Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 199

Sorry but it wil the only chapter I upload today, I’m kinda worn out

199. Mari-nee and Shared Thoughts and Feelings

“Nice to meet you. My name is Mikage Sakura. I apologize for contacting you out of the blue.

I am the wife of Mikage Ryou, who went by the name Jade in the game Mebius World Online.

I imagine you may be confused when you receive a message from a stranger. However, we are not entirely without connection.

This goes back to a time long before the game was released. My husband, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, met Mari-san at the hospital where he was admitted. Though Mari-san was unconscious, so I doubt she remembers. It’s more likely that it was Masato-san and Maki-san, who frequently visited, that I remember more clearly.

Lung cancer is often asymptomatic, and by the time it was discovered, it had already begun spreading to surrounding organs. My husband was told how long he had left soon after his admission. Having never suffered from a serious illness before, it hit him hard, to the point of losing the will to live. His work-driven life may have added to that.

I supported him, tried to encourage him, but his spirit didn’t recover… until something changed within him. Later, he told me it was from watching Masato-san and Maki-san tirelessly talking to the unconscious Mari-san.

At that time, there were four people in the hospital room. One of them had no one to visit. That may have made the bond between you all seem even more dazzling. Even though she was unconscious, Mari-san was still fighting to live. And Masato-san and Maki-san were hoping for her recovery.

A while later, my husband confided that he hadn’t just been weak, but he had failed to express his gratitude to me, his wife. Hearing his warm words after so long, I almost cried, but I couldn’t forgive him so easily, so I vented my pent-up frustration for about half a day…

Ahem, I’ve strayed from the point. Though awkward at first, that was the spark that led us to talk more as a couple. And some time later, I heard from a nurse that Mari-san had been discharged to continue her recovery at home. Everyone in the room, my husband included, had wished for her recovery. After all, for nearly a month, they had spoken repeatedly of Mari-san and her family.

For everyone in the room, Mari-san, Masato-san, and Maki-san were a warm and radiant presence.

Time passed, and one by one, people left the hospital due to various circumstances. Then, one day, my husband, who had left the room for a check-up, happened to see Mari-san visiting the hospital with Masato-san. I was with him at the time, and I clearly remember the tears in his eyes—he rarely cried, so it made me emotional too.

However, it wasn’t all joyful moments. Though my husband’s illness progressed slower than expected, it steadily ate away at his body. Still, I heard that it was Mari-san’s presence that kept him fighting until the end.

Then, one day, we saw someone who looked just like Mari-san in a TV commercial. Surprised, we looked up the game’s official website from the information in the commercial. There, we saw a vibrant Mari-san in the promotional video, and it filled our hearts. Upon further investigation, we learned that Mari-san had become quite famous. My husband and I were proud, as if it were our own accomplishment.

However, there was one thing my husband couldn’t stand—the burden that seemed to fall solely on Mari-san. He was furious at the adults around her for not doing anything.

A few days later, my husband declared that he would start playing the game too. He said he would do whatever it took to uproot anything that might trouble Mari-san. The necessary equipment was generously lent by a former colleague, though judging by the terrified look on their face when delivering it… but that’s beside the point.

Though a beginner at games, my husband, thanks to his martial arts expertise from work, quickly gained strength in the game. At the same time, he mobilized all his connections in the real world, planning how best to proceed. Eventually, his wish came true, and the day he was able to talk to Mari-san in-game, he was overjoyed. Though he did secretly sulk when she harshly scolded him after their fight in the arena…

Even that, I think, was an invaluable experience for him. The stronger his will to live became. Later, I learned that my husband had played a key role in ending a large conflict. Immediately after fulfilling that role, however, his condition suddenly worsened. The emergency surgery lasted three days and three nights, and though his life was saved, it was only a temporary reprieve. The doctors mercilessly informed us that he didn’t have long.

While I was in shock, my husband calmly accepted the news and asked me to deliver a message to Mari-san. Honestly, I was a little jealous. Even in his final moments, he prioritized Mari-san over me, his wife.

From here, I will share the words my husband left behind, exactly as he said them.

‘In life, there are unavoidable events.

That battle was one of them.

Someone had to bring it to an end.

I, with my limited time, was the right person for that role, and it was also a matter of pride as an adult.

It’s nothing, really. I may have called you a child, but in truth, I was no better. I can only laugh at myself for that.

Still, I’d appreciate it if you could forgive me, saying that’s just how adults can be—foolish.

So, there’s no need for you to feel burdened by it… though I know you will.

Even so, if possible, I want you to let it go.

Right now, I feel incredibly fulfilled.

Because I was able to embody the image of a father willing to do anything for his daughter.

If there is one regret, it’s that I couldn’t keep my promise.

But, well, I’ll have to ask for your forgiveness for that.

Lastly, I apologize to my wife, who had to carry this message.

Thank you for supporting me all this time.

Though I go ahead of you, I sincerely hope our reunion is far into the future.’

– Mikage Ryou”