Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 83: Betrayal? Broken Team! Everyone for Themselves!

"Alex? You're joining too, right? I heard rumors about you and that goblin merchant, so they're true!" Eirini says, a hint of excitement in her eyes.

"Yeah... my participation can't be avoided at this point. But why the hell are you two joining? Are you insane? And where's Roja and Perlah? I didn't take you guys for such risk-takers."

"They're not coming. They can go straight to hell for all I care," Patricia snaps.

Alex glances at her, debating if he even wants to hear her out. But Eirini jumps in, already explaining: "I was busy in the real world for a few days! I didn't read my system messages yet, and when I entered the Realm, I was just strolling through the market curious about all the new items. That damn goblin merchant got me! I fell for his scheme, and by the time I checked my messages, it was already too late. Anyway, Patricia joined just to protect me..." She starts to tear up.

"So Roja and Perlah didn't want to risk it?" Alex asks her.

"We all fell for Roja's confidence, her supposed knowledge about the realm. It's obvious now she only values one thing—herself. We're just disposable pawns to her. If there's a single obstacle in front of her, she'd rather throw us away than risk her own skin. I guess you made the right call keeping your distance, huh? I heard about your small team, rumor has it you're among the top in the tutorial zone?" Patricia looks at him, a tinge of regret in her eyes.

"Heh, yeah, we are. But what a fine team you put together, huh? So it's those guys you got stuck with in the tutorial Alex? Smart move to keep your distance from them. Roja's no teammate, she's a snake. That was kinda obvious, wasn't it? No wonder she wanted you to join her group in the Harry Potter world after your mission. Well, guess that's irrelevant now, huh? This four-person group is about to lose half its limbs," Tereza snickers.

"You... shut up!" Eirini snaps. "Roja... don't talk bad about her. It's my own fault this happened!"

Patricia stares at her in shock. "Eirini... you're still saying that?"

Tereza, ever the sadist, chimes in, "Yeah, and she obviously doesn't give a damn about you or your so-called team. Also, I wonder who has that rare Harry Potter item in their inventory that triggers the mission, huh? Couldn't be either of you two, could it? One guess, and I bet I'd get it right. You clowns are pathetic. Alex, let's go. I can smell the stench of dying bugs—stay close to that, and you might catch something yourself."

Patricia's face twists in anger while Eirini just stares dejectedly at the ground.

"I guess it was obvious who holds the item. Anyway, Tereza, don't be so harsh—that's not helping. Why are you insulting them?" Alex says, frowning slightly.

"Alex, stop what you're trying to do!" Rishi, who hadn't even bothered joining the conversation until now, suddenly steps in with a concerned look.

"What is it, Rishi?" Alex asks, confused. What's he getting at? he wonders.

"Tereza is doing you a favor. You'd better stick to the plan and avoid any liabilities that could drag you down. They could end up being your death sentence. Tereza's absolutely right. Those two, no matter how nice they may seem—are poison to you. Avoid them! They're exactly the kind of hopeless low-level players who get manipulated over and over, their whole stay in the Fantasy Realm. They're mere puppets. Once the strings are cut, they're useless. Without someone pulling the strings, they'll desperately cling to the next person willing to guide them."

"That's a bit harsh, isn't it?" Alex protests. "Anyway... hey, what are you doing?" he asks, startled, as Tereza suddenly grabs his hand and drags him away from them. Then she slaps him.