When Liam entered the game the next day, the excitement surrounding the world boss could still be felt. With more players pouring into the city by the day, the scene quickly became lively.
His friends arrived one by one. During a casual chat on their way to the leveling spot, Liam talked about what happened to him yesterday.
"What?!"
A warm feeling enveloped Liam's heart seeing the shock and worry on his friends' faces.
"It's ok. It was just some thief."
"How is this ok?! You could've gotten seriously injured!", exclaimed Silver Blade.
"No! This can't be! Let me take care of your security!"
Liam looked at Silver Blade's worried eyes with some embarrassment. He already felt indebted to Merida. He was hesitant to add another debt.
But Silver Blade seemed to read his face.
"We will do it like this:
Colville Constructions will hire you into the marketing department. With high enough clearance you are entitled to certain security measures.
If I stretch the budget somewhat, I can give you two bodyguards and a security system. Deal?"
Liam felt overwhelmed. He didn't understand why Silver Blade showed so much concern.
Maybe she is afraid of not being able to clear dungeons without me?
Behind Mirage's back Cyclone couldn't help but snicker. However, a hand immediately landed on her mouth as if having already foreseen the blond woman's reaction.
Silver Blade and Bleary Mirage didn't notice those small antics. Liam showed a contemplative expression before slowly shaking his head.
"I don't this security is of much use. They can't cope with the game's skills."
Silver Blade opened her mouth but didn't say anything. A frown was on her face.
"You might be right. But at least accept the bodyguards."
"Are they players?"
"Of course."
"Can they keep up?"
"They will be on rotation."
Liam saw that Silver Blade was determined. Finally, he decided not to reject her goodwill.
"Great. I will take care of it tonight!"
Silver Blade had a bright, relieved smile on her face without noticing it herself.
In this harmonious atmosphere the party reached Striking Wood Town. But before they left the town, Silent Acacia suddenly stopped in place.
The others looked at him strangely.
"My friend, is there something you want to tell us?"
The young hunter shook his head but then changed to a nod.
"Yes. Don't we need to organize our loot?"
"Oh, I almost forgot."
"You're right!"
Chuckles could be heard. After talking so much the party members almost forgot the loot.
Only Cyclone looked around sheepishly:
"Loot? What loot?"
Balm rolled her eyes at her good friend.
"Cy, come on, take it out."
"Take out what?"
"We all know that you literally teleported to those rare items."
Cyclone's eyes moved left and right. Seeing everyone's eyes on her she let out an awkward laugh.
"Haha, oh those items. Right. I almost forgot."
"Don't worry. We are here to remind you.", joked Silver Blade.
Meanwhile the party members began posting all their looted items in the party chat. Three prominent yellow-rare items garnered most of the attention. Even the blue items were legated to the background.
[Robe of the sacred wing
Category: Rare
Level requirement: 15
Physical Defense: 12
Magical Defense: 15
HP: 400
Effect 1: Increases healing done by 5% up to 200 points.
Effect 2: 2% chance to cast [Sacred Wing] on an ally you heal.
Sacred Wing: Cleanses the target of all negative status effects. If they aren't afflicted with negative effects grant a shield of 300 points.
Restrictions: Bound upon wearing
A robe blessed by Her Holiness Lewriova. It is often worn by the healers belonging to the Winged Vanguard.]
[Watcher of the storms helmet
Category: rare
Level requirement: 15
Physical Defense: 19
Magical Defense: 16
Strength: 14
Effect 1: Increases PDMG by 2% up to 200 points.
Effect 2: Whenever wind damage has been dealt around you in the last 30 seconds your movement- and attack speed increases by 40% and the next dodge doesn't cost stance.
Restrictions: Bound upon wearing
This helmet was created by Orinould, a hero among wood elves, specifically for fighting close to the storm abyss north of the Central Plains.]
[Trousers of the enlightened warrior
Category: Rare
Level requirement: 15
Physical Defense: 13
Magical Defense: 15
Strength: 13
Intelligence: 12
Effect 1: Elemental damage + 10%
Restrictions: Bound upon wearing
This pair of light trousers was woven by the famous monks of Eysue and only given to accomplished acolytes.]
