Chapter 579 We Used to be Close, But People Will Go [Part 2]
Villain Ch 579. We Used to be Close, But People Will Go [Part 2]
Sophia, determined to shift the focus away from the disapproval radiating from her guildmates, gestured towards the hologram interface. "What did you find in the market today? Anything interesting?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation toward a more neutral territory.
Allen considered her question for a moment. "Just the usual essentials," he replied vaguely. He knew Sophia was making small talk. Despite the simplicity of her response, Sophia senses an underlying complexity in her tone.
"You know I want to sell some Upgrade stones and Enchantment Stones. I wonder if you can give me a good price for them," Sophia said, her words cutting through the air with a directness that echoed her determination.
Allen, still veiled in the shadows of his hood, assessed her with an unreadable gaze. "Do you need fast money?" he questioned, his voice devoid of inflection, maintaining an impenetrable barrier.
Sophia took a moment, considering her response carefully. "Not particularly fast, but you know, good deals are always tempting," she replied, attempting to inject a casual air into the conversation. She needed to tread lightly, aware that any misstep could further widen the chasm between them.
Allen remained composed, his guard evident in every interaction. Sophia, determined to rebuild a semblance of trust, pressed on. "I heard you bought a Grade S Enchantment Stone. Impressive. I might have some rare items too. We could make beneficial transactions," she suggested, hoping to intrigue him with the prospect of mutually advantageous dealings.
"Besides…," Sophia began, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "I wasted a lot of money to make my wings last time. You know me, I like pretty things," she added, glancing at the pristine fairy wings adorning her back. It was a subtle invitation for Allen to engage in a conversation beyond the transaction at hand. She hoped he might share a compliment or an observation about her appearance, easing the tension between them.
However, Allen remained focused on the business aspect, unmoved by the attempt to steer the conversation in a different direction. "I don't want anything. Only Upgrade stones and Enchantment Stones. How many stones do you have?" he asked, his tone businesslike, tilting his head slightly.
Sophia swiftly summoned her inventory list, her fingers dancing in the air as she navigated the holographic interface. "I have two Upgrade Stones and a Grade B Enchantment Stone," she informed him, her eyes fixed on the display. The exchange felt transactional, lacking the personal touch she hoped to reintroduce into their interactions. Nevertheless, Sophia recognized that mending the frayed bonds between them would require more patience and effort.
Allen's delayed response left Sophia in a moment of uncertainty, her eyes lingering on the screen as she awaited his decision. To her surprise, he opened his chat group, a brief distraction from their ongoing conversation. Intrigued, Sophia wondered if he was consulting with someone or perhaps sharing details of their interaction with his companions.
Breaking the silence, Allen's monotone voice stated, "I will buy your Upgrade Stones." His words were straightforward, lacking any hint of enthusiasm or hesitation.
Sophia, mildly taken aback by the abruptness, redirected their conversation. "You don't want the Enchantment Stone?" she inquired, her eyes narrowing slightly. The Grade B Enchantment Stone she possessed was a valuable commodity, and players usually coveted such high-grade enhancements.
"No," Allen responded succinctly, offering no elaboration on his decision.
Sophia probed further, seeking clarification, "So you only aim for grade A or above?"
"I don't need to explain it to you," Allen curtly dismissed any attempts at small talk. His tone indicated a clear desire to keep their interaction strictly transactional. "How much for the stones?" he redirected the conversation, focusing on the business aspect.
"Uh, just give me the average price of the market," Sophia said nonchalantly, a casual tone masking her underlying desire to foster a connection with Allen. She was willing to concede on the price if it meant establishing a rapport with him.
"Fine," Allen replied, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate.
Summoning his inventory, Allen calculated the amount owed and handed Sophia a stack of coins. "I will buy 14,000 coins per stone. It's in accordance with today's market price. You can check the price at the NPC if you want," he explained, maintaining a businesslike demeanor.
Sophia accepted the coins with a nod, carefully observing Allen's actions.
"Sure, 14,000 coins per stone sounds fair," Sophia agreed, concealing her broader intentions beneath a veneer of casual cooperation. Her eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of curiosity and an eagerness to delve into a more personal exchange.
