Chapter 191: Deal Done!
Martin opened his mouth, but nothing useful came to mind, so he decided not to answer. Rias’s small, satisfied smile only made him more determined to keep quiet.
They continued deeper into the hall, squeezing between servers, players, and floating system windows. Although the interfaces themselves were visible to everyone, their contents remained private. Anyone looking over another player’s shoulder saw only blurred shapes and patches of light unless the user chose to share the screen with their party.
A waitress squeezed past them with a tray of glowing drinks. Martin leaned aside to make room, and his shoulder brushed against Rias’s.
Another group approached from the opposite direction and forced her even closer. She stayed beside him until they reached a less crowded section of the floor.
"There isn’t a single free table," she said near his ear.
Martin searched the room. "Let’s try upstairs."
The second floor had the same tavern-like layout and was just as crowded, with players occupying every chair and several groups waiting along the walls. The voices were quieter up here, though, and the drinks being carried between the tables looked noticeably fancier.
One young swordsman sat hunched at a table with both hands buried in his hair.
"I sold it for five thousand yesterday," he groaned. "Someone listed the same sword for twenty thousand."
His friend patted him on the shoulder. "Stop checking."
"I can’t."
"That sounds unhealthy."
"My whole life is unhealthy."
Martin gave him a sympathetic nod as he passed, then followed Rias toward the next staircase.
The third floor was quieter than the ones below, though nearly every table remained occupied. Martin was about to suggest going higher when a party in the corner stood and began gathering their belongings.
Before anyone else could claim the opening, he placed a hand against Rias’s lower back and guided her toward it.
She glanced over her shoulder. "Fast."
"Survival instincts."
"Your hand looks pretty comfortable there."
Martin pulled it away and put on his most innocent expression. "It’s a crowded room."
"Of course it is."
She smiled faintly.
They reached the table before another group could take it. Rias sat across from Martin, crossed one leg over the other, and tucked several strands of blonde hair behind her ear.
She rested one elbow on the table and opened the Auction House interface with a flick of her fingers. Martin settled into his chair and did the same.
[Welcome to the Auction House of the Endless Rain.]
[You have one offer, Emperoar!]
[Victoria has offered you $100,000 for Deadmaw (Gold).]
Martin straightened in his seat.
Man, this weapon’s stats are insane. It sucks to give it up, but that deal is too good to pass up. I need to remember that I can only use $20,000 of it myself.
A designated slot appeared beneath the message. Victoria’s offer was tied to Deadmaw’s exact item data, and the system would reject any substitute Martin tried to place inside.
He would never try to pull something like that anyway.
Besides, anyone willing to spend $100,000 on a game was not someone he wanted as an enemy in real life, especially when that person belonged to his guild.
Martin placed Deadmaw in the slot, and a confirmation window appeared. His finger hovered over the button while he remembered how many difficult fights the weapon had carried him through.
Parting with such a powerful sword felt wrong, even if he could no longer use it. Still, one hundred thousand dollars made the decision much easier.
He confirmed the transaction, and the full amount appeared in his account moments later.
[Your current balance is $100,000. You may exchange it for in-game coins through the Auction House of the Endless Rain at the current exchange rate.]
Martin stared at the message.
They didn’t deduct any tax? Did Victoria cover my share too? Damn, that’s generous. She must be a really nice person.
His hands tightened into fists beneath the table.
Fuck, I really want to dump all of it into my gear.
Weapons, armor, accessories, consumables, skill books, and crafting materials were only a few taps away. With that kind of money, Martin could turn himself into a monster, and the thought made his hands itch.
That was exactly why he had to stop himself.
What if I lose my job for some random reason? The pay is amazing right now, and I can afford more things, but none of that is guaranteed.
Across from him, Rias leaned toward her interface. Her chin rested on one hand while the other scrolled through the listings. Her golden eyes remained fixed on the items, and she occasionally narrowed them or pressed her lips together while comparing prices and statistics.
Martin watched her for several seconds before calling her name.
"Rias."
She kept looking at the screen.
"Rias."
She finally raised her head. "Yes?"
"How much are you planning to spend, if you don’t mind me asking?"
Her fingers stopped moving, and a hint of hesitation crossed her face.
"...Over $30,000."
Martin stared at her. Rias slowly leaned back in her chair, and his expression must have been ridiculous because she covered her mouth and chuckled.
What?! You seriously want to catch up to us and maybe even become the strongest?
"Your face says it all," she said.
Martin planted both hands on the table and leaned forward. "Thirty thousand?"
"A little over thirty thousand."
"That doesn’t make it sound any better."
"You’re wondering how I can spend that much, right?"
"I’m wondering how you can say it so casually."
Rias lowered her crossed leg and leaned closer, matching his posture.
"I think it’s fine to spend money on something I enjoy. I’ve never really had a hobby of my own, and I already know this game is it for me."
Martin studied her face for any sign that she was joking, but she looked completely serious. Her golden eyes were bright with excitement, and she was barely holding back a smile.
Martin slowly leaned back in his chair.
Girl, that’s $30,000...
Comments