Victor leaned back. "Because she's Level 57. And she's Zara Feng."
Max scowled. "Freaking figures. People like that think they're gods."
Danny shook his head with a genuinely pissed look. "One day, bro. One day I'll get strong enough to look her in the eye and say, 'Suck my d*ck bitch!' Just watch."
Victor chuckled. "Please record it when that day comes."
They all laughed...
The conversation slowly drifted toward lighter things. They talked about how the city lights were always too bright, about a few Drakenar tribesmen attacked the western border last week but failed to get in, about how Max accidentally spilled soup on his lap mid-date and the girl still ghosted him despite his "perfect recovery monologue."
As the laughter faded into quiet chuckles, Victor's smile dimmed into something softer.
"Hey," he said while rubbing the back of his neck, "I've been thinking."
The boys quieted.
