Chapter 576 Bad Timing
Villain Ch 576. Bad Timing
Greg's persistent questioning hung in the air, his eyes fixed on Allen with an expectant intensity. "And?" he prodded, a note of curiosity lacing his words.
Allen, still on guard, shrugged off the perplexity, answering with a hint of confusion, "That's all." His frown deepened. Greg's unusual behavior set off alarms, and Allen couldn't shake the sense that something was off. The last time Greg had ignored him, it had turned out to be a blessing, avoiding any unnecessary confrontation.
Greg, however, seemed oblivious to the underlying tension. With an almost carefree tone, he suggested, "Well, we should catch up sometime. It's been a while." His words, delivered as if there were no lingering issues, hinted at a desire for normalcy.
"We haven't done it for a long time," Greg added, his casual demeanor masking the potential complexities of their history. The suggestion of catching up was a subtle invitation, a chance to gather information about Allen's current status. It was a strategic move on Greg's part, and Allen couldn't ignore the potential motives behind the seemingly innocent proposal.
This was a good opportunity to find out about Allen's life. It could be useful either to get the information and give it to Sophia or conversely, he could use the opportunity to tell Allen how things were now and how Sophia blackmailed him and Darren. He just needed to know which one would benefit him more. It was better than completely taking side with Sophia.
Allen's perplexed expression only deepened as he processed Greg's unexpected offer. "Huh?" he exclaimed in sheer confusion, as if questioning the reality of the statement. It was as though his ears were playing tricks on him or, worse yet, his VR device had decided to pull a deceptive prank.
Greg, undeterred by Allen's evident disbelief, confidently reiterated, "Yeah, we should catch up sometimes. There are only a few craftsmen who can make grade S Enchantment Stones, and I am one of them." His tone carried a self-assured air, the kind that comes from possessing a valuable skill set. "If you need it, as long as you can offer me a good price, I'll sell it to you," Greg generously offered.
His proficiency in crafting rare and coveted items, like the grade S Enchantment Stone, positioned him strategically. Greg, despite his apparent arrogance, held a trump card that made him a force to be reckoned with.
This crafting prowess was Greg's secret weapon, a key to obtaining what he desired in every game. It served as the shield that protected him from becoming the antagonist. Even with his brash demeanor, players couldn't maintain animosity for long, for Greg always had something special up his sleeves. The decision to embrace the blacksmith class wasn't arbitrary; it was a calculated move to ensure his dominance.
Allen's disdain for the situation was palpable, yet the allure of Greg's offer lingered like a tempting bait. The prospect of obtaining a grade S Enchantment Stone was undeniably attractive, but the ever-looming issue was Greg's potential manipulation, orchestrating transactions to throw Allen into unwanted encounters with Sophia.
A prolonged exhale signaled Allen's internal conflict as he regarded Greg with narrowed eyes. "It's an interesting transaction, but I know it's not that simple. You've got some ulterior motives, right? I know you're not just after my money. Quit playing around," Allen bluntly stated, cutting through the air with a no-nonsense approach.
Greg, raising both hands defensively, responded, "Woah, woah, woah! Chill out, man. I just gave you a business offer. You don't need to connect all of that with Sophia." He attempted to diffuse the tension, his tone aiming for a reassuring calmness. However, the surprise flickering in Greg's expression hinted at Allen's sharp intuition, catching him off guard.
In truth, Greg hadn't anticipated Allen to cut through the veiled intentions so swiftly. Yet, he couldn't fault Allen for his guarded skepticism, especially after the turmoil caused by his previous actions. The trust issue ran deep, and Greg found himself on the receiving end of warranted suspicion.
Allen's dry smile lingered on his face as disbelief colored his response. "Really?" he questioned, one eyebrow arching in skepticism.
Greg nodded, his expression matching Allen's wry demeanor. "Yeah, you know. I even want to say that you've dodged the bullet," he added with a sly smile, a subtle acknowledgment of the unseen turmoil that had transpired. Greg couldn't divulge the specifics of what occurred with anyone but Darren, and even then, the details were guarded.
