Chapter 543 Laid Back Hunt
Villain Ch 543. Laid Back Hunt
After bidding farewell to Vivian at the cafe, Allen returned to his apartment. He settled into his writing session, tapping away at the keys with a dedicated fervor. The next chapter of his ongoing series unfolded with each stroke, ensuring his readers stayed captivated.
Once his writing duties were fulfilled, Allen delved into the virtual realm of Hell's Gate. His first stop was the imposing Ront City, the dark tower.
From there, Allen wandered through the bustling market, where merchants peddled their wares and players bartered for treasures. The vibrant atmosphere of the marketplace served as a stark contrast to the somber ambiance of the dark tower and the city.
Allen's attention turned to the aftermath of the betrayal event that had shaken the foundations of the famous guilds. He navigated through the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and shifting loyalties, eager to uncover the consequences of the previous betrayal event.
He strolled through the streets of Ront, he was cloaked in the guise of his assassin character, Al. The cityscape unfolded before him, familiar yet carrying the subtle echoes of the recent upheaval. He found the players of the eight famous guilds were chatting around, some displaying renewed determination etched on their avatars' faces, a testament to the resilience of those who had weathered the storm of betrayal.
The effects of the last event were palpable. In the shadowed corners of the city, players from once-revered guilds engaged in heated discussions, their avatars animated with frustration and blame. The aftermath had left a rift among the members, with factions forming as they sought to assign responsibility for the betrayal.
Going inside the tavern, Allen found a secluded corner in the placer. The wooden table, worn by the countless avatars who had rested their elbows on its surface, stood beneath the soft glow of the lanterns. The ambient lighting cast a warm hue, creating an inviting atmosphere within the virtual establishment.
The tavern's interior exuded a rustic charm, with patrons engaged in animated conversations and clinking tankards. The low hum of background music played, enhancing the immersive experience of the game. The air was thick with the scent of digital ale and imaginary hearth fires, adding to the authenticity of the virtual setting.
The bartender, a non-player character with programmed responses, moved with a practiced ease, serving drinks to the thirsty players gathered at the counter. The clatter of tankards and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively backdrop.
From his vantage point, he could observe the players around him—some engrossed in strategy discussions, others recounting tales of past conquests.
Allen leaned back in his chair, a sense of anonymity cloaking his presence. His avatar observed around him while cradling a cup of green tea. The warmth of the drink added a touch of comfort.
The conversations of avatars buzzed around him, a cacophony of voices discussing the aftermath of the recent game event. As Allen sipped his tea, he focused his attention on the hushed tones emanating from the nearby table—a clandestine meeting of players embroiled in the drama of the Order of Valiance guild.
The gossip flowed like a digital stream, weaving tales of discontent and internal strife within the once-mighty guild.
The male hunter, fueled by the excitement of juicy gossip, leaned in and spilled the virtual beans. "Yeah, I heard the priestess, Yora, is looking for another guild to move to," he announced with enthusiasm.
The female alchemist, however, responded with a hearty laugh and a hint of mockery in her tone. "Sounds like bullshit," she declared, her eyebrows arched in disbelief. "You know how that priestess is close to the guild leader. They are like a couple, and many ship them to get married in the game to become an unbeatable pair. I think it's impossible," she stated.
The female warrior, stationed on the side of the alchemist, joined in the skepticism. "Many said they are a couple in the real world. There's no way that happened," she chimed in, her disbelief resonating through the air.
The hunter, determined to maintain his credibility, retorted, "Hey, I'm serious! I heard it myself from the priestess."
The warrior responded with a dry smile. "She told you? When and where did she say it? Did she make an announcement or something?" she queried, a healthy dose of skepticism lacing her words.
"I heard about it when the priestess hung out in Debaris city," the hunter asserted, dropping the name of a city that usually buzzed with high-level players.
"Debaris?" the alchemist echoed, disbelief evident in his tone. "I thought the Order of Valiance's favorite hunting spot was in Black Castle? Are they starting to move to the dungeon there?" she inquired with genuine curiosity.
