Chapter 304 Chapter303-The Intent of Auron Eastwind
Before Auron Eastwind could react, a powerful hand was already tightly clenching his throat.
In this moment, John wasn't holding back as he did in the arena.
With his full power unleashed, the presence he radiated was oppressive and filled with despair.
Auron Eastwind struggled fiercely, his hands gripping John's wrists, desperate to break free.
However, John's grip was unyielding, akin to iron pincers.
Auron Eastwind's refined face gradually reddened from the lack of oxygen.
John stared at him coldly, his voice chilling. "I'm not sure who gave you the audacity to challenge me here, but considering you're one of the heirs to the Northern Myst Empire, I'd hope you're not this foolish..."
"Thus, I'm giving you a chance to explain."
John released his grip.
Auron Eastwind quickly retreated a few steps, massaging his throat while coughing strenuously.
It took a while before the elegantly dressed royal heir regained his composure.
He looked up, his eyes no longer filled with the prior cruelty and arrogance but were now clear and lucid.
"Ha! You truly live up to the praise from Duke Dinan; your strength is indeed unparalleled!"
John, expressionless, responded dismissively, "I don't need your acknowledgment of my strength. Just explain why you sought to provoke me."
Auron Eastwind shrugged, wearing a nonchalant expression, "I genuinely didn't mean to provoke you. I merely wished to gauge if your power truly matches the formidable reputation heralded by Duke Dinan... You must've noticed, I didn't give it my all, or your friends wouldn't still be standing."
John glanced at him, remarking dryly, "Of course I knew you held back. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here conversing with me."
A slight smile graced Auron Eastwind's lips, his demeanor oozing the regal poise befitting a royal heir.
He stepped forward, assisting the bewildered Adam and Ghostblade to their feet.
"My apologies, Guild Leader Adam," Auron Eastwind began, his voice filled with sincere remorse. "I admit I was impolite. To force Mr. Galewind into action, I took liberties against you. But I trust someone of your magnanimity would overlook such minor oversights?"
His earnest demeanor was impeccable in its apology. So much so, the once-enraged Adam was now somewhat baffled. "What's going on?"
With a relaxed and cheerful smile, Auron Eastwind calmly explained, "I merely wished to ascertain Mr. Galewind's abilities. I have a matter where I require his assistance."
From the side, John interjected evenly, "Adam, Ghostblade, he's telling the truth. During your skirmish, he was holding back."
"This Prince Auron Eastwind is an expert beyond level 200. As royalty, he undoubtedly commands numerous advanced skills. Had he gone all out, you wouldn't have escaped unscathed."
With a dignified smile, Auron Eastwind nodded in agreement.
He looked around, taking in the chaotic scene they'd created, a hint of regret painted his features. "Shall we relocate to a more suitable location to discuss matters further?"
Under Auron Eastwind's guidance, the trio reached the end of the corridor.
Opening the door to Room No.1, Auron spread his arms in a welcoming gesture, inviting them in.
"This is my private suite," he explained. "Nobody frequents this place. Drinks and refreshments are at the ready. I'll cover today's expenses, consider it an apology for my rash actions."
Observing the genuine repentance in Auron's demeanor, the expressions on John and his companions softened a touch.
There was no denying it, Room No.1 was Silver Manor's pièce de résistance in terms of opulence and decor.
It was nearly twice the size of Room 8. Almost every ornament was gilded, gleaming brilliantly under the illumination.
It was equipped with myriad entertainment facilities, including some magical artifacts that shimmered ceaselessly, powered by energy gems.
The room was the epitome of one word: Luxury!
Auron Eastwind gestured for the trio to take a seat, then chuckled softly, "Mr. Galewind's prowess truly humbles me. If all the players emerging from the unknown regions are as formidable as you, who would dare oppose you even if you ruled the entire Godslayer Continent?"
Lifting his wine glass, John took a light sip, "There's no need for probing, Seventh Prince. I'm an anomaly. There aren't many like me, nor do I have ambitions to rule the world."
He paused, a mischievous grin forming on his face, "In reality, you know now that our enemy isn't each other, but the Abyss. War is inevitable. With the recent Descent of the Devil event, the outbreak of full-scale war looms ever closer. In this matter, we're natural allies."