"Dodged the bullet?" Allen queried, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Yeah. Sophia," Greg stated solemnly, his tone carrying a tinge of sadness. "We've just discovered her true nature, and it's terrible. No wonder you don't want to go back to her. Sorry for accusing you of a lot of things," he admitted, offering a genuine apology.
Greg's revelation sparked a mental replay of the last guild event and the whispers circulating about Sophia seeking refuge in a new guild. Allen couldn't help but find amusement in the confirmation of the rumors. 'So that's true after all,' he mused, suppressing a chuckle. There was a certain satisfaction in turning the tables on Sophia, making her taste the same medicine she once dished out.
Before Allen could respond, Greg interjected once more. "Yeah, you know, even Elio is starting to keep his distance from her. Sophia has brought a lot of trouble," Greg remarked, shedding light on the aftermath of Sophia's actions.
Allen's gaze fixated on Greg as he posed a direct question. "What about you?" he inquired, his tone carrying a straightforward edge. "Are you also going to keep your distance from her? Or if she moves out of the guild, will you follow suit?" The inquiry hung in the air, the weight of their conversation amplifying with each word.
Greg, with a contemplative expression, pressed his lips together and shook his head in a slow, deliberate motion. "I haven't made a decision yet. I'll simply move to a guild that is profitable for me," he revealed, his reluctance to commit suggesting a strategic approach to his guild allegiance. Greg, cautious not to paint himself into a corner, contemplated the potential outcomes of Sophia's movements. If the opportunity presented itself to break free from Sophia's influence, Greg seemed inclined to follow Elio's lead and remain in the Order of Valiance guild.
"I see. The business transaction is indeed interesting for me, but let's say I don't really like being tied to one person," Allen stated, his character maintaining a thoughtful demeanor. The prospect of acquiring the grade S Enchantment Stone intrigued him, yet Allen was adamant about preserving his independence. He presented an alternative approach, suggesting, "You can drop it at the auction, and I'll buy it if I see it. I'll take things slow since not many people need a grade S Enchantment Stone. Money is hard to get in this game after all."
Greg winced at Allen's candid remark; bitter truths often stung. However, he harbored a silent desire for Allen to grasp the complexities of his perspective. Before Greg could delve deeper into the conversation, a distraction unfolded as several female players approached Allen from behind.
Vivian, her eyes curious, chimed in, "Any interesting items here, Allen? You've been taking quite a while to check this stall out."
Zoe, casting a skeptical glance at Greg, furrowed her brow and remarked, "Oh, it's the Order of Valiance's blacksmith." Her tone hinted at a mix of recognition and wariness.
Shea flashed a friendly smile and leaned in to inspect the items on the stall. "So, what are you selling?" she asked Greg, her curiosity piqued by the potential treasures on display.
Greg's jaw dropped in speechless surprise as he took in the unexpected sight of Allen surrounded by a team of women. The revelation caught him off guard, and for a moment, he struggled to find his words. Clearing his throat, he managed to regain some composure and addressed the women with a wry smile.
"Just check them out, ladies," Greg finally said, gesturing toward the displayed items on his stall. Despite the surprise, he maintained a confident tone. "I can make anything you want— weapons, shields, stones, gems, and armor. Anything!" Greg's unexpected encounter with Allen's female team.
Greg couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as he observed Allen surrounded by a team of capable and intriguing women. Swallowing his annoyance, Greg recognized that he lacked any leverage for negotiation at the moment.
However, a flicker of cunning crossed Greg's mind. Maybe, just maybe, if he could befriend one of Allen's companions, he could subtly extract information about Allen. The prospect of using strategic alliances to gather intel simmered beneath the surface of his thoughts, offering a potential avenue to turn the tide in his favor.
Suppressing his jealousy, Greg masked his emotions behind a composed exterior. He shifted his focus back to the marketplace, ready to engage in business with Allen's companions.
But, before Greg could execute his subtle plan or engage further with Allen's companions, it seemed like he had inadvertently summoned the devil herself. Sophia materialized, making her way toward him with a determined stride. The timing couldn't have been more inconvenient, and a flicker of irritation crossed Greg's face.
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