After Goldrich uttered a sentence that seemed too sensitive to discuss, the atmosphere between them became awkward. Broken didn’t respond to his question, only adding to the tension.
“You are too aggressive, old man,” Maylock said icily.
“Oh khi khi khi…” Goldrich responded with a dry cackle. “I’m so sorry. My enthusiasm for magic seems to have made me step over the line. But I think it’s better to discuss these things openly rather than keep them hidden. This is my way of showing that I’m open if Broken wants to know more about things he might not be aware of.”
“Yes, sure,” Freya added with an amused smirk. “You need to remember that Broken doesn’t necessarily have to work with you after the next raid battle.”
“But…” Freya then turned to Broken. “His last offer is interesting, Broken. You can ask him questions later, just make sure we can trust each other first, or they’ll know our agenda.” “Haha…” Maylock laughed casually. “See, Goldrich? Someone at a much lower level than us is trying to hide something interesting from us. I believe that in this game, level isn’t the main parameter for how people enjoy the game to the fullest.”
“Khi khi khi.” Goldrich responded. “We should strive for an alliance with this young man, I guess…” he said enthusiastically.
Broken remained quiet, observing their conversation with a wary eye. Freya understood that he wasn’t one to open up to people he hadn’t fully welcomed into his circle, so she often served as his spokesperson, echoing his thoughts.
“We understand, of course,” Maylock intoned. “But I will do my utmost to prove that our guild is worthy of proper respect. At least, we all understand that we need something from your friend.” He glanced at Freya as he said this.
Broken shook his head slowly. “I hope you don’t expect too much from me,” he uttered.
Goldrich gave another feeble chuckle. “This smart lad Maylock is always right to the point; he isn’t even shy about admitting that we need something from young Broken here.”
“Yeah, only foolish people wouldn’t acknowledge that we rely on each other. Moreover, a strong relationship won’t be formed behind deception and lies,” Maylock expounded confidently.
“I think Maylock and Broken won’t work out well together,” Freya said with a chuckle, “seeing as how both of you like to speak your mind without holding back.”
Maylock took off his sunglasses, revealing a little smiling face. “Not really… I can say sweet things to selected people, especially to those I respect.”
“See,” Goldrich responded. “He’s so direct, huh… be careful when Maylock starts saying sweet things, there’s definitely something he wants, khi khi khi…”
Broken nodded slowly in response to their conversation. However, one thing he could see clearly was how many eyes were secretly watching them, noticing how Goldrich and Maylock kept trying to open new topics and chat casually. This situation would certainly raise many questions from those watching, especially since Broken and Freya were not well-known people. At that moment, Broken was truly sitting with celebrities.
Maylock then continued, “But actually… your profile is really interesting and full of mystery, Broken… starting with your closeness to Princess Alora, that alone raises questions, although I know I won’t get any clarification from you.”
Goldrich leaned in a bit and whispered, “I think you’re the luckiest person in this game, Broken, khi khi khi,” he said, chuckling lightly.
“And then,” Maylock continued, “you also managed to complete a Trial Domain at level 150, with your armor only being level 50… even we, as high-level players, wouldn’t dare to enter without thorough preparation, but you did it. If it wasn’t for an incredible amount of luck, I can’t think of any other reason for your success.”
“So,” Freya responded, “you really acknowledge him, Maylock?”
“Based on my experience, yes,” Maylock replied, turning to Broken. “I know your level isn’t quite among the top rankers yet, but I’m sure you’ll catch up easily soon. I can give several reasons for this,” he said quietly.
Broken nodded slowly again, quite impressed with Maylock’s analysis. Even though Maylock might only have a little information about him, he could draw such significant conclusions. Perhaps there was still something he was hiding. Still, it was clear that both Goldrich and Maylock were truly smart and dangerous individuals.
While Goldrich seemed very skilled at analyzing fights and the abilities used by others, Maylock, on the other hand, could easily analyze every situation, and his deductions were always on point. They were people who would be very dangerous if they made enemies.
“Broken…” Kingsley then said, and everyone turned to look at him. “Please pardon my two friends. They always try to impress others by showing off their intelligence. I hope you don’t get provoked.”
Freya chuckled at Kingsley’s words. “But it’s okay… I think if their intelligence is genuine, it’s worth showing off.”
After a few minutes of casual conversation, Broken finally spoke up. “I have something to do,” he began hesitantly. “I need to find a smithy to take care of a few things.”
“I can take you there,” Kingsley offered as he stood up. “I will compensate for any damage you received because of what happened earlier.”
Broken shook his head politely. “Don’t worry, I can repair my equipment myself.”
“So…” Goldrich interjected again. “You’re a blacksmith too? It’s rare to meet a player with as many talents as you.”
Freya rolled her eyes in annoyance at Goldrich’s constant interruptions. “Hold yourself back, old man. We’re not close friends yet,” she said with a giggle.
As Broken and Freya were about to leave, Kingsley suddenly spoke in a booming voice that echoed through the room.
“You all watch them,” he commanded, pointing at Broken and Freya. “If anyone starts to make trouble with them, you’ll have to face my huge claws in your chest!” His voice resonated with authority and confidence. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Everyone who heard Kingsley seemed to tremble with fear. No one dared to respond, and they all felt grateful not to be among the five people who had been singled out.
Broken, Freya quickly bolted from the room.
Kingsley sat back down and smiled. “Broken and Freya left in a hurry. I’m sure they were just
in a rush.”
“No,” Maylock responded. “They were embarrassed by what you did.”
“Why?” Kingsley asked.
“You really can’t behave properly in public, Kingsley,” Goldrich sighed heavily, shaking his
head in disappointment. “That’s really embarrassing.”
“I’m used to being in this situation,” Maylock added stoically. “So I can’t complain
anymore.”
The three of them fell silent for a moment, reflecting on what had just happened. Finally, Kingsley broke the silence. “Well,” he offered weakly, “I guess I got a little carried away.” The group nodded in agreement as the conversation shifted to another topic.
“So… what’s your assessment, Maylock?” Goldrich asked.
“He is… very special,” Maylock replied. “I can’t say much yet, but I’m sure the truth will reveal itself gradually. However, I do have some theories about him.”
“Tell me,” Goldrich urged.
“No,” Maylock said again. “For now, I’ll keep it to myself until we’ve gained enough trust
from him. I think that’s what we need to work on first.”
“Sure, he seems quite reserved, so we need to offer him something intriguing to make him
open up to us. Maybe a lot of beautiful ladies, khi khi khi.”
“Sorry, I made things worse,” Kingsley admitted.
Goldrich then said, “So… Do you guys want to come with me? I just met a young lady, and I’ll
introduce her to you…”