Reading the properties of those rare items, a few faces showed broad smiles. Although the others were envious there wasn't much discussion.
Balm received the robe of the sacred wing. Watcher of the storms helmet was snatched by Quickstep. And trousers of the enlightened warrior went to Watchful Eye.
Even if those three items were everything dropped by the world boss, the party could already be content. However, this was obviously not the case.
Liam and his friends managed to snatch four blue items and a few green and white ones. All in all, it was a comprehensive upgrade for the party, preparing them for the upcoming dungeon.
On top of that they even received some recipes and consumables.
Only after sorting through all the loot did they realize how much they actually stole. Liam roughly calculated the worth, informing his party.
Hearing the number, Cyclone wore a big grin which didn't fade for a long time. The others showed similar emotions. The gloom from not killing the world boss was quietly swiped away.
After sorting out the loot the party could finally focus on leveling. The determination to get the first clear was clearly felt in the atmosphere.
Even Liam looked forward to it. His competitive side felt challenged just reading a stupid name like 'Favored Son of Crunaboul' in the global announcement.
Thus, a few days passed during the boring grind. Silver Blade stayed true to her word.
After Liam signed a contract to become Colville Construction's 'Senior VR Marketing Lead for Fate of Crunaboul', which was an empty position without responsibilities, the company provided him with two bodyguards around the clock.
One of them followed Liam while the other stayed with Serena. Meanwhile Liam also found a private teacher for his sister. Now she could catch up on her education during the mornings and enter the game in the afternoons with the Crunaboul Discovery Group.
Naturally all of this didn't come for free. Liam received a salary of 4000 Credits a month from Colville Constructions but had to pay 7500 Credits on Serena.
Fortunately, the gold exchange was only a week away. Liam was already planning ahead to earn some credits. However, the real windfall would be the money earned from his bet with Star Gazer.
Thus, the dungeon still held priority.
Soon it was Daminday, the first day of the new week.
"Finally did it!"
Balm stretched her body. Her face was painted with exhaustion. She had just reached level 20, being the slowest in the party except for Liam who remained at level 19.
"Well done my friends. But Mirage, why are you rejecting our assistance?", inquired Radiant Shield.
"It's alright. I still need to prepare for the dungeon. It should be enough to help me reach level 20."
"Well, you're the expert.", agreed Cyclone.
The others nodded or shrugged their shoulders. But Silent Acacia had another question:
"So, what should we do in the meantime?"
"Play the game.", stated Liam with a chuckle.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, have some fun. Don't get stressed out because of the dungeon."
Liam looked around. Over the past few days everyone had given their best, enduring the boring grind. Exhaustion could be seen in many faces.
"Fun is nice and all, but we are professionals after all…", disagreed Quickstep.
"Why not combine both? I need material for my videos. If anyone of you has an interesting quest, we can work together.", suggested Fortune.
Silver Blade showed a thoughtful look when she heard this. It was important for the team to satisfy everyone's needs. Thus, she decided to support Fortune:
"I think that's a good idea. What do you guys say?"
"I lend you my blade."
"I will follow the young lady."
"I can help you."
Balm, Bloody Edge, and Watchful Eye agreed quickly but the others showed some hesitation.
"What about you guys?", asked Silver Blade, obviously puzzled.
"I would love to join you but… I feel like it's time to gather some people for our guild. I'll do some advertising.", explained Cyclone.
Quickstep looked at her boyfriend, answering calmly:
"We would like to train. Preferably against players."
Silver Blade thought it was a pity but she could understand. However, Radiant Shield's hesitation puzzled her:
"What's your plan?"
"This… I…"
The tank stuttered before avoiding the question:
"I… have something to do."
The others looked at Radiant Shield strangely. But since he didn't want to say more his friends didn't dig deeper.
After the discussion the group split up. Everyone was happy with the decision.
Liam glanced at Silver Blade, admiring her leadership, while stepping into the teleporter.