The Isekai Game

Hazing

Earlier that Friday, before Vanessa crossed paths with Logan in the hall, Dani sat well suited in the studio's jam-packed lobby alongside Jaivva, Logan, and Jeff. The studio always got packed in February with people who enjoyed the thoughtful themes bringing them closer to loved ones. Jaivva was singing, bragging about how she gets to protect big boy Jeff from assassins. 

Jeff sat, rubbing his head, "Dani, why don't you go in already"? 

"I have to go in later for something," she answered.

"For what"?

She was a bit taken, "Don't worry about it".

Just as Jeff was about to bicker back, Logan cut him off, "I freaking hate when the studio gets crowded with all these non-players. It reminds me of the old days when it was always like this". 

"Really?" asked Jaivva, "What happened"? 

Logan scratched his grey hair, "Well, it use to be flooded with a lot of players. But a lot of them were crappy. Lot's of hazing and people getting jumped. Especially with the middle schoolers". 

Jaivva smirked, "That's just middle school. Nothing new, but whatever". 

"Oh no," corrected Logan, "High schoolers and adults would jump, beat, and haze the middle schoolers. They used to put me into planks and kick my rib cage to see how long I would hold out for. Not to mention car races where they tied cars to our necks and made us race out back for fun. My favorite was pocket monsters. They used to take us, throw us in a ring against each other, and make us fight. We could only do what they tell us to in those battles". 

Jaivva noticed the smile on his face, "That sounds terrible, okay"?

Logan smirked, gaining the attention of others around them, "Oh yeah, it sucked. Great character building though". 

Many laughed except Dani who heard these stories several times as he continued, "Yeah... But eventually, the studio calmed down. A lot of players, good and bad, left. After that, it slowly kept dying. Now we mostly have people who don't really play. They just sit around and do nothing. Roleplay and lolly gaggle". 

"Well that's not bad," said Jaivva with Jeff agreeing with her. 

"So," said Logan, clasping his hands, "What you have to understand is that this is a business. And they need to make their money. These themes used to be a lot longer. But they're not anymore! Reason being is because there are less players like us who actually play to beat the game and have fun. Now, there's just 'players' who come, don't play, don't fight, complain about everything, and expect to beat the end game content". 

Jaivva snapped her fingers, "You're right on that". 

Logan threw his hands, "Like seriously, it's a fight. If you don't train and maximize yourself to beat the end game content, you simply won't beat it. Don't f*****g cry about it. Go act or join a drama club if you want to roleplay so much". 

Dani laughed, "Whatever you do, stay clear of Logan". 

Jaivva was a bit indifferent though, "I mean, I-... I hear people complain, but that's normal. Like most of the actors and roleplayers, I see around here don't care to beat the endgame content. But, I don't know. There was this one Hakken person that seemed interested in actually playing though". 

"Is that a boy or girl?" asked Logan with Jeff also staring at Jaivva. 

"I don't know," she answered. 

Logan looked off for a bit before shrugging, "Well, good luck. I need to head off early. I got somebody I need to 'help' this month". 

"Oh!" yelled Jaivva, "Are they paying you? That sounded genuine".

Dani laughed, "Yes, good luck to you too Logan". She texted a bit before yelling, "And Don't forget my present in June". 

Logan flipped her off while everybody else was clueless. 

"I'm serious!" she yelled, "Like there doesn't need to be a reason. Just get me a present". 

Instead of answering, Logan walked off which angered her to cross her legs onto the sofa, "I can't stand him". 

"Cute," laughed Jaivva. 

Dani answered seldomly "no" whereas Jeff nearly panicked, "no"!

"Oh wow," said Jaivva, "Well at least we're gonna beat some assassins this month". 

Logan poked his head back in the lobby, "And make sure you get as much info on these assassins as possible"!

Everybody in the lobby was startled by the word "assassin". Some theorized whether they would be attacked as well. He left again, heading towards the back which confused Jeff. 

As he stood, Jaivva asked, "Why did Logan go through the back"?

Dani whispered over while Jeff wasn't looking, "We always go through the back. But don't tell Jeff". 

Jaivva rose up, smirking as she grabbed Jeff's arm, "Alright Dani, we'll see you later". 

There was a smile on Dani's face that was a bit more genuine than usual. One that was a sure sign that she had herself a little Valentine's. The question on Jaivva's mind, was that Valentine's in fact Logan? The two are pretty close and Jeff doesn't seem to approve of them dating. It was definitely something she would have to run by Vanessa later.