Chapter 10: Hidden Demon
’Let first acquire a decent dagger just in case I have a chase to kill that alchemist,’ Vlad thought as he exited the dungeon.
Vlad knew from stories what the alchemist was like when he was hiding in the village, and if those were to be believed, then he should be easy to kill, especially if one took him by surprise.
Vlad strode toward the crowd of players, who were resting or preparing to enter the dungeon. He wrote a sign offering to buy a dagger with game points before displaying the holograph above his head, and the players quickly noticed.
"Hello, friend," a voice called out. Vlad turned to see a player approaching, his attire making it obvious: an assassin.
Clad in a dark, fitted leather outfit with a hood partially concealing his face, he moved with a practiced ease. His steps barely made a sound, telling one that he was not a newbie.
"Niel, from the Outcasts faction," The assassin continued, his voice smooth yet measured.
With a flick of his wrist, he revealed a goblin-forged dagger with a clean, dark blade devoid of rust and a handle wrapped in leather.
"Rare drop from the dungeon." As he tossed the dagger at Vlad, he said, "A fine piece, the best one could get from the dungeon, and better than anything you will find in the village."
Before Vlad could respond, another player scoffed. "Hah, best you could find?" The voice belonged to a smug-looking player, his armor and gear far superior to those around him.
"The dungeon isn’t the only place to get items," he added before pulling out a pristine white dagger. Its blade gleamed under the sun, the handle wrapped in snakeskin, starkly contrasting to the crude goblin weapon.
"My team got this from killing a Level 15 White Fang Viper," he boasted, flashing a knowing smirk.