowed his words and gently shook his head.

“No... it’s nothing. You should go.”

Rose frowned slightly.

“What did you want to say, Ren?”

“Nothing, really... just go on,” Srinivasulu murmured softly.

Rose studied his face for a quiet moment, then offered a light, mysterious smile.

“You know... despite what Aira’s parents said about you being completely straightforward, you’re not entirely transparent either. You have some deep secrets of your own locked away inside, don’t you?”

She smiled gently.

“Well, tell me whenever you feel ready.”

With a gentle nod, she turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Inside the quiet room, Srinivasulu stared at the closed door, a crushing weight settling over his chest.

Secrets locked away? he thought bitterly.

My whole life, my entire future, is swallowed in absolute darkness and secrets...

If it is true that Aira and Ren love each other with all their hearts... then it is even more true that I—Srinivasulu—love you far beyond that, Rose!

Ren loved Aira like she was his very life... and I love you just as fiercely, Rose.

But Ren at least had the chance to pour his heart out to Aira.

I never even got that chance!

No... wearing this mask, I actively denied myself that chance.

By hiding behind Ren’s face and living his life... did I commit an unforgivable mistake?

---

FLASHBACK

Real World — Early 2050 CE, Andhra Pradesh, India

(Great City of Maha Nagaram)

(Evening After College)

Srinivasulu, dressed in his college clothes, was walking along the bustling streets on his way to his apartment.

Outside a major gaming hub, a massive promotional display caught his attention.

It was the launch cover for the game, Chosen One.

Prominently featured in the center of the artwork was the breathtaking character design of Rose.

The moment Srinivasulu’s eyes landed on her vibrant, fiery depiction, he stopped in his tracks.

A gentle, involuntary smile touched his lips as a strange, captivating warmth bloomed in his chest.

Scene Shift

Inside his room back home, Srinivasulu sat in front of his glowing widescreen monitor, deeply immersed in the world of Chosen One.

Whenever Rose’s character appeared on the screen—whether she was executing a brilliant battle strategy or sharing a quiet moment in the storyline—a genuine, radiant smile lit up Srinivasulu’s face.

In a world full of quiet struggles, her character had become his haven.

---

END OF FLASHBACK

Back in the present, inside Ren’s room...

Srinivasulu—in Ren’s form—carefully adjusted the IV line attached to his left arm and sank back into the soft pillows.

The single reason I was drawn into this world... was you, Rose, Srinivasulu thought, staring blankly at the ceiling fresco of Zeus as heavy thoughts pressed down on his soul.

But now... I don’t even know where my life is heading.

Just as the Divine Sage Narada warned... by stepping into Ren’s life and taking his form... did I truly commit a grave, unforgivable sin?

The emotional turmoil and overwhelming weight on his mind finally took their toll.

Slowly, his eyelids grew heavy.

Srinivasulu closed his eyes and gradually drifted into a restless sleep.

(End of Episode 4 / Chapter 4 — Part 7: Part 2)