(I think I'm hearing things), I thought, feeling that my nerves were playing tricks on me, so I simply ignored it.
"Please, come in," I urged my guests to enter, as they seemed petrified by my appearance.
Except for Luke, who discreetly gave me a thumbs-up.
"*Cough, *cough, then we'll accept your invitation," said one of the men. This guy had a suit similar to mine, but in gray.
His hair was black with gray streaks, and his eyes were a deep blue, but the most curious thing was that he had wrinkles and some scars.
(One of two things, either the guy customized his avatar that way, or that's how he looks in real life).
*Footsteps Footsteps
"Excuse us," said the next guests, a couple (or so it seemed).
The woman was a mature beauty with pale skin, long, intense red hair, and beautiful blue eyes.
But the most important thing about her was her dress.
(The value of that dress is the same as my suit).
It had an elegant, fitted silhouette that enhanced her figure, highlighting a defined waist and a flow that cascaded to the floor. The neckline was subtly pronounced, adding a touch of sensuality without losing sophistication.
The dress was adorned with fine lace details and beading, which shimmered softly under the light, creating an ethereal effect.
As for the man, he had light brown hair and green eyes, and he wore a suit almost identical to mine. In fact, that's how mine would look if I hadn't made some intimidating adjustments.
It was a dark formal suit. Anything else to add? Well, the fabric looked extremely fine, with satin peak lapels that added a touch of luxury. The shoulders were structured for a polished and defined look, while the pockets had discreet flaps...
*Footsteps Footsteps
And finally, Luke and his female companion...
"Hey, buddy! I see you took the whole imposing look seriously," Luke exclaimed in amazement as he saw my new appearance.
I simply shrugged while analyzing them.
Luke wore a formal white suit with a different style than mine; he also had some chains around his neck, presumably gold.
Next to him stood a young and beautiful woman. Unlike the rest of us, she didn't have a bulky appearance; she was just wearing a doctor's coat over the clothes the game gave us.
Her dark brown hair was long and braided, with pale blue eyes. At first glance, she seemed like a gentle and elegant woman...
(I haven't heard a word from her...)
*Arm on the shoulder.
"Do you remember that favor I asked you for?" Luke asked me, putting his arm around my shoulders and guiding me a little away from the woman.
"Yes, what is it?" I responded with intrigue.
"Well... do you see my companion?" Luke asked in a low tone.
I looked at her for a moment. She was just gazing at the flowers in the distance, not paying much attention to us.
"Yes... What about her?" I asked again. It was obvious that the favor had something to do with this woman, but what was it?
"Well, she's my cousin, Eva... and I need your help to keep her busy," said Luke, removing his arm from my shoulder and clasping his hands as if pleading.
(His cousin? Also... why does he want me to keep her busy?), I wondered immediately.
"Go on," I urged him to explain.
"Eva... well... she's a genius, no, she's a super genius of those who can't be at peace unless they're in a laboratory," Luke explained unclearly.
"It turns out that my aunt forced me to take her out of that place, and well, I suggested she get into the VR world hoping she would reject that... but she surprisingly accepted. You know how aunts are, right? She entrusted me to take care of her because she knows these kinds of games are dangerous," Luke continued.
(I don't have an aunt... also, why me?)
I kept looking at him without responding.
"I can't keep her by my side, you know? I have a reputation to maintain as a player and as a family member, so I thought it would be a good idea to put her in your hands, since I see you're a good person on the inside," Luke argued, alluding to my apparent good personality.
(Certainly, Luke is the only one who has seen my 'real appearance', besides I behaved very respectfully or at least not 'eccentrically', but... isn't he too confident?)
"Just buy her a laboratory and bring her some bugs for dissection or something. That'll keep her entertained. Don't worry about the expenses! I'll cover them. Heck, I'll even give you a 20%... no, a 30% stake in my next big project, plus early access to its fruits! What do you say?" Luke proposed, clasping his hands in supplication.
[Once in a Lifetime Offer! 95% off!
Super Evolutionary Pack: Surpass your peers in both technology and genetics with these two fully equipped facilities ready to bring forth the best of the best.
Includes: Private Muta-Genes Laboratory, Research and Development Laboratory (R&D) Laboratory, Equipment for Muta-Genes Development (from 'F' to 'SR' quality), Equipment for Technological Chips Development (from 'F' to 'SR' quality), Structure Strengthening (S) x2, Construction Card x2
Value: 5,000,000 premium credits
Offer Remaining Time: 5:00]
(...)
"What's your cousin specialized in?" I asked to confirm.
"Huh? Well, she's a... geneticist? or something like that. Let me tell you, she graduated with honors from Oxferd University," Luke replied, even mentioning the name of the university she attended.
(Oxferd? Wow, that's one of the most prestigious universities in the world.)
I understand a bit why the offer...
(Why is this talent so convenient now and not when I really needed it? I'll never understand.)
