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Even though a lot of people were lost in their own personal arguments, a few were still paying attention to Crystal. After all, with her appearance, it was difficult to not attract attention in such a crowded place. And with Emilia by her side, the problem only became exponentially worse.
Luckily, with their real faces being reflected by their avatars, it was impossible to hide behind an avatar's anonymity, so most of them were quite hesitant to approach either of the beauties.
If they ended up offending some people that they shouldn't, it really wouldn't be worth it.
But it didn't stop people from gossiping.
"What the hell is that elf slut whispering in the blondie's ear for so long? Could it be that she discovered some secret?" A young man with a somewhat receded hairline muttered in a daze.
Of course, others only thought of it as a joke.
"Tsk tsk, looking at their faces, do you really think they're actually interested enough in the game to care about stats and stuff?"
"If you're still confused, just look at what she's wearing and you'll know the answer."
Obviously, Emilia's short skirt had made quite an impression on many already, but most of them misunderstood her purpose for wearing it.
Most of the items that could be bought in the shops in their current situation were quite lousy, after all. The cheapest ones even came with negative status effects, such as reduced movement or attack speed!
As for the item being a 'drop', no one even thought about it. After all, many had spotted Emilia and Crystal in the town at the 'start', too. Even if they briefly ventured into the forest, could they compare to those crazy grinders?
How could these casual girls obtain an item before those people?
Assuming that the crimson-haired elf bought a very 'attractive' skirt that reduced her stats for cheap made much more sense.
"Maybe even that money was borrowed using her looks." Some slandered.
Of course, Crystal couldn't help glaring their way when she felt the 'salty', 'jealous', and 'hateful' feelings being directed at her girlfriend, only to earn a dissatisfied swat to her arm.
"Are you listening?"
The blonde girl coughed in embarrassment before leaning over to whisper in the crimson-haired elf's ear. "I-I really know I have to submit that item already, it's not that hard!"
Emilia finally breathed a sigh of relief, and when Crystal suggested that she return to the inn first, she just nodded. "Alright, let's meet up there, then."
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Crystal returned to the inn looking so proud and satisfied that Emilia couldn't help but blink in confusion.
Of course, the blonde girl didn't see the need to hide what happened now that it was already done.
"There were a few idiots slandering us around that area, so I just taught them a little lesson. Nothing to worry about." She giggled.
"Oh… is that so? Good job!" Emilia praised her generously.
Although she was a little curious about what methods her girlfriend used, the crimson-haired elf was too excited about opening their newly acquired loot boxes to mind it too much. Since her girlfriend didn't take the initiative to explain, she also didn't pay it any more mind.
Of course, Crystal was more than happy with the turn of events, and took out her own share of one blue and three green boxes to put on the bed with a smile.
Maybe even if Emilia knew that she scolded those people silly using some of their own deepest insecurities, she would only be more proud.
That group of idiots was probably still standing there in a daze, having never expected such a pretty girl to have such a vicious tongue, much less use it to protect another.
They briefly debated on who would be the one opening the boxes, or if they should just take turns, but Emilia decided in the end that it had to be Crystal.
"I've never been so lucky, so it must have been your charm that has been rubbing off on the both of us all this time!" She giggled.
Crystal could only sigh and do as she was told. Fortunately, she already knew that her girlfriend wouldn't blame her even if the results were bad, or the pressure would have been too great.
Emilia barely managed to restrain her excitement. 'AHH! If there's some good stuff that can be useful later when taken out, wouldn't that be great?!'
Cynthia couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't get your hopes up too high. Only a few item effects work outside the game, and you were already lucky enough to get that Poison Fang."
Of course, in Arcadia's current state, no item could be manifested into reality anyway. But once it really started affecting the world outside, items with 'realistic' effects would become highly coveted. Even if they were greatly 'nerfed' when taken out, some of the effects could still be disastrous to the unprepared.
Under Emilia's expectant gaze, Crystal gingerly pressed the 'open' button on a green box first, which immediately burst into light effects.
With a distinct 'ding' sound, a description dialogue popped open in front of them before they even saw the item.
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—Ring of Might—
Quality → Green
Type → Accessory (Ring)
Effect → When facing a stronger opponent, greatly increased chance to resist stagger and crush effects one time every 60 seconds. Does not work if the target is in direct contact.
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Emilia didn't look very disappointed, but Crystal wasn't particularly happy with the item, and immediately opened another green box impatiently.
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—Ring of Fury—
Quality → Green
Type → Accessory (Ring)
Effect → +5% Attack Speed
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Although the description was much shorter, the blonde girl couldn't help but jump for joy. 'Thankfully, it's not useless!'
She happily grabbed both of the rings and put them on her girlfriend's left and right ring fingers with a grin. "These are both for you, obviously."
Emilia just smiled. "Thank you, they're both good."
Noticing her girlfriend's nervousness, though, she couldn't help but giggle. "Not everything will be a jackpot, you know? But you can just open them all at once if you're so nervous."
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