Every single person went silent, staring at the source of the scream.
The source was none other than the renowned fencer, Sylvaine Aelcrest.
"Move, please move."
"Sorry, sorry, coming through."
A crowd of paparazzi surrounded the victors, taking photos of everything they did.
As news crews set up their cameras and microphones as she spoke, Sylvaine started her speech.
"We, together with the CCC (Climbers Coalition of China), have conquered the 10th floor challenge after 4 years of stagnation."
Everyone there had already seen the system popup, but hearing it firsthand sent a cheer through the audience.
"The next floor will open in a week, and in that time I'd like to go over a few things..."
While she was talking about the challenge and their alliance with CCC.
"Hey, kid."
One of the climbers who took part in the expedition approached Leo during Sylvaine's speech.
"Yes, sir?"
He couldn't believe who he saw or what state that person was in.
It was the legendary Roderick, an Explorer's Guild member with a tank class that could take any damage no matter what.
But it seemed like in this timeline, he wasn't destined for such things, as one of his arms was fully missing.
"If not for the tip you gave us, more would have died."
"No need to thank me, but I guess you won't see it with your own eyes..."
Leo felt a bit guilty that saving one person led to another getting harmed.
"It's all good. I don't mind that happening. But one word of advice... try to calm Sylvaine down."
With that, the man was on his way, leaving the entire area and retiring from climbing forever.
"What else is there to say... snort. I'm sorry it was pretty cold back there, and I didn't sleep too well."
The speaker changed, now being a very familiar voice for Leo.
All of the TV stations across the world were showing their victory speech and display of power.
'Is that Clint?'
As he was about to turn and see if it was him, instead he was met with a rapier against his throat.
"How did you know?"
He didn't even need to look who it was, knowing very well the source of that cold-as-ice tone.
Gloppy could see that the Grand Summoner was in distress, wanting to help him, so he took out the slime staff.
"Gloppy, stop."
His calmness defused the situation a bit, enough to be able to hold a conversation.
"Finally starting to believe me?"
A wide smirk across his face as he held out his arm and pushed her rapier down.
"Like I told you before, I know what will happen."
"I still don't trust you."
"How would I know about the secret classes and the way to beat the first-floor boss otherwise?"
Sylvaine had no idea how to answer it, she scoffed at him before sheathing her weapon.
She still didn't relax around him, looking at the slimy boy behind him.
"Hey Sylv, we are going to the banquet, so stop pestering him."
Another one of the S-ranks approached, being their mage, a tall woman with muscles rivaling winners of Mister Olympia.
With one hand, she picked the rapier saint like it was just a pebble on the ground.
"Sorry about her. She is always like that to strangers. Anyway, have a nice day."
The entire crowd and the interviewers followed them to the town hall, where the banquet was being held, leaving the plaza empty.
"It's for sure nice to not stand out for the first time here."
He sighed, happy about being seen as nothing big compared to them.
"Leo! Hi!!"
Nyssa ran up to him, embracing him from the back to greet him.
"What happened to your arm... and who is that boy?"
She asked him with concern in her eyes, to her, it looked like he had a frostbite all over his forearm.
***
"Oooh, is this one of the rewards you got? I guess it's because of the higher contribution."
That wasn't the case, however, there was no reason for her to know the true reason why that happened.
"Yeah, that's most likely why. Also, Nyssa, meet Gloppy. Gloppy, meet Nyssa."
Both of them shook hands, the Slime King was happy beyond belief, unlike Nyssa, who now had her whole hand covered in slime.
"I'm so happy that we are friends, big sis!"
The energetic boy said while running around the whole plaza.
"Anyway, you came earlier than I expected. It's barely 4 pm."
She crossed her arms, a wide grin on her face as she held her finger high in the air.
[Store Summon]
An enormous store appeared, it was noticeably bigger thanks to her selling some stuff in the merchant district.
"Did you have to put your finger up for it to appear?"
Nyssa shook her head, she only did it because it seemed cool, and she was proud of it.
"That was so cool, big sis!"
At least one person appreciated her skills, even if that person was a slime boy.
Once they got inside the store, they started thinking about how to raise funds.
"Selling raw materials isn't a good idea for that unless we kill the enemies at least 10x as fast as we do now..."
Leo took out and tore the Profession Voucher, making it burn and disappear.
[Please say the name of your profession]
"Sniper."
[Error, wrong type of profession]
"Was worth the try. Blacksmith."
Warm, fuzzy light filled his head, filling it with information about how the new profession would work.
[Virtual Anvil]
He searched through the enormous amount of recipes, looking for something that would boost either of them a bit further.
There were a lot of materials that they needed and didn't have, but luckily.
Ding ding
A few customers entered, ready to barter with them.
***
"Thank you! Hope we will see you again soon."
As the last one left, both of them fell to the ground, exhausted beyond belief. However, it was a very fruitful day at work.
"We ended up losing a bunch of gold... but we got a lot of materials."
They turned their starting 20 000 into 15 000 with an extra 20 000 in materials that they could sell or use.
"We got everything we needed for your new accessories. And even some leftover items to place here."
Clang clang clang
[Success]
[Titan's Brace]
[+10 Strength]
[Vibranium Bands]
[+5 strength]
[Attacks create shockwaves (+10% Damage)]
"Nothing for you this time?"
She teased him while putting the accessories on, feeling the surge in power almost immediately.
Ding ding
"Sorry sir, we are closed today!"
Gloppy stopped the man at the entrance, startling him with how he looked.
"This man is not a customer, he is a journalist. Look at what he's wearing."
Nyssa pointed at the nicely ironed suit and a very expensive camera in his hands. If she didn't say that, Leo would also think it's just a customer.
"Are you by any chance the party of Leo Astralis?"
The journalist asked, already taking out a notepad to write everything he would hear down.
"That's perfect that you come here and sit down."
Leo sat the man down and exclaimed.
"The two of us are creating a Guild."
Thud thud thud
A pencil, which the journalist was using, fell to the ground as the summoner said that.