I woke up inside my friend's video game

As I suspected, Sir Oscar and Ma'am Porcia had orchestrated a cunning ploy to ensnare Erica and me. A treacherous trap lay ahead, promising a morning filled with the weight of a pounding head and a world that spun in disarray.

"Behold the savior of our company and her esteemed majesty!" Glenn, a member of the team I led, exclaimed over the microphone, standing proudly on the event hall stage.

Nikolai, having escorted us inside, swiftly departed, leaving Erica and me as the center of attention. The crowd erupted in cheers, bottles of liquor raised high in the air.

Beside Glenn, my younger sister sported a knowing smirk. Her expression conveyed a clear message—a triumphant gleam that seemed to say, "Finally, I get to witness my workaholic brother in his inebriated glory."

Regrettably, I had to disappoint them. During my time in the construction department—my previous job before joining this team—I had my fair share of drunken escapades, even clocking in with a hangover.

What truly concerned me now was Erica; this was her first real experience with revelry. In past parties and celebrations, I had always shielded her from any attempts to pressure her into drinking.

I held her left hand as we walked, scanning for an unoccupied table. Erica beamed and gestured toward a group with two empty seats. It was where Nikolai, Nica, Ron, and Kylie were seated.

"Well, as you can see..." I muttered, mustering a smile as we approached. "You know what awaits us once we sit there."

"You're the one who reminded me that we're here to enjoy, not stress out, right?" Erica said, embracing my arm.

I sighed and smiled. "Yeah, I said that."

Erica was an adult, and as her partner, I had no right to dictate what she should or shouldn't do. It was her choice.

"Bro, catch!" Nikolai tossed a can of beer my way, and I caught it effortlessly. With a swift motion, I popped it open, the satisfying hiss escaping into the air.

"Here, Erica," Kylie said politely, offering her a can.

"I didn't know you drank, Kylie," Erica remarked, surprised.

"Well, everyone has their hidden depths," Kylie said with a knowing smile. The two shared a laugh.

At first glance, Kylie's innocent appearance—her round eyes, fair complexion, and graceful demeanor—made her seem delicate. With a short, stylish haircut and a slender frame, she had an undeniable charm. Her soft-spoken manner only added to her warm presence.

However, as one got to know her at work, they'd discover her hidden facets—because, as the saying goes, don't we all have our dark sides?

As Erica cracked open her can, my attention drifted to a hushed conversation between Sir Oscar, Nica, and Nikolai. Their glances met mine, and Sir Oscar's lips curled into a subtle sneer.

Sir Oscar, a venerable figure exuding paternal warmth and wisdom, had graying hair and a well-groomed beard that hinted at a lifetime rich with experiences. Despite his age, his eyes gleamed with joy, carrying the weight of countless stories.

He was a reassuring presence, his laughter resonating with the joy he derived from both work and camaraderie. A respected and amiable boss, he blended authority with approachability, fostering an environment where guidance and cheer thrived.

"Oi, boss. What secrets are you sharing with those two?" I asked, taking a swig of my beer. "If you're aiming to get me drunk..." I grabbed another can, popped it open, and raised it. "You'll have to keep trying all night!"

The department erupted in cheers. Sir Oscar kept offering different drinks, from light beer to heavier spirits. But as I had warned, they'd need to persist all night if they wanted to see me fall.

As I savored my drinks, Nica suddenly asked, "So, how's life as partners, Jayson? I heard you two moved in together two months ago."

Nica, Nikolai's girlfriend, was a striking beauty. Her exquisite features naturally commanded attention, but it was a distinctive quirk that set her apart—her left eye, tilting ever so slightly outward. Rather than detracting from her beauty, it added an endearing uniqueness to her allure.

"Well," I began, taking a sip before continuing, "at first, it wasn't easy. But if you love each other, you naturally adjust to your partner's lifestyle without realizing it." I emptied my glass. "If you're with the right person, you end up complementing and enhancing each other."

Erica, now resting her head on the table, was clearly drunk. I stood and announced, "Looks like Erica's reached her limit." I approached her, gently lifting her into my arms, earning a wave of disappointed murmurs from the crowd. "Sorry, folks, but I won't be staying all night."

Carrying Erica, I made my way toward the exit, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.

Ah, look at that, dear reader! Jayson, in all his mortal glory, making his grand exit. Can you hear the collective sighs, the disappointed murmurs? Oh, what a twist of fate—I do so love a good twist.

See how he cradles his inebriated beloved, Erica, in his arms? A romantic spectacle, is it not? The crowd, with longing expressions, wishes for more of Jayson's company. But alas, duty calls—or perhaps it's the soporific effects of merrymaking.

I can almost hear the crowd's lament, yearning for Jayson's continued presence. Ah, the unpredictability of mortal affairs—it is like a sweet melody to my ears. Let the grand drama unfold, dear reader, as Jayson exits the stage, leaving the audience in anticipation.

Ah, but… rejoice, dear reader! A revelation of unparalleled amusement has danced into my capricious heart! A delightful twist in the fabric of reality. Jayson, and his unsuspecting fellow mortals, unaware of the consequences to come.

The mortal behind this whimsical twist has unwittingly become a puppet in my grand play. I shall pull the strings of unpredictability, for chaos is my canvas, and my masterpiece. Watch as I unfurl the banner of lunacy across the snowy landscapes of Tamriel, leaving bemused mortals in my wake.

You see, the mod installed by Nikolai is no ordinary trifle—it is a carnival of absurdity, a spectacle of madness! And I, the ringleader of revelry, am ready to unleash it upon the unsuspecting denizens of Tamriel and beyond! Oh, how they shall revel in the chaos, and I, in their bemusement!