From a distance, Alex quietly watched the approaching group, choosing not to attract attention. FriedBaconInTheMorning, leading the party, caught Alex's eye with his distinct features. The man had blond hair, was around 1.82 meters tall, and had a fit body—not too skinny, not too muscular. Dressed in medium armor, he carried a noticeable two-handed axe on his back, making Alex wonder if it indicated a special class like his.
The group included three other players whose names were unknown to Alex until now. There was ErrandBoy, a cleric, BeautyQueen, a mage, and MountainShield, a warrior with a one-handed sword and a shield. All of them had reached level 10, but it was clear that FriedBaconInTheMorning was the expert and leader.
As the city saw the first players arriving, Alex noticed distinct waves. First came the experienced experts with their parties and skilled solo players. After them, the more casual and mainstream players joined in.
Considering the differences between these groups, Alex thought about the upcoming clash. The early experts, with their experience from other games, disciplined bodies, and sharp senses, had a significant advantage. Many of them were financially supported by parents or paid to focus solely on the game, free from other worries. Their main goal was to maximize their power in the game, creating a tough challenge for most players trying to keep up.
Alex crouched behind one of the buildings, observing the group from a distance. The temptation to approach them tugged at him, but his current identity posed a significant obstacle. Concealing his face was becoming more of a burden, and he contemplated abandoning the facade and just confronting them head-on.
His face carried a measure of notoriety in the real world, thanks to his exploits as a thief. Recognition was a genuine concern—whether by the party itself or by the players scrutinizing the records of their encounter. The decision to keep his identity hidden stemmed from a desire to spare Director Louis from any potential trouble. Alex wasn't sure if Louis had the necessary permits to allow prisoners to participate in the game.
'I'll discuss this with him tomorrow.'
Resolving to seek out Louis the next day, Alex opted to remain inconspicuous while FriedBacon and his teammates explored the city. His primary objective was to reach the first dungeon he unlocked and clear it before anyone else.
With a current level of 16, Alex had the eligibility to enter the dungeon and secure the first clear—a feat that would etch his name into the rankings permanently. While the allure of fame played a role in his decision, the real motivation lay in the substantial rewards. Solo clears of dungeons presented a more formidable challenge than group efforts, and only the most skilled and prepared players could achieve them, resulting in significantly greater rewards.
Before venturing to the dungeon, Alex took precautions, ensuring none of the players spotted him. He stealthily made his way to an alchemist shop.
Alex discreetly navigated the narrow streets, ensuring he remained undetected by fellow players. The alchemist shop's entrance beckoned him, and once inside, the fragrant aroma of various concoctions filled the air. Rows of potions lined the shelves, each promising a unique effect. Alex approached the NPC vendor, a shrewd-looking figure with a keen eye for discerning customers.
"Need something special?" the vendor inquired, eyeing Alex curiously.
"I need a needle, a fine one," Alex replied in a low voice, not wanting to attract unnecessary attention.
The NPC nodded and reached beneath the counter, producing a slender, silver needle. It gleamed in the soft light of the shop. "This should do the trick. Five silver pieces."
The price was almost everything Alex had! He had only a few coins as rewards from the quests, from the enemies he killed, and some coin everyone started with, but he needed the needle!
Alex handed over the required currency, accepting the needle with a nod of thanks. The vendor, accustomed to handling peculiar requests in the virtual realm, didn't inquire further. With his new acquisition secured, Alex headed toward the exit but paused as another thought crossed his mind.
The flasks he purchased earlier from Judith, a wise decision given their potential usefulness, dangled from his belt. The idea of extracting blood from defeated enemies, particularly humans, had a sinister edge. He envisioned crafting blood potions to satiate his in-game character's hunger during the challenging dungeon exploration.
His next destination was the outskirts of the city, where less traffic meant a reduced risk of being observed. Alex deftly avoided the bustling central areas, navigating through the quieter alleys until he found an unoccupied spot. Out of sight, he retrieved the needle and began to devise a method for extracting and storing blood.
As Alex contemplated the macabre task ahead, he couldn't shake the feeling that this unique strategy might give him a distinct advantage in the perilous dungeons that awaited. The virtual world blurred the lines between morality and necessity, and in the pursuit of success, players were known to adopt unconventional methods.
With a determined resolve, Alex moved forward, ready to embark on a quest that blended the arcane with the pragmatic—a journey that would test not only his gaming skills but also his ingenuity in this virtual realm where possibilities were as boundless as imagination.
The area Alex had stopped by was one forgotten in Crystal, the first major city—a place where the poor and homeless struggled to survive. Alex understood the harsh reality that not everyone could achieve the life they dreamt of, and such circumstances were prevalent in any corner of the world.
Amidst the impoverished residents, Alex sought out an individual who was alone and lacked power. His gaze fell upon a young lady clad in ragged clothes, her body covered in dirt. She lived without shelter, in a desolate alley with no one around. The sight stirred a sense of pity within Alex, though the idea of extracting her blood for personal gain felt uncomfortably dark to him.
"Should I really do this? Man… I might have to find a way to repay her later somehow."
With a conflicted conscience, Alex approached the young lady, who, upon noticing his presence, started to retreat. There was no apparent reason for Alex to be there with benevolent intentions.
[Vampire Seduction (LVL 1): Use your vampiric mind powers to hypnotize a victim, allowing you to erase, change, or add new memories.] [Cost: 10 Blood Points.] [Cooldown: 6 hours.]
"You won't scream, you won't feel pain. Remain still…" Alex whispered.
With peculiar hand movements, Alex hypnotized the lady, who could only resign herself to her fate. Using a needle, he collected her blood, filling the empty flasks in his inventory.
A notification appeared before his eyes.
[Blood Potion Created]
[Blood Potion (Low Quality): Restores Health Points of a vampire and satiates hunger.]