As tensions rose, another group arrived. "Someone's selling gear? I knew poor players would cash out early!" Tristan boasted, flanked by Savannah and Lila. "Savannah, Lila—I'll buy everything for you, no matter the cost!"
Savannah and Lila ignored him, scanning the crowd. "Damon and Silas are here—we can't compete," Savannah worried. Tristan paled; compared to these tycoons, his family's wealth was trivial. "Let's leave—we can't afford to offend them," he urged.
Sebastian frowned: "We need gear for the Level 3 dungeon. Let's try." Savannah gritted her teeth: "It's just a game. Cowards stay— I'm going." "We're with you," Lila said firmly. The group pushed through to the center—then froze when they saw Lucas.
"It's you?" Lila's eyes widened. Lucas smiled, mimicking her tone: "Why not me?" Lila blinked—of course the top-ranked player would have rare loot. Savannah stepped forward: "Thanks for the grinding spot. Ice Studio owes you a favor."
Lucas disliked her patronizing tone: "Just a gesture. No need." "Then sell us the gear?" Savannah pressed. "Hold on, little lady," Silas and Damon said in unison. "First come, first served—show some respect," Silas chided. "I'm buying—scram," Damon added.
Their men glared at Savannah's group. Onlookers held their breath: "No fighting in the safe zone, but Ice Studio's doomed outside!" "60,000 players between the two guilds—terrifying!"
Lucas , A surge of ambition blazed in him:This life, I'll make every last one of you bow to me.
"Enough," Lucas said. "The gear's mine. I set the rules—who gets it depends on me." The three turned to him: "How?" "Prices stand. Highest bidder wins." He listed the costs: 2 Gold for the dagger, 3 for the helmet, 10 for the greatsword, 10 for the bow, 20 for the Dragonling Shield…
They fell silent—none had enough Gold. Silas smiled warmly: "Young man, that's too steep. Cut us a deal—we'll be friends." Damon added: "We lack Gold. Can we trade materials instead?"
Lucas had been waiting for this. The Demon's Heart needed reputation from other races to upgrade, which required rare materials. Grinding them alone would let others reach Level 15 first. "Fair enough. Here's my list—first to bring the materials gets the gear." He handed over the requirements, leaving everyone eager yet anxious—who would secure the loot?