Chapter 10

Preparing to Flee

    Pun was sitting, waiting for the leader of the Dragon Guardian Guild at the rooftop dining area. The music soothed, the sea breeze mingled with the scent of salt and delicate mountain flowers, and chilled drinks were served, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Snacks were provided as he waited.

    "Sir, your guest has arrived. Shall I bring him to the dining area now?" "Please, let them in." This pounding heart... so this is what it feels like. Pun watched the figure following the staff member, their aura of dignity and elegance undeniable.

    /So this is the number one, truly fitting./ Pun admired this person, recognizing their deserving leadership.

    "Hello, Mr. Pun. I'm Nakrob in the game, but you can call me First. It's a pleasure to meet you."

    "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. First. Please, call me Pun. Shall we enjoy some dinner before discussing business?"

    "Sounds good to me..."

    As the staff presented an array of expensive and delicious dishes, Pun and First observed each other. Pun had to admit, this person was genuine. Noticing Pun's novice attire, First merely paused for a moment, just a moment...

    "Thank you for the meal today."

    "It’s nothing, just a small matter. But shall we discuss the bag now?" It was a free meal, after all.

    That was fine. Pun didn't spend a dime.

    They immediately dove into discussing the bag. When First showed the olive-green backpack, Pun took out a crystal card, transferring a total of 100 orbs to First. The bank transfer meant no fees were involved.

    Pun got the bag without further ado. But First's gaze lingered oddly on Pun.

    "Pun, may I speak with you a bit more?"

    "Of course... I’m not busy." Hopefully, he won't ask where the money came from, Pun thought, unsure of an answer.

    "You know about tomorrow's Dream Come True game event. Will you participate?"

    "Unless something urgent comes up, I plan to." Pun felt he shouldn't reveal too much.

    "That's great... I have a group, would you consider joining? If you have your own, that’s fine too..." Now, how to respond? Pun pondered, wishing he could scratch his head in frustration.

    "Sure... If I can make it, I'd definitely prefer to join your guild, the number one guild."

    "I hope so too... I’ll leave now, not to disturb your rest. Goodbye."

    Fitting of a great man. He seemed to know or hint at something, knowing how to make an offer you can't refuse... Pun remained seated, the music a relaxing escape, thinking about tomorrow!!! He planned to leave the city... Having made his decision, Pun went back to his room to prepare for the trek.

    On the same carpet he rolled on before, Pun sat there organizing his backpack, including the ranger outfit. It was time to try it on... Touching the outfit, he knew it was premium leather, delicate yet durable. The ranger outfit looked ordinary but was crafted from pricelessly valuable materials. Then, Pun remembered the need to drop blood on it.

    Calling forth his liquid metal knife, he attempted a small cut with care, aware of its power. As blood touched the ranger outfit, it glowed red, surrounded by lights, followed by the familiar system voice in his head.

    "Beginning randomization process...5...4...3...2...1...0...Randomization complete. Please check the properties."

    "Properties: Blood Ranger Outfit (Shirt + Pants) RareRare

    - Attributes: Protects against all elements by 50%

    - Reduces fatigue and increases refreshment by 50%

    - Increases mobility by 80

    - HP +50,000

    - MP +80,000

    - Physical Defense +35,000

    - Magic Defense +10,000

    - (Random Bonus) Increases luck by +60

    - Special Skill: Invisibility Armor (can turn invisible for 5 minutes, with a 10-minute cooldown)

    - Aquatic Breathing (can breathe underwater for 6 hours, must surface for oxygen once before reuse)

    - (Random Bonus) Inspection Skill

    - Life slot capacity: 100, Mana slot capacity: 100

    Astounded, to say the least.

    "Equip." Pun hurriedly dressed and then looked at himself in the mirror. With the coffee-colored shirt, olive green pants, and a waist holster for his short laser gun, he quickly equipped the weapon. Noticing the ammunition sling made him jump; he could forget anything but realized he hadn't bought any blood... What to do now... When in doubt, press the red button.

    "Can I assist you with anything?" The last refuge, indeed, offered with utmost sincerity. Thus, the helpful staff member clarified that the hotel indeed had a Pharmacy, asking for the required size and providing an item manual for selection. Pun then examined the .458 spell, looking for where it could be loaded with blood. Spotting a bottle-shaped carving at the gun's base, he didn't hesitate to order the largest blood vials available, fearing running out of ammunition which contained 11,000 life scale, and ordered 40,000 vials at 500 units each, costing 20 orbs in total. For good measure, he also ordered 40,000 large mana vials at 700 units each, spending another 28 orbs.

    When the staff brought a large box to Pun's room, he promptly stored the vials in his armor slots and realized the staff might suggest storing them in the accessory slots too, as accessories are part of the outfit and would automatically refill... With medicines ready, he tested a vial, bringing it near the gun's carved image. Suddenly, the gun's base flashed, absorbing the medicine with a voice in his head announcing:

    /All 222 blood bullets have been loaded, with one bullet using 50 units of blood./

    Ammo ready, medicines ready, essentials ready. He planned to leave early to avoid arousing suspicion from the Dragon Guardian Guild or anyone else... Tomorrow morning meant a quick breakfast... Breakfast = provisions. Yes, provisions were necessary. Despite seemingly having a lot of food in the forest, no one could predict the future...

    "Sir, how long can these provisions last?"

Deciding how Pun might call him at any time soon, the staff waited in the room. "We have 7-day, 2-week, and 1-month options." Pun ordered 21 sets for 7 days, 21 for 2 weeks, and 42 for a month... Soon after organizing, all the requested provisions, along with 100 bottles of 2-liter water, were delivered. It was so convenient that Pun couldn't help but think idols with such high-tech bags would travel smoother and happier…