The Mad Rat’s Lab

“Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?” Somebody pokes my shoulder with a finger.

“Huh?” I raise my eyes from the phone to look at him. “Oh, it’s you, Matta. Come closer, we’re discussing next week’s Mystery Event.”

“Hi, Matta.” Says Berta.

There are no classes because it’s the summer break, but we continue meeting regularly in a park near our school. It’s the same as usual, but without having to worry about classes, homework, or exams.

Matta’s belly wiggles as he sits down. He always reminds me of his Goblin Champion. Although his height is normal, which is quite different from the goblin’s, his belly is as big as the one his champion shows, if not bigger.

As for Berta, the resemblance between her and her champion is even higher. The size, of course, is different, but the resemblance is amazing, particularly in two areas. You know what I mean, hahaha.

A shiver runs down my spine right as I think that.

Oh my god! For a moment I felt as if Berta was staring at me with a murderous gaze. But it shouldn’t be… she shouldn’t be able to read my thoughts. She can’t, right? Because I’m doomed otherwise.

On the other side, my looks are completely different from those of my Champion. My dragonborn Champion is taller, more handsome, and has a lot more muscle.

…why can’t my real looks resemble my Champion’s too!? I feel like crying.

Unaware of my thoughts, Matta takes out his phone and shares a screenshot with us. “Did you hear about this? They said somebody leaked information about the next Mystery Event. They said there will be special players involved.”

On the screen, there’s a comment on DMA’s forum speculating about the next event’s content.

“Come on, Matta. You can’t believe everything you see…”

“I know, I know.” He waves his hand around. “But this time, the DMA staff removed the comment before five minutes could pass. Why would they do it if it were a fake comment?”

“I see…”

I take Matta’s phone and start reading. After finishing, I pass it to Berta.

“So it’s about the top-ranked players? Assuming what is written here is the truth, how did the DMA staff manage to convince them? Are they going to pay them?”

“Nah, I don’t think so… Maybe they do it to increase their fame?”

“Could be…”

Berta, having finished reading, makes a weird expression. “Is that all, Matta? Other than talking about the top rankers, there’s nothing about the Mystery Event! It’s useless! Why are you getting so excited about something so useless!?”

“This is all I could get before the comment was deleted, hahaha! Don’t blame me!” Matta laughs.

“But still… I’m relieved. If it involves top rankers, there shouldn’t be a chance for us to fight against similar players…” Berta exhales. “I don’t want to repeat that…”

Oh, I believe I know what she’s talking about!

I quickly unlock my phone to show the picture of the worm inside The Mat Rat’s Lab. I have it so I don’t miss these chances.

“Why? Are you scared of this, maybe?” I smile, putting the phone right in front of her face. “Uuoooh, a woooorm. A wooooorm eating you whooooole! Hahaha!” 

“Kyaaaah! S-shut up, Carles! I-it isn’t funny!” She runs away, but before leaving, she punches me.

“It isn’t…? If so… why am I laughing right now?” I rub my shoulder. It hurts…but it was worth it.

“Do you want me to leave you two alone?”

“Shut up, Matta!”

The players were getting ready for DMA’s next event: the Mystery Event.