After Celeste had made it very clear that she wouldn't tolerate Daniel's nonsense, she led them to the main living area. It was sleek, modern, and so absurdly luxurious that Mark was still struggling to process that he was actually living here now.
But before they could settle in, Celeste turned to face them, arms crossed.
"Rent is due on the first of every month. Fifteen thousand credits. No exceptions."
Daniel whistled. "Wow. You really know how to kill a mood."
Celeste gave him a look that promised violence. "I could raise it to twenty if you'd like."
Daniel immediately straightened. "Fifteen is perfect. Love that number. Very reasonable."
Mark barely heard them. His stomach twisted as he checked his bank account. 20,000 credits.
The money his parents had given him.
The money that was supposed to last him through college.
He clenched his jaw, then—before he could overthink it—he transferred 15,000 credits to Celeste.
Balance left: 5,000 credits.
Mark exhaled slowly, ignoring the way his chest felt tight. No use worrying about it now. What's done is done.
Celeste's device buzzed, and she checked it. Then she looked at Mark, mildly impressed. "Huh. At least one of you takes this seriously."
Daniel leaned over to peek at Mark's screen. "Damn, man. You just paid it? Just like that?"
Mark shot him a dry look. "What else was I supposed to do?"
Daniel grinned. "I don't know—negotiate? Maybe charm our lovely landlady into giving us a discount?"
Celeste smiled. "That would've doubled your rent."
Daniel immediately shut up.
Liz snorted. "I love this woman."
Ana smirked. "Same."
Mark sighed, rubbing his temples. He had just given away almost everything he had.
Now, he needed a plan.
Because if he didn't figure out how to make money soon, next month was going to be a disaster.
Mark smirked. They don't know what I know.
Because this wasn't just some random idea. He knew Mortal Online inside and out.
Before his rebirth, he had played it obsessively, mastering every exploit, every market trick, every hidden dungeon and rare loot drop. He wasn't just good at the game. He was unstoppable.
This time, he had the ultimate advantage—knowledge of the future.
He leaned back, acting casual. "Yeah, it's hard. But if you know what you're doing, you can make tens of thousands of credits in a month. Easy."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "And you know what you're doing?"
Mark smirked. "I know everything."
Ana frowned. "Wait, why do you sound so confident?"
Mark just shrugged. "Let's just say... I've played a lot."
Liz crossed her arms. "That still doesn't solve our helmet problem. You're the only one with enough money to buy one."
Before Mark could answer, Celeste cleared her throat.
They all turned to look at her.
She casually leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and said, "I have three helmets."
Silence.
Daniel blinked. "Wait. What?"
Celeste smirked. "You think I'm renting out a mansion for fun? I make money in Mortal Online too."
Mark's mind raced. She plays? That meant she was already in the game's economy. Did she know any of the future exploits?
More importantly… was she a threat or an opportunity?
Daniel grinned. "Celeste, I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you."
Celeste raised an eyebrow. "That's nice. You're still paying rent."
Mark exhaled. "Alright. Then it's settled. We're all going in."
Liz crossed her arms. "And what exactly is the plan?"
Mark's smirk widened. "We're going to break the game."
Celeste's smirk widened as she looked directly at Daniel. "You can use my helmets… on one condition."
Daniel leaned forward. "Name it."
Celeste's grin turned wicked. "You'll be my pet for a day."
Silence.
Then—
"Deal." Mark, Liz, and Ana all said at the same time.
Daniel's eyes widened in horror. "Wait—WHAT?!"
Mark clapped his hands. "Great! That settles it."
Liz smirked. "Nice doing business with you, Celeste."
Ana grinned. "This is gonna be fun."
Daniel whipped around, looking betrayed. "You guys didn't even THINK about it!?"
Mark shrugged. "We don't have time to think."
Liz nodded. "It's a good deal."
Ana added, "And honestly? You kinda deserve it."
Daniel pointed at her. "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ON MY SIDE!"
Celeste looked way too pleased. "Oh, don't worry, Danny. I'll take good care of you."
Daniel groaned. "I hate all of you."
Mark patted his shoulder. "We love you too, buddy. Now, let's get those helmets."
Celeste smirked. "Tomorrow, you're mine."