Chapter 458 The Market?
Villain Ch 458. The Market
Among the bustling crowd, an auction NPC stood tall, its digital interface glowing with the promise of profitable transactions. For players who were too lazy or preoccupied to haggle and sell their items themselves, the auctioneer was their go-to solution. Of course, this convenience came at a price—a 10% cut of the final sale price taken by the NPC.
Rare and coveted items, those elusive treasures that could turn the tide of battle or simply serve as impressive status symbols, were proudly exhibited here. These were the kind of goods that players usually consigned to the NPC auction, where bidding wars would ensue. It was a chance for the wealthiest and most ambitious players to outbid one another, aiming to secure these prized possessions.
Allen and Larissa strolled through the bustling market. They occasionally stopped to inspect goods and make purchases from fellow players. Their primary focus was on securing Upgrade Stones and Enhancement Stones, two vital commodities for any serious player in their position. These precious items came at a cost, a fact that was hard to ignore. Upgrade Stones carried a price tag of 10,000 coins each, while the cost of Enhancement Stones varied significantly, ranging from 1,000 to a hefty 20,000 coins depending on their grade, which spanned from D to A.
The exorbitant prices might have sent other gamers into a state of shock, but for Allen and Larissa, this was merely par for the course in the early stages of the game.
As they navigated the market's hustle and bustle, Larissa, her annoyance palpable, couldn't hold back her thoughts on Sophia. She rolled her eyes in exasperation as she began to unravel her findings to Allen.
"So, here's the scoop on Sophia," Larissa began, her tone carrying a hint of irritation. "She pulled off quite the stunt in the last war by showcasing her Revive skill. Players swarmed around her like ants to sugar, convinced she was some kind of prodigious female gamer. You know, because being a healer isn't exactly a walk in the park," she quipped sarcastically, her eyes doing a dramatic eye-roll to emphasize her point. It was evident that Larissa wasn't impressed by Sophia's tactics.
"You look annoyed by that," Allen remarked, a sly grin forming on his lips.
Larissa, not one to mince words, turned to him with a fiery look in her eyes. "I am!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation. "She's absolutely insufferable. Playing the role of an innocent goddess and a heroine, reeling them all into her carefully crafted trap. She's nothing more than a playgirl," Larissa scoffed, her frustration palpable.
Allen considered Larissa's rant for a moment before offering his perspective. "Well," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I think she's just making the most of the game's features and leveraging her status as a female player to her advantage."
Larissa, still seething with annoyance, couldn't quite fathom what Allen meant. "What features?" she demanded, her tone laced with irritation.
"Couple and marriage feature," Allen explained.
The Couple and Marriage feature was a captivating aspect that garnered a lot of attention from players. This unique feature allowed players to form virtual relationships, whether in the form of a couple or through in-game marriage. It brought a new layer of gameplay that extended beyond traditional party dynamics.
Couples in the game were more than just a status symbol or a display of affection between players. They had access to a set of unique mechanics that made their bond special. For instance, they had a heightened awareness of each other's well-being, even from a distance. If one partner was in danger, the other would receive a notification, prompting them to take action or offer assistance. This feature created a sense of connection and teamwork between players, as they were encouraged to protect and support their chosen partner.
Marriages, on the other hand, took this partnership to a deeper level. In addition to the heightened awareness, married players gained access to specific support skills that they could use to assist their spouse during battles and quests. These skills were designed to complement each other, making the couple a formidable force in the game. The synergy between their abilities often made them highly sought after in the player community.
As a result of these mechanics, healers were frequently the center of attention when it came to forming couples and marriages. Their role as support classes made them ideal candidates for players seeking strong partners. The ability to provide essential healing and protective spells made healers highly valuable in combat situations, ensuring the survival of their loved ones.
This feature wasn't just about romance; it was a strategic choice that could significantly impact a player's performance and success. This unique aspect of the game turned relationships into a gameplay element.
Larissa couldn't help but click her tongue in annoyance.
"I forgot about that," she grumbled, her frustration evident in her voice. The feature they were discussing was a game mechanic that allowed players to form couples and marriages within the virtual world, providing unique benefits and abilities to those relationships. Unfortunately for Larissa, this feature was exclusive to players and not available to the villains.
Allen acknowledged her revelation with a nonchalant tone. "That explains why she showed that skill in the last war," he commented, connecting the dots between Sophia's actions and the Couple and Marriage feature.
Larissa couldn't help but vent her frustration further. "And that explains why the male players spam the love fireworks for her," she added, irritation lacing her words. The spectacle of players professing their love for Sophia had clearly rubbed her the wrong way.
Allen, however, couldn't resist a teasing smirk as he turned his attention to Larissa. "Are you jealous of her?" he asked playfully, his eyes dancing with amusement at her annoyance.
Larissa's response was swift and vehement. "No," she stated firmly, her pride refusing to admit any form of jealousy. Despite her denial, her discontent was plain to see.
Chuckling at her reaction, Allen continued the conversation in his usual relaxed manner. "Well, I have another guess, though," he mused, his tone contemplative as he shifted the discussion to focus on Sophia's motivations.
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