Auron Eastwind's demeanor momentarily tightened but swiftly returned to its prior ease. "You're right, Mr. Galewind. You've made significant contributions to the Northern Myst Empire. I judged prematurely... I owe you an apology."
Auron lifted his glass, clinked it heartily against John's, then downed it in one gulp. "Please, make yourselves at home. As the saying goes, 'No acquaintance without a skirmish.' Every wine here is crafted by master brewers I've personally selected for Silver Manor, certain to meet your satisfaction."
Under Auron Eastwind's amiable banter, Adam and Ghostblade gradually let go of their earlier grievances.
After all, they were all of the same age, without any personal vendettas or intricate conflicts between them.
Moreover, Auron carried none of the airs of royalty, making it hard to harbor any genuine animosity.
Although initially, Ghostblade and Adam perceived Auron Eastwind as just an NPC composed of data, his seamless demeanor and dialogue made them quickly forget his virtual status.
The group chatted and laughed heartily, clinking glasses.
As the wine flowed and the atmosphere grew warmer, the conversation intensified. "Auron Eastwind, what exactly do you seek from me?"
Seeing the diminishing stock of wine on the table, and with Auron Eastwind still not revealing his intentions, John's patience began to wear thin.
At that moment, Auron Eastwind was arm in arm with Adam, animatedly discussing which bunny waitress at Silver Manor had the most ample bosom and the pertest derrière.
Hearing John's query, he opened his slightly foggy eyes and responded with a chuckle, "Nothing major, really. I just hoped for a bit of assistance from Mr. Galewind."
Before John could reply, Adam mumbled loudly, "What kind of help? Speak up! My buddy Galewind here loves lending a hand. He's a natural-born knight in shining armor!"
With those words, Adam promptly slumped onto the sofa, his heavy snores filling the room moments later.
Ghostblade, meanwhile, had already succumbed to the sedative embrace of alcohol.
The tight-lipped fellow, reputedly a lightweight in the real world, seemed no different in the game of Godslayer.
Technically, players in the game shouldn't be able to get drunk.
Yet, Godslayer defied such expectations with its meticulous detailing.
Players could indeed become inebriated if they consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.
The sensation mirrored the dizziness and disorientation one feels in the real world, where everything whirls around, and directions become muddled.
There wasn't a single potion to fully cure this state, only some remedies to alleviate post-drinking headaches, akin to real-world hangover remedies.
This led many who were restrained from drinking in reality to indulge in Godslayer, finding solace in virtual intoxication.
Such intricate details, like getting drunk from excessive drinking, garnered rave reviews from players for Godslayer.
Some players now even ventured into the game not to level up but to experience the lifelike details mirroring the real world.
But John was well aware that the precision of Godslayer's details wasn't merely the handiwork of game developers.
Because, in essence, this was not just a game — it was a world in its own right!
Casting a glance at Ghostblade and Adam, who lay sprawled in drunken slumber on the couch, a slight furrow appeared on John's brow.
He was aware of Ghostblade's notorious lightweight status, but Adam's inebriated state struck him as peculiar.
Adam, with an aura of a scheming magnate, had an unmatched tolerance for alcohol.
How did he end up in such a state?
"You intentionally got them drunk," John posited with unwavering conviction.
Auron Eastwind, previously swaying with intoxication, sharpened his gaze upon hearing John's assertion. "Indeed, Mr. Galewind, your keen observation is something I couldn't elude. Rest assured, the guild leader Adam and your companion are merely intoxicated. I haven't employed any other means."
He straightened his posture, his smile radiating warmth, "The forthcoming matters are private. Hence, I'd prefer fewer ears privy to them."
John's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, his expression remaining stoic, though a flicker danced in his eyes.
He had an epiphany; the Auron Eastwind before him was nothing like the description provided by the system attributes: prideful and dismissive.
The young man seated across him was contemplative, his actions measured, emanating the gravitas of one destined for greatness.
Such individuals usually harbor ambitions beyond the ordinary.
"So, what exactly do you wish to accomplish?" John inquired.
Meeting John's gaze with an intensity that mirrored his burning ambition, Auron Eastwind voiced his aspiration, "I seek Mr. Galewind's aid in securing the throne of the Northern Myst Empire!"
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