On the other side of the grand stadium, members of the Ass Guild were seated. Only four individuals were visible: Goldrich, Maylock, Jovina, and Toberry. They, too, noticed the arrival of the Shadow Wolves Guild.
“Khi khi khi… I get it, they’re our enemies,” Goldrich said, “but I can’t help admiring Marlene’s beauty. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
“She may be beautiful,” Maylock cut in, “but don’t forget-she’s also cunning and resourceful. We need to stay sharp around her.”
Jovina rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’re such a perv, old man, always thinking with your pants… ha ha ha.”
She added. “That witch,” she spat. “I’ll rip her mouth and stomp her face later. I can’t wait. Honestly, I want to beat them up right now if Elincia didn’t forbid it.”
Maylock said. “Marlene may be young, but she’s certainly clever. She knows how to use her charm to get what she wants.”
Goldrich added, “I wonder… could she possibly seduce me with her sexiness to convince me to betray the Ass Guild and join their side? Khi khi khi…”
“So…” Toberry said, redirecting the conversation, “what kind of skill does that guy with horns have? He’s a champion of gluttony, right?”
Maylock’s expression grew serious as he explained, “Paul, the guild leader, the more people he kills, the more upgrades and benefits he gains for himself. It was obvious that the first thing he gained was becoming a demon race. I wonder how many players or NPCs he had to kill to achieve that status.”
“Whoa…” Toberry exclaimed, taken aback. “A killer like him can really roam the royal areas? Hasn’t the kingdom done anything?”
“That’s because of Demian.” Maylock replied, “his position as King Alorik’s brother gives Paul and his guild the freedom to move about in royal areas without much interference.”
“Ha ha,” Toberry laughed, though his tone was uneasy. “Political stuff like this really gives me a headache…”
“You sure are the dumbest person in this guild, Toberry,” Jovina added scornfully. “You even failed in the first round of the Alchemist competition. You’re so dumb! Why someone like you even join the Ass Guild?” She punctuated her words by smacking Toberry on the head.
“Ah hahaha, sorry… I made a small mistake, so my potion failed,” Toberry replied with a laugh, rubbing his head. “I’ll try again next time.”
***
As the autumn sun began to set, painting the sky in a stunning array of indigo and scarlet hues, Freya received an invitation from Ronald, a new business partner. They planned to meet at a quaint downtown café to discuss a business proposal involving endorsing his brand to Leon within the game.
Freya accepted the invitation because the other side claimed they had a good relationship with Broken in the game.
Ronald, a man in his early twenties with blonde hair and friendly eyes, extended his hand in greeting.
“Ms. Freya, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said warmly.
Freya smiled back. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Ronald.”
“Please, take a seat. I’d be delighted to chat with you about all sorts of things,” Ronald offered, gesturing towards the plush chairs.
They both settled comfortably, and a waitress soon approached with menus, taking their orders for drinks and food before they could delve into their conversation in earnest.
“So…” Freya began, “you mentioned that you were a close friend of Broken in the game?” Ronald’s face lit up with joy. “Yes, indeed! I’m not just close to him; we’re like two halves of the same soul,” he said with a hearty chuckle.
Freya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “He never mentioned having a friend as close as you. I mean, I didn’t expect that quiet person to have a successful businessman friend like you, Ronald. Your bond must be really strong!”
Ronald leaned back slightly, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “It is. We’ve been through a lot together in the virtual world. Our friendship is built on mutual respect and trust.”
As the waitress returned with their drinks, the conversation continued.
Freya took some time to delve deeper into Ronald’s connection with Broken in the game.
“Hahaha… You’re quite good at praising people, Freya. But our friendship with Broken is truly special-priceless, even!”
“What is your game name again, if I may know?” she asked.
Ronald brought his face closer, “Remember Me… hahaha,” he said, then laughed heartily.
“That’s a great name-certainly one that’ll be hard to forget. Everyone will always remember you.”
Ronald smiled at her comment.
“And I’m also very impressed. It turns out my friend Broken has an assistant as beautiful and intelligent as you,” Ronald said in a friendly tone.
He continued. “I think this is the perfect opportunity to surprise him with a business deal no one could refuse!”
“But please,” he added hastily, “don’t tell Broken that I’m the one offering this business to him… Let’s just say it’s a surprise.”
Freya’s brows furrowed as she considered Ronald’s words. “Alright. I think that condition is still acceptable.”
Ronald’s face lit up with a broad grin as he presented his business card. “So, what kind of proposal am I offering here? It’s simple…”
He waved the card around, allowing Freya to see the words “Remember Car Shop” and its tagline, “A car shop you will always remember.”
“I’m offering Broken the chance to promote my auto shop just once when he wins the competition later,” Ronald explained. “In return, I’ll let him choose any car he wants from my shop-within a reasonable limit, of course. Let’s say up to $200,000.”
Freya leaned forward. “How about $300,000, Mr. Ronald?” she suggested. “I’m afraid Broken won’t be satisfied with the car options available at the price you’re offering. He’s not exactly a car enthusiast, so we need to ensure he’s genuinely interested in this deal.” Ronald chuckled, throwing his head back in amusement. “You’re quite the negotiator,” he remarked. “It seems that Broken has chosen the right assistant in you.”
Freya simply smiled in response, pleased with the compliment.
“Alright, you’ve convinced me,” Ronald said, still grinning. “We’ll increase the limit to $300,000. I want this to be an offer he can’t refuse.”
Freya nodded, satisfied with the outcome. “I believe this will make a compelling proposal.
Broken will appreciate it.”
With the details ironed out, they spent a few more moments discussing final arrangements, and they exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways.
As they wrapped up, Ronald’s lips curled into a smirk of satisfaction. “Alright then, I have no other choice-besides, Broken is my best friend, hahaha…”
Freya, however, looked momentarily concerned. “But what if Broken doesn’t win this
competition?”
Ronald burst into hearty laughter. “I’ve known Broken since he was just starting to take on level 50 monsters. And I know just how ‘broken’ he is; I even nicknamed him The Legendary Broken Player. He always manages to overturn the skepticism of those who underestimate him. I’m not just confident that Broken will win; I’m certain he’ll take home the grand prize. My instincts have never been wrong, haha.”
Freya smiled, reassured by Ronald’s confidence. “I hope this will become a long-term partnership. I’ll inform you as soon as we finalize the agreement, Mr. Ronald.”