Page 48 of Aim Assist

I glance at Liam's character. His orc stands ready, assault rifle in hand. Maybe he's getting the hang of it after all.

Ash Bandit: You ready for this?

Sir Trixalot: Born ready, Ash. Let's show these zombie freaks who's boss.

I can't help but smirk at his bravado. At least he's committed to the bit.

The timer hits zero, and an eerie wail pierces the air. Rotting hands claw their way out of the earth, followed by decaying bodies in tattered rags. The undead have risen.

I open fire, my mini-gun spewing a hail of bullets. Liam's orc charges in, new rifle blazing. Zombie parts splatter the screen in a gory mess, and I spam every action skill I have when it comes available.

Wave after wave of zombies pour in from all sides. We make a surprisingly effective team, all things considered.

The final zombie hits the dirt in a spray of blood and brains. Liam lets out a triumphant whoop, arms raised in victory.

"Hell yeah! Eat it, you undead bastards!"

My eyes flit over to the stream chat, a grin tugging at my lips as I take in the sea of laughing emojis and snarky comments.

PuntedGoblins: LMAO he acts like he just soloed a raid boss

xXxAphroditetheQueenxXx: omg this is painful to watch, someone carry this man

HarryPotato: git gud scrub

I stifle a laugh. They're not wrong. Liam's whooping and hollering like he saved the virtual world, not cleared a single wave in the most basic quest imaginable.

Ash Bandit: Don't get too cocky. That was only the first wave. Still got four more to go.

Sir Trixalot: Pshh, I got this! They don't stand a chance against the dream team!

I roll my eyes, but can't quite wipe the smirk off my face. His enthusiasm is almost endearing. Almost.

Damn it, I'm catching feelings again.

The timer ticks down again and I ready my weapon, fingers poised over the keyboard.

"Alright chat, let's see if Sir Trixalot here can keep up this time," I say, throwing a wink at the camera.

"I'm the one carrying you this time," he yells across the room.

The undead surge forth once more. Liam's orc barrels into the fray beside me, assault rifle chattering.

Maybe there's hope for him yet.

Sir Trixalot: Behind you!

I whirl around just in time to see a zombie lunging for my back. Before I can react, its head bursts like a rotten melon, gore splattering my view for a few seconds before disappearing.

Ash Bandit: Nice shot.

Sir Trixalot: Told you, dream team!

"Yeah, yeah," I mutter, but there's no real heat behind it.

Wave after wave, we mow down the horde until nothing remains but piles of twitching corpses.

As the quest complete banner flashes across the screen, Liam lets out another whoop.

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