"Great," Allen said.
As the coins and the stones exchanged hands, the atmosphere shifted subtly. Allen, while maintaining an air of reserved efficiency, began to acknowledge Sophia beyond the confines of a transaction. Sophia, seizing the opportunity, contemplated how to navigate the conversation toward a less transactional terrain.
But the seamless interplay of dynamics took another turn. Another female player approached Allen with a touch of urgency.
"Sorry to make things difficult for you. I really need them," Jane apologized, her tone reflecting a sense of urgency.
"No problem," Allen replied, his stoic demeanor unfazed. With a gracious smile, he handed the two stones to Jane. "Those two are on me. You don't need to change my money."
Jane accepted the stones, her gratitude evident in her expression. "Thank you," she said sincerely, acknowledging Allen's generosity.
Without delving into lengthy discussions or formalities, Allen and Jane efficiently concluded their interaction and walked away.
Sophia stood there, momentarily stunned, as the unexpected scene unfolded before her. The stones that she had just offered to him were now being handed over to another player, Jane. A subtle shock registered on Sophia'sface, and her eyes widened in surprise.
She couldn't fathom the sudden shift in dynamics. It was as if theground beneath her feet had subtly shifted, leaving her momentarily disoriented. Sophia's gaze instinctively darted toward where her guildmates were.
Elio, along with James, Gil, and Noah, stood amidst a circle of three newly recruited healers. The status indicators hovering above their heads signaled a recent addition to the guild, and Elio's expression radiated satisfaction. The atmosphere was light, marked by the camaraderie that had quickly blossomed among the group.
Two priestesses and a priest formed the newly bolstered healing contingent. Gil, known for his jovial nature, injected occasional humor into the conversation, fostering an environment that felt more like a gathering of friends rather than a formal guild recruitment. The three healers seemed to have quickly assimilated into the banter, displaying a level of comfort that hinted at the success of Elio's recruitment efforts.
Sophia glanced at Greg's stall which was quite far from where she was standing.
Greg (Liam) and Player_Eater (Darren) stood side by side. The market buzzed with activity, and the duo took full advantage of the attention, engaging in a playful flirtation with a pair of female players—a hunter and a magic scholar.
Player_Eater displayed his newest Mana Potion with a flourish. The potion's vibrant hues shimmered in the light, catching the eyes of the curious onlookers. He explained its unique properties, enticing the magic scholar with promises of enhanced magical abilities and increased mana regeneration.
Meanwhile, Greg presented his latest masterpiece—a finely crafted bow. The weapon gleamed, its intricate details a testament to Greg's craftsmanship. He spoke passionately about the bow's durability, precision, and the rare materials used in its construction. The hunter, clearly impressed, eyed the bow with a mix of admiration and desire.
The females' laughter echoed through the market as they exchanged banter and flirtations with Greg and Player_Eater.
Sophia stood in the bustling market, surrounded by players engrossed in various activities, yet an inexplicable loneliness settled within her. Despite the vibrant world and the lively interactions around her, her chest felt constricted, and a sense of solitude overwhelmed her.
Confusion gnawed at her thoughts. As a renowned healer, she had garnered respect and admiration from many players and guilds. Her reputation painted her as an indispensable member of the gaming community, known for her support, guidance, and healing prowess. However, the current undercurrents of loneliness contradicted the image she had built.
The market, typically a place of camaraderie and exchange, now seemed distant and indifferent. The laughter and conversations of other players echoed around her, emphasizing the stark contrast to her internal isolation. She couldn't pinpoint the source of this emotional disconnect, leaving her perplexed and yearning for understanding.
Sophia glanced at the familiar figures of her guildmates and Allen, a scene that should have been insignificant, carried an unexpected weight on Sophia's solitude. She pondered what had distanced her from genuine connections. The irony of being surrounded by a multitude while feeling emotionally detached perplexed her. Her avatar, adorned with wings and a pristine robe, only accentuated the loneliness she couldn't escape.
As Sophia navigated through the crowd, her steps felt heavy, burdened by an unspoken melancholy.
'People can go, from the people I know to the people I don't. But why am I the only one alone in this crowded place?' she thought.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m