Villain Ch 150. Facing The Past [Part 1]
The Cursed Crypts’ gate towered before Allen, its imposing structure exuding an eerie aura. As the digital countdown on his screen reached zero, with a swift motion, Allen’s avatar, a dual-dagger-wielding character, underwent a dramatic transformation.
In an instant, his appearance shifted from that of a mere dual dagger user to that of the feared and powerful devil emperor. Dark, smoky wisps swirled around his figure. Allen’s standard uniform seamlessly morphed into his Shadow Cloak, a dark and ethereal garment that seemed to be woven from the shadows themselves. The cloak billowed around him, creating an aura of mystique and danger.
Embedded within the fabric were numerous intricate patterns and symbols, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Golden knick-knacks and jewelry adorned the edges of the cloak, catching the light and adding a touch of opulence to his menacing appearance. Delicate chains, adorned with small gemstones, draped across his chest and arms, giving him an air of regality amidst his dark presence.
Atop his head, a pair of ominous horns materialized, twisting upwards from his forehead. These curved appendages were jet black, reflecting the depths of darkness that resided within the devil emperor. His eyes, once calm and ordinary, now glowed with an intense crimson hue, piercing through the virtual realm with an unsettling gaze.
A long exhale escaped Allen’s lips, dissipating into the virtual air. “That was a close one,” he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and excitement. This was his first time venturing with the players. And he had to admit, it had been quite the thrilling experience.
His initial intention was simply to have some fun and blend in with the crowd. He didn’t expect that he would end up joining Mac’s guild, gaining access to a treasure trove of information about their strategies, tactics, and even their vulnerabilities. It was like stumbling upon a gold mine of knowledge, ready to be exploited when the time was right.
Unable to contain his eagerness, Allen waved his hand, summoning his friend list with a flick of his wrist. His eyes scanned the names, hoping to see someone online, someone to share his triumphs and discoveries with. But alas, the list remained empty. Disappointment flickered across his face, but he quickly shrugged it off.
After logging off, with a quick motion, Allen removed his VR headset, the cool air of the game café room hitting his face. As his eyes adjusted to the real world, he took in the scene before him. The room was filled with rows of tables, each occupied by avid gamers engrossed in their virtual adventures. 𝐨𝘃𝗹.
He put down his headset, feeling the weight of the virtual world lifting off his shoulders. Then he glanced over at Gil, who was still deeply engrossed in his own gaming session before he decided it was time to gather his belongings and prepare to leave the game café.
With a quick stride, he made his way toward the lockers where he had stored his bag, slipping the strap over his shoulder.
Exiting the gaming area, Allen stepped into the vibrant lobby, a space bustling with activity. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of friendly banter filled the air. Groups of gamers huddled together, discussing their strategies and achievements while eagerly awaiting their turn to dive into the virtual realms.
After waiting for five minutes, a familiar face caught his attention. Gilbert approached him with a sense of urgency, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
“Hey, the others need a little longer. So Elio asked me to take you to a restaurant first,” Gilbert explained, his words slightly rushed.
Curiosity piqued, Allen arched an eyebrow. “Did something happen?” he inquired, wondering why.
Gilbert let out a tired sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Well, you know how it goes. One of the guild leaders noticed Elio’s nice armor and couldn’t resist the temptation. He challenged him to a duel, wanting to test the strength of the equipment and decide if it’s worth the investment,” he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. It wasn’t the first time they had encountered such challenges.
Allen nodded understandingly, fully aware of the competitive nature of the gaming world. “Ah, I see. It’s one of those situations,” he responded.
Gilbert returned the smile, relieved by Allen’s nonchalant attitude. “Great! The restaurant is just a short walk from here. You’ll love their specialty dishes,” he exclaimed, leading the way toward the exit.
Stepping out of the vibrant game café, Allen and Gilbert found themselves greeted by the bustling streets of the city. The vibrant lights and towering buildings surrounded them, creating a lively backdrop for their leisurely stroll. The air was filled with a mix of city sounds, from the distant traffic to the chatter of pedestrians.
They walked side by side, their pace relaxed, Allen and Gilbert engaged in light-hearted conversation about their recent gaming session. They recounted the previous battles, the close calls, and the exhilaration of victory.
Curiosity shining in his eyes, Gilbert leaned in, his voice filled with intrigue. “So, Allen, tell me, how did you manage to build such an impressive character?” he inquired, genuinely interested in understanding the secrets behind Allen’s success.
Allen chuckled, shrugging nonchalantly. “Well, I only put a good amount of stat points into my agility,” he replied, his tone modest.
Gilbert nodded, absorbing the information. “Ah, makes sense. I’ve been focusing more on strength and defense, but seeing how agile you are, maybe I should reconsider my approach,” he mused, contemplating the possibilities.
“Hey, it’s all about finding what works best for your playstyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. It’s all about finding what suits you and adapting to the challenges you face,” he explained.
The vibrant aroma of various cuisines wafted through the air as they stepped inside the bustling restaurant. The interior was adorned with colorful decor, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The sound of chatter and clinking cutlery filled the room, adding to the lively ambiance.
The server, a young woman with a friendly smile, quickly approached them. “Welcome! How many in your party?” she asked cheerfully.
“Seven,” Gilbert replied, returning her smile.
The server nodded and motioned for them to follow her. They were led to a cozy table by the window, offering a view of the bustling street outside. As they settled into their seats, the server handed them the menus.
“Here are the menus,” she said cheerfully.
Allen looked up at the server and said, “Thank you, but we’re still waiting for a few more friends to join us. Could you come back in a little while?”
The server’s smile didn’t waver as she nodded understandingly. “Of course, no problem at all. Just give me a wave when you’re ready, and I’ll be back to take your order,” she said politely.
Gilbert leaned back in his chair. “You know, you could always order ahead and let the others decide when they arrive. It’s not like they’ll take that long,” he suggested, raising an eyebrow.
Allen shook his head, his lips curling. “Let’s wait for the others.”
The server had just left, leaving Allen and Gilbert engrossed in their conversation about the game.
“So, are you going to join the event tonight?” Allen asked curiously.
“Of course!” Gilbert exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. “It’s going to be epic!”
However, their short conversation was abruptly interrupted by a soft, apologetic voice coming from behind them.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” the woman said, her voice filled with genuine regret.
“It’s—” Allen’s words stopped once he turned his head and saw who the owner of the voice was. Shock both colored Allen’s and the woman’s faces.