An hour later dawn had slowly arrived in Red Oak City. Large, rented cars arrived in the parking garage of the guild house. Liam and Serena got off first and their old friends quickly followed.
Walking right next to the siblings were Trey Ecras, Liam's close friend who was only one year older than him, and Pastor Frey, the leader of the homeless community. Behind them followed about twenty people. They scurried towards the elevators and drove to the fifth floor, where the apartments prepared for the staff were located.
Once they got off, they were welcomed by Liam's closest friends.
Indeed, Liam's previous worries were not entirely unfounded. These people coming from his old community were rather embarrassed to appear in society. It was one of the many invisible barriers making it difficult for them to escape homelessness. In the past even if someone offered them help, they were sometimes ashamed to enter some fancy offices, instead returning to the community. They told themselves that life there wasn't so bad after all. At least they wouldn't be met with these judgemental gazes.
However, this time there was some difference. The one trying to help them was Liam. He was one of them, a trusted face. And yet he still found it difficult to convince his old friends. Many were afraid of the sudden change. They were already used to the life in the community. It was difficult to change one's habits all of a sudden. This was another invisible shackle.
Luckily, Pastor Frey spoke up. This was the real convincing factor. When the community's spiritual pillar implored everyone to grab this opportunity, most people accepted it. Only a few were still reluctant, saying they would follow in a few days. Liam and the pastor could both tell that these old friends didn't plan on following at all. Thus, they came to a decision. For now, they would take the willing people with them and then come back every day to deliver some supplies and attempt to convince the rest as well. This was the best they could do for now.
"Haha, nice to get to know all of you. I'm Cynthia and this is Mel. You can call me Cy. Thank you for taking care of Liam and Serena in the past!"
Cynthia and Mel didn't show any prejudice as they welcomed the new additions to the guild staff. Their attitude greatly eased the minds of these pitiful homeless.
The friends quickly introduced themselves one by one, creating a warm atmosphere. Only Rachel appeared somewhat apprehensive, repulsed by the smell emitted by these people. However, she didn't blame them and instead admonished herself, feeling ashamed, determined to do better.
After some brief conversation Liam's friends went back to prepare for the party. Only Liam, Serena, and Cynthia remained. They showed the former homeless around, assigning them apartments. Although the rooms were small, it was more than the former homeless could have ever asked for. A small kitchen, a comfortable bed, and a bathroom. Everyone was satisfied. Cynthia was even thoughtful enough to prepare some clothes for them.
After a while Liam, Serena, and Cynthia also left, leaving the newcomers to their own devises. They went to shower, shave, and change clothes. When they were done it was already late into the evening, and the party was starting.
On the ground floor people were arriving one by one. Most of them were the guild's members. Final Fend, Braag, the Zen brothers, Melodious Edelweiss, and more. Additionally, friends of Cynthia and Mel, Dominic's and Kel's college bodies, their parents, Doctor Merida, and others had also been invited.
Liam, who earlier thought that the space was way too big to hold a party now found that it was quite cramped. Well, he never considered the possibility that Cynthia would invite so many of the guild members.
However, with such a crowd of people the atmosphere was great. Food, drinks, and music did their part, getting everyone into the right mood. All in all, Cynthia and Mel were greatly satisfied. They danced with their friends, having the time of their lives.
But it didn't take long for Liam to notice something. His old friends had not arrived. He let out a sigh as he thought it was not surprising. They were most likely still embarrassed. He left the party for a bit and entered the elevator. When he stepped out and glanced down the hallway, he surprisingly saw a figure coming out at this moment. It was a young man with long, barely styled black hair. His face was rather thin, and the signs of hardship made him look older than he really was. Yet his eyes were radiant, filled with hope for the future.
When Liam spotted the man, the other spotted him as well. Both revealed bright smiles.
"Trey!"
"Liam! What are you doing here?"
"I'm checking on you guys. Are you not coming?"
Trey lightly shook his head.
"I have already tried to convince the others, but it doesn't look promising."
"I understand. It's difficult to get used to such a sudden change. Hm, maybe I should fetch some food for everyone."
"I'm sure they would appreciate it, yes."
"Mhm. So, what about you? Were you about to go down? Considering the way you are dressed… that shirt really suits you!"
"Haha, thanks…"
Trey laughed somewhat shyly, not used to compliments.
"Yes, I… I wanted to look for you. I didn't have the time to thank you yet!"
"Ah, don't mention it. It's nothing compared to what you guys have done for me and my sister."
"No, really. I have talked to the others. Although they don't say it, I have never seen so much hope in everyone's eyes. Just look at my mother. I can see how happy she is. This is a big chance for us. And also… thank you for the console!"
Liam could feel Trey's sincere emotions. At this point it would seem insincere if he still downplayed his actions. Especially when it came to the last part, the console.
Liam knew that Trey had always been fascinated by warriors and the like. If it weren't for his mother, he would have long joined some hunter team even if his role would be carrying equipment. Thus, Liam had prepared a console for Trey. It was safer for his friend to become a player and perhaps join Dream Avenue in the future.
Of course, the console came from Liam's private money. The guild couldn't show too much favour. Although the newcomers were Liam's old friends, they also had to work to earn money. Between their wages and the apartments, the conditions were already more than generous. Of course, everyone was free to look for other jobs, perhaps even become a professional player, but if they couldn't afford rent anymore the situation would become thorny.
Liam had considered the possibility before and came to the conclusion that he would most likely pay the rent for those who failed to earn money. But obviously this was not a situation he wanted to see. When it came to Trey, though, he was a bit biased. He bought a console for his good friend, enabling him to join the game. Liam was confident that under his guidance Trey could at least earn some good money even if he didn't become a famous pro player.
As the two friends conversed, they swiftly regained their old familiarity. Liam told stories about Fate of Crunaboul, a topic he could speak about forever and Trey could listen to forever. For the latter everything felt unreal. He couldn't believe that his old friend had risen to become the number one player in the entire federation. He even joked that Liam had been replaced by some kind of shape-shifting monster, to which Liam could only answer that Trey's fantasy was too vivid.
The friends both laughed and arrived downstairs, joining the party. With Liam's help Trey managed to integrate with the guild members, especially Cynthia, Silva, and the others. And yet he was rather stiff. He had never heard the music coming from large boxes and didn't know how to behave during a party.
Suddenly Trey felt an elbow poke his ribs. He turned around and saw Cynthia handing him a big, red cup.
"Trey! Come, take a few sips. I'm sure it will help you to relax somewhat."
"Ahh, ehm… no, thanks. I don't like alcohol. Honestly, I don't think it's something anyone should drink."
"Really? But look, even Serena is doing fine…"
Hearing this, Trey's eyes opened wide. He abruptly turned his head and found Serena also nipping on a cup.
"Are you crazy?! How can you let a child…"
Trey stopped himself. He looked back at Cynthia, staring at her in annoyance.
"Let me guess. There is just some juice in Serena's cup?"
"Haha, yes. You got it. In fact, none of the drinks here have alcohol. After all, everyone has to work tomorrow."
Cynthia thought that Trey would laugh along after her reveal, but the young man didn't find it funny at all, walking away.
It was only later that Cynthia learned from Liam that they had seen too much alcohol abuse when living on the streets. Especially Trey, whose father was addicted, abhorred alcohol. It was only normal that he wouldn't find the joke funny.
After that, Cynthia felt extremely bad. She apologized to Trey and spent the rest of the evening trying to make it up to him. Trey knew that Cynthia never meant to be mean. He accepted the apology, and they got along quite well from that point on.