*Fake sigh...
"Alright, I'll take care of her for you, but don't expect too much," I said with a fake sigh.
(I wonder how convenient it is to have a geneticist in the muta-genes laboratory...)
"Seriously?! Awesome! By the way, I must warn you, she's a bit... sociopathic, so if you have any trouble with her, call me, and I'll sort it out," Luke warned me.
(Most mad scientists have that peculiarity... 'sociopathic')
"I understand."
"Great! You have no idea what you've saved me from, buddy! Come on, let me introduce you," Luke said, turning towards 'Eva'.
I followed him slowly as...
"Purchase."
[Congratulations on purchasing: Super Evolutionary Pack!]
[You can build these buildings on the following properties!:
-Mansion]
[Remaining balance: 13,950,000 premium credits]
Spending 5 million credits didn't hurt me. After all, it's a good investment for the future.
(My own technology that only I can have, my own muta-genes...)
In this kind of game, it's better to have your own customized toys than the basic ones everyone can get.
*Walking
As we approached her, she returned the gaze but didn't speak.
"Eva, he is Silent Shadow, my partner and associate. He's agreed to sponsor you," said Luke, introducing me.
(Sponsorship, huh... I guess I have to use the right words, right?)
*Extend the hand
"Pleasure to meet you. As my partner said, I'm delighted to have someone with your skills under my wing," I replied in an elegant tone, extending my hand.
*Strange look...
She looked at me for a second, analyzing me.
"Greetings, Silent Shadow. My name is Eva Laftire. I'm familiar with this playboy. I specialize in genetics, so if you give me a job that matches my skills, I'll make you the most powerful in this... 'game'," she responded, shaking my hand in return.
(She's confident, isn't she? Although, considering what Luke said, I'd be confident too.)
"Eva... don't call me that... forget it, just don't cause any trouble for my partner," Luke gave in, responding to Eva before warning her.
"Alright then, shall we go in? Let's not keep the others waiting," I said as I guided them inside the mansion.
---
"He doesn't seem to hesitate to spend large amounts of money on games, huh?" I heard that voice as I entered the mansion. It was the woman.
*Steps
*Steps
*Steps
"I hope I haven't bored you too much. I had some private matters to attend to with Luke," I said in a calm and elegant voice.
"No problem," replied the man with black hair with gray highlights, adjusting his posture.
"We understand," the brown-haired man responded as well.
*Nodding
And the woman just nodded.
"Please, have a seat," I urged Luke and Eva to sit on a sofa, while I also took a seat.
*Sitting down
My posture was quite relaxed, like a movie villain.
*Sitting down
(Hmmm?), I internally surprised myself when I saw where Eva sat.
It was right next to me...
*Sitting down
As Luke sat down, I quickly analyzed the behavior of the others and their locations.
In front of me, on another sofa, was the couple: the man with very straight brown hair and the mature woman with red hair, crossing her legs and casting a curious glance toward Eva.
(Do they know each other?)
To my left was the man with black hair with gray highlights, also sitting with a straight posture.
(He gives off politician vibes.)
To my right was Luke, relaxed.
(Luke... he's Luke.)
And right next to me, on the same sofa, was Eva, also with her legs crossed but a bit more relaxed than the woman with red hair.
"Well, since it's me who has brought you all here, I'll chair this meeting, of course, with the permission of my partner," Luke began.
*Nodding
I simply nodded.
Despite my efforts to maintain this bad guy appearance, I'm really not suited to lead these kinds of meetings.
(I'm only in my third semester of university. Compared to these millionaire graduates, I'm just a small chicken disguised as a phoenix...)
I wonder if I'll ever evolve...
(Come to think of it, this seems like a meeting of supervillains, doesn't it?)
"Well, first things first, let me tell you that our host, Silent Shadow, is an expert in this VR world. His skills are top-notch, as demonstrated in the shootout he orchestrated to gain more resources from his victims' inventories," Luke began with a tremendous lie, starting his speech.
*Focused gazes.
Everyone stared at me intently, but none added any comments.
(Uncomfortable, especially the woman's gaze...)
"Furthermore, our host is also a keen lover of VR who doesn't mind spending large amounts of money for his entertainment," Luke continued.
No one spoke yet...
"So, he has agreed to help us with some issues or invest in our projects in exchange for benefits. For my part, I'm thinking of investing in a Research and Development Laboratory (R&D) Laboratory, where I'll develop and sell my own exclusive technology, with the clear support of our host. So, I invite you all to invest in my project as well, as it will be secure and there will be many benefits," Luke concluded his speech.
(A laboratory, huh... I already have one of those in the inventory...), I thought, somewhat ironically.
There are likely laboratories from both evolutionary paths that are 'public' or accessible to everyone. This one probably is very limited or needs extra resources to unlock functionalities.
Limitations that, I gather, private laboratories don't have.