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

Chapter 168: Business Expenses, Round of Introductions and Silly Games

[Roja: Meet us in an hour at the central square near the portal.]

"How rude!" Alex grumbles, frowning at his screen. "This bitch knows we want something from her. Why else would we even contact her? We can probably pretend we just want to join a mission together, but Roja's case is special. She has more information than most players, and she hates to share it. She just tells you barely enough not to make a huge mistake. Maybe you can take care of the negotiation, Rishi. I already feel triggered."

"I agree. I hate these kinds of backstabbing snakes the most," Tereza chimes in. "She abandoned her team while they were at fault, but the selfishness she displayed can't be forgotten. Even if we enter into a contract with her, she'll probably look for loopholes and won't lift a finger more than she is contractually obligated to do. Since she also has access to more information than we do, she's dangerous. This time, you better be careful, Rishi."

"For these kinds of situations, a manipulator would be really useful. Although that probably wouldn't be allowed by the system, huh? Too bad," Menchi comments.

"I'd say Rishi probably fits the bill. If he could learn Nen, he'd be a manipulator without a doubt," Tereza jokes, giving Rishi a sly glance.

"Thank you for the compliment, Tereza. I have no doubts I'd be able to guess your Nen affinity as well," Rishi replies smoothly, the faintest smirk curling his lips.

Alex tries to suppress his laughter but fails miserably, snorting in amusement. Tereza immediately turns her glare toward him, her eyes promising retribution.

Alex gulps as she leans closer, whispering: "You will regret this."

Why me?! I just laughed! Alex complains inwardly, feeling unfairly targeted as usual.

The group walks toward the busier corners of the Realm, discussing strategy as they go.

"Just let me do the talking," Rishi says firmly, cutting through the banter. "But don't forget, this is especially important for you, Menchi, since this is all new to you: Do not reveal any items or skills we possess. We merely want to go to this particular world because Tereza needs to progress her skills, which is a known fact at this point, and because we want to do more team missions. I'll take care of the rest and decide how much we reveal. Although you are not stupid, you'd have to be a moron to just reveal your innate skills like that."

"..." Alex feels a sting in his chest, imagining his HP decreasing just a little.

Menchi gives him a thumbs up, her experience as a hunter kicking in. She knows when silence is the best option. Alex and Tereza agree as well, both relieved to leave the hassle of negotiation in Rishi's capable hands.

As they approach the central square, they spot Roja and Perlah waiting for them. Roja has her arms crossed, her stance rigid and soldier-like, exuding a no-nonsense attitude. Perlah, in contrast, seems more relaxed, even cheerful, as if she's genuinely happy to see them. Alex notes the stark difference in their body language and decides to pay closer attention. Reading people... It's worth picking up as a skill, he thinks. During school and work, I always liked observing others. Maybe it's time to put that habit to real use.

The two groups stand face to face, and the atmosphere is thick with awkward tension. The silence stretches on, almost suffocating, until Alex, unable to bear it any longer, blurts out the first thing that comes to mind:

"Oh hai!"

"..."

Rishi, Tereza, and Menchi immediately turn to stare at him. Roja and Perlah, on the other side, look equally baffled, Roja's eyebrows shooting up while Perlah's lips twitch, as though suppressing a laugh.