Rimelion: The Exploiter

15. Flame Staff

Lucas stared at his computer screen, struggling to process what he was seeing. Somehow, Charlie—no, John—had managed to gather the money. How? Had all those enchanted items paid off? No way. She couldn't have moved as much as two million players combined, right? Right?! But the balance was clear, and the grin on his face came instinctively. Still, a darker thought intruded—something she'd said about "a guy." He shook his head, trying to dismiss it. John is a man, isn't he?

He checked the account again, debating whether to send them the money immediately. No. That would only encourage them to demand more. He set the transfer for six days out, buying them some time.

"Good evening, Lucas," a voice spoke from his left, startling him.

Someone had broken into his apartment.

Was it the ring? Terrorists? Or maybe that player he'd humiliated, the one who'd vowed to find him in real life? Reacting on instinct, Lucas grabbed the gun he kept under his desk, diving behind the table.

"My name is Jeffrey, and I come in peace," the intruder said calmly, a hint of amusement in his tone. Lucas, aiming his gun at him, took in the young, punkish appearance of his visitor. He let out a sigh and lowered his weapon. If this kid had meant to kill him, he'd already be dead. The boy's face brightened as he continued, "I'm one of the leaders of the Ring of Smiling People."

Lucas's heart dropped. "Please, leave Charlie out of this! She's done nothing wrong."

"Agent Charlie, or should I say, Agent John-Charlie?" Jeffrey replied smoothly. "See, Lucas, you helped him retire—you were the one who archived his ID, right? I've heard some chatter about a plan to... disrupt Charlie."

Lucas sank back into his chair, his fears easing slightly. Jeffrey looked like a kid, but his power and reach were unnerving. "Why is John being hunted?"

"That's irrelevant. I'm here to support him—the best hero in the game," Jeffrey said, his voice low and steady. "I don't know how it was achievable to change his gender into a female, but the cover is phenomenal. Excellent work, you two."

"Yes, but there's still a problem," Lucas said, his voice tense. "I owe tens of millions to your colleague. If you could—"

"Then stop gambling?" Jeffrey cut in with a slight smirk. "I have limited resources, for now. I need time to consolidate them. Survive the next few months, and I'll be able to help you. But I need something from the game—a seed. It's an item that can only be obtained there."

"If I might ask—"

"You may not." Jeffrey's eyes flashed. "That would be foolish; Pearl is a rash person. Don't ask strange questions; people above you don't like to be bothered by flies." He gave Lucas a bitter smile, turned on his heel, and left, his confidence filling the room even as he walked away.

***

Enchanting items was proving to be one of the most annoying tasks I'd ever tried. Ever. I tossed a pair of gloves at the wall, watching with satisfaction as they slid down to the floor, where I gave them a solid, love-filled kick. Three times, for good measure.

Two months without whiskey? Easy. But this? This was torture. I took a begrudging sip from my waterskin and bit into the cheapest bread they could buy. Real "princess" living right here.

Break over. Back to enchanting.

[You enchanted the Sturdy Gloves. Rating: 17%]

Why? Why is this so stupidly difficult? How many times did I need to practice this rune before I got it right? A billion?! My patience wore thin, and my fist smashed into the armrest of my chair.