The hunter shook his head side to side. "She was alone. And I think she was not hunting but just hanging around alone. And you know her. She is always kind enough to heal and give buffs to everyone wherever she goes. So it was hard not to notice her," he said in a semi-indifferent tone.
"And she said that openly?" the warrior asked, maintaining skepticism in her voice.
The hunter cringed. "She didn't say it openly. That sounds like a joke. But she said it to Arcana, the Ironclad Legion guild's leader. So…." He shrugged. "Who knows," he concluded in an uncertain tone.
"We don't know what happened between them. So that could happen," the male Magic Scholar who was sitting at the hunter's side finally uttered his voice. "This is the game world, after all," he reminded them, injecting a note of realism into the conversation.
A sinister smirk crept across Allen's face as he overheard the conversation. The revelation about Elio and Sophia's trust issues sounded sad, yet there was an underlying satisfaction in the pathetic unraveling of their relationship. It served as proof that Allen's manipulative plan had worked, achieving the desired outcome. It was a silent acknowledgment of his success in orchestrating the subtle discord among the Order of Valiance's prominent members.
'Maybe I should check out Debaris City later,' he thought.
[Abyssia: Allen, want to hunt together?]
A chat popped up in front of him. He quickly replied.
[Azazel: Sure. I will be back to the base now.]
Standing up from his seat in the tavern, Allen decided it was time to return to the Cursed Crypts. Once he stepped out the portal, he transformed back into his original character, the fearsome Devil Emperor.
The girls were already assembled and ready for their hunting session as Allen arrived at the Cursed Crypts. However, aware of Allen's recent recovery from illness, they collectively decided to approach the game more casually than their usual intense hunts. Instead of venturing into the challenging Death Pit, they opted for the familiar hunting grounds inside the Black Castle.
The atmosphere among the group was light-hearted, a departure from their usual strategic and competitive mindset. Their goal for the day was not to conquer formidable foes but to enjoy a more relaxed gaming experience together. Black Castle, a location they often frequented, provided the perfect setting for their casual adventure.
The familiar surroundings of Black Castle unfolded before them. The towering walls and dark alleyways served as the backdrop for their escapade. Their daily routine began with dispatching player enemies and engaging in battles with sewer slime monsters, a task they had mastered through countless encounters.
The group moved seamlessly through the landscape, their actions coordinated and precise. Despite the casual approach, the camaraderie and synergy that defined their teamwork were still evident. Laughter and banter filled the air as they navigated the challenges that Black Castle presented.
For Allen, this was a welcome change of pace. The casual hunt allowed him to ease back into the rhythm of the game without the pressure of high-stakes battles.
The girls embarked on their relaxed hunt through Black Castle, the atmosphere was anything but laid-back. The air buzzed with lively chatter and playful banter, particularly between Alice and Bella. Their words flowed seamlessly alongside their swift and precise movements, showcasing a balance between casual conversation and sharp hunting instincts.
Despite the casual nature of their excursion, their efficiency in dispatching monsters remained unparalleled. Each foe fell swiftly in the face of their coordinated onslaught. The dungeon floor echoed with the sounds of battle, punctuated by occasional laughter and teasing remarks exchanged between them.
Their prowess was evident as they navigated the dungeon with ease, moving as a cohesive unit. However, their dominance didn't go unnoticed. Another group of players had crossed paths with them earlier, only to retreat hastily upon recognizing Allen and his companions. It seemed the encounter had left a lasting impression, as there were no signs of the group's return or the reappearance of any other players in the vicinity.
Half an hour had passed since the brief encounter, and the dungeon floor remained exclusively theirs. It appeared that the retreating group had opted to focus on their own endeavors, leaving Allen and the girls to enjoy their uninterrupted hunt.
"Wait, you guys just spent the night together last night?" Shea exclaimed, her gaze shifting between Allen and Vivian. Despite the surprising news, Shea continued her in-game actions, maintaining the flow of their hunt.
"I thought you were still sick?" Zoe chimed in, her concern evident in her voice as she directed her words toward Allen.
Alice couldn't resist adding her playful commentary. "It seems Allen is healthier than we thought yesterday," she teased, her avatar mirroring a mischievous smile.
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