After finishing up the Demons, Sato went back to the fountain base to retrieve the Void Crystal that was needed to transport the princess out of here.
*Void Crystal - Able to take an Non Player Character out of Beginner Village (NPC limited to Princess Rayla)
Sato left the game after completing the long mission. He went to sleep instantly.
It was finally the weekends. On Sunday, Sato had decided that he should head over to the mall to buy himself some new clothing. His one formal wear was slowly wearing out from constant washing.
In the afternoon, Sato went out to the city in a simple white t-shirt and black pants. He decided to shop at H Mall, a middle-class shopping centre. The entire place was filled with people of all ages. The mall had over 10 floors of brands and shops. You can basically find any items you need here at an affordable price.
Sato walked into a clothing shop that sold collar shirts and formal pants. He picked out a few designs to mix and match. Trying it on in the fitting room, Sato picked one shirt and pants from the tryout. When paying for it, his heart tightened as a portion of his money will be gone. He was on a tight budget, but public image is important for his job.
He proceeded to window shop around in another formal wear store. Coincidentally, he had ran into three of his ex university classmates, Harry, Wilson and Scott. They were not on friendly terms with Sato. Back then, they used to tease him for coming from a poor background. To now see Sato drop out of university was the icing on the cake.
"Hey isn't that the poor boy from our class last year?" Harry said loud enough that Sato who was right across him could hear.
"Yeah yeah thats the infamous dropout of University Z!" Scott added on.
"Wow he's actually shopping for clothes in this store even without his scholarship funds? What is he up to? Is he here to steal some clothing?" The three were planning to cook up a skit to embarrass Sato infront of the other shoppers.
"Oh no. He is up to no good. Remember how a year ago, he had stolen a branded bag from Rayden. He then acted like it was not him that did it!" Their words eventually attracted the attention from the sales manager. They approached Sato apprehensively.
"Sir, I am going to have to check your bag. Please follow me to the counter." The sales manager asked Sato sternly.
"And why must I follow your instructions? Just because they say a few wishy washy rumours, I am now a stealer?" Sato rebutted. He was incensed.
"Oh look at him now trying to deny his previous deeds. It is no wonder the school had forced him to drop out of school." Wilson added fuel to the fire.
"Sir, I am going ask you one more time nicely. If you do not cooperate, I will have to call security." The sales manager warned Sato.
"I swear on my...." It was then someone had came up behind Sato and placed a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he was surprised by the appearance of the person. "Mr Gray?"
"Leave this to me." Gray said as he walked infront of Sato, protecting him from the nearby guards. "Pete, your employee is causing trouble for my friend."
"What? Where?" A man wearing a nice casual suit with striking features walked towards the commotion. The man was Pete Kouglas, the owner of Jfront Clothing, the store that Sato is shopping in.
"Bbb.. Boss. Wh.. What made you come for a visit today?" The sales manager started panicking. How did this random guy know his boss? Wasn't he a dropout?
"Your sales manager was taking advantage of my friend. Those three there started this commotion. Settle it." Gray spoke to Pete in a nonchalant manner.
"Lance. Head to the backroom later to collect your last pay check. You are fired. Guard escort these three out of my store this instant. They will be banned from entering here from now on." Pete commanded and everyone followed. The whole process happened so quickly that the three students did not even know how to react. When did Sato become so influential?
As the scene was eventually cleared up, Pete immediately apologised to Sato for this commotion. Sato accepted his apology and had received a few set of the latest clothing as repayment. It was probably also thanks to Mr Gray that he had received such benefits.
"Thank you, Mr Gray, for helping me out this time. If it weren't for you, I would have had to go through all of this for naught."
"Its alright, no need to thank me."
"No no I will have to at least treat you to a drink. You saved me quite a bit of money with these clothing. Are you free now?" Sato asked.
"Yes I am. Let us go." Gray immediately accepted his request. Inside, his heart warmed up as he heard Sato's invitation.
"Hey Gray! What about our hangout?" Pete said, annoyed.
"Cancelled." Gray was decisive with his words. Pete on the other hand just gave up on asking him further. What can he do about Gray? He has always been like this.
"You sure about this, Mr Gray? We can always grab a drink another day." Sato asked again.
"No, i do not mind." With that, the two left the store side by side. One was taller than the other by a head. They complemented each other, like two princes on a casual walk. They attracted many onlookers and jealous eyes of many females as they walked around looking for a cafe.
They eventually settled for a quiet cafe on the top floor. It had an amazing view of the shopping district and the ambience was relaxing. Gray ordered a black coffee, while Sato got himself a sandwich as his lunch. He was starved from all his walking.