Arthur had just finished counting the silver coins from his latest sale when a shadow loomed over his stall.
The chatter of the surrounding players died down as a man stepped forward.
His presence was overwhelming, his aura almost tangible as it seemed to dwarf everyone around him. He stood tall, his gaze calm but piercing, and his voice carried some authority that was hidden but obvious.
"Hello," the man said, his voice deep and measured. "I'd like to buy all the items in your store."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, meeting the man's eyes. This wasn't the first time he'd dealt with someone trying to flex their wealth, but something about this guy felt different.
Still, business was business.
"Sure," Arthur said with a nod, keeping his tone casual. "That'll be 80 silver coins."
The crowd around them erupted into murmurs, the sudden surge of interest pulling more players closer to the stall.
"Did he just say 80 silver coins?" someone muttered, their voice tinged with disbelief. "That's… that's $8,000 in real money!"
"Is he insane?" another whispered, their eyes wide as they stared at the tall man.
"This is the rich folks' world," someone else said, shaking their head. "We poor folks can never understand it."
"If I had even one uncommon item, I'd sell it for a few hundred dollars," a player sighed. "But all I've been getting are common drops. How does this guy have so many to sell?"
Arthur smirked slightly at the chatter but didn't let it distract him. He glanced at Neko, who was lounging nearby, completely uninterested in the commotion.
Before the deal could be finalized, another figure barged through the crowd, his voice booming over the noise. "Excuse me, boss," the new man said, his tone laced with excitement. "I'll buy everything you have. I'll pay one gold coin!"
The crowd gasped audibly, their whispers escalating into outright chatter.
"A gold coin? Did he say a gold coin? That's worth—what, $10,000?"
"Wait a second," someone said, narrowing their eyes. "This guy looks familiar… isn't that the owner of SoftMicro?"
Another player let out a weary sigh. "The rich will always have privilege, no matter where they go. Even in another world, they're still above us."
"Calm down, Mr. 'Communism Is in My Blood,'" a nearby player retorted with a smirk. "This guy worked hard for his money. It's not like it's just daddy's cash, and even if it was, his dad worked for it. He has every right to spend it."
Arthur barely suppressed a chuckle as the crowd's debate grew louder.
Turning his attention back to the two potential buyers, he crossed his arms and smiled. "Alright," he said. "I guess it's time for a bidding war, huh? Who's ready to pay more?"
Arthur's grin widened.
'This was about to get interesting.'
The man's tone became sharper, but still that of respect. "Mr. Gates," he said, addressing the man from SoftMicro. "I'm Lieutenant Adam. This purchase is intended to strengthen our soldiers in this world. I'm sure you understand how crucial that is."
His words carried a weight that silenced the murmurs around the stall. There was something in his gaze—something hidden—that was only understood by him and Gates.
The players surrounding Arthur's stall began chattering again, trying to piece together what was happening.
"What does he mean by that?" one player whispered, glancing at his friends.
Another snorted. "Lmao, even the soldiers are too busy levelling up in a game instead of protecting the borders. These are the same soldiers, who start crying when they don't get a veteran's discount at MCDon"
A player nearby rolled his eyes and snapped back, "Shut up, you idiot. First of all, they just entered the game world, so all the time before this, they were protecting you. If they get discounts or benefits here, they've earned it. Don't be a moron."
Arthur, watching the exchange between Lieutenant Adam and Gates, frowned as his mind raced.
'What does he mean by that?' he wondered, the lieutenant's words and expression gnawing at his thoughts.
'I knew there was something about this world that felt off, but this confirms it. They're hiding something from the public… but what?' He made a mental note to dig deeper when he had the chance.
Gates nodded respectfully to the lieutenant, his demeanour shifting from casual to cooperative.
"Oh, Lieutenant Adam," Gates said, his voice calm and measured. "I didn't realize this was an army expenditure. Of course, I won't contest it. I just need a few supplies for myself."
Lieutenant Adam offered a faint smile. "Thank you, Mr. Gates. Your contribution won't go unnoticed."
Turning to Arthur, Adam initiated a trade, his focus now entirely on the young merchant.
[Lieutenant Adam IV would like to trade.]
[Yes/No]
Arthur pressed [Yes], and the trade interface opened.
[Lieutenant Adam IV deposited '80 Silver Coins.']
[Fateless deposited 'Helmet (Uncommon), Backpack (Uncommon), ...']
Both confirmed the trade with a press of [Yes], and the transaction was completed smoothly.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Adam said, his tone more personable now. "Can we add each other as friends? It would be useful for future trades."
Arthur nodded, his curiosity about the lieutenant piqued. "Sure."
[Lieutenant Adam IV has sent you a friend request.]
[Accept/Decline]
Arthur pressed [Accept].
[Lieutenant Adam IV has become your friend.]
With the trade complete, Adam turned to Gates and gestured politely. "I'll leave the rest to you."
Gates smiled warmly and stepped forward. "Well then, I suppose it's my turn." He initiated a trade, selecting a handful of items from Arthur's inventory.
[Player Gates would like to trade.]
[Yes/No]
Arthur pressed [Yes], and Gates deposited 10 silver coins for a few items.
"Don't forget me when you get more good items," Gates said with a chuckle as the trade finalized.
He sent Arthur a friend request, which Arthur quickly accepted.
[Gates has become your friend.]
Both Gates and Lieutenant Adam offered parting words before departing.
"Don't forget us when you have better gear, I will give you the best price," Gates said with a wink.
"Your help to the military will be rewarded," Adam added, his tone serious but warm. "Thanks for cooperating with us in the future."
Arthur watched them disappear into the crowd.
'What's really going on in this game?' he thought, his fingers tapping lightly on his arm.