Chapter 45: A Small Gamble
"As for proving my claims," Vlad said with a soft chuckle, and after a short pause, he added, "I know that your guild is currently exploring a hidden domain, and one of your great discoveries is broken pieces of a very special armor,"
As Vlad spoke, the cold, almost amused expression vanished, replaced by a sudden sharpness, a look of alertness and restrained calculation, as if every word he said now mattered far more than she had expected.
"I know the Lion’s Armor is a quest item, and not just any quest, but part of a chain that started at Unique grade, and there is a good chance it will finish as a National or even Continental-grade quest," Vlad spoke, then fell silent, lifting his cup and taking two slow sips of his honeyed tea.
Angela stared daggers at him but dared not say a word, knowing now that the person she had thought was a rare talent was likely the scion of a great guild.
She had assumed V would ask for an astronomical price to join her guild, expecting demands of gold, titles, or influence.
Now, she saw the truth with a slow, sinking dread. Vlad had not come to join her guild, he had come to take something from her, and whatever it was, it would cost her far more than gold.
"I also know that Marin and his old group aren’t bound by the death contract, which means if they wanted to leave, each one would have to pay a hundred million game points," Vlad said calmly and then added. "A hefty sum, yes, but we both know there are things out there worth far more than that."
He let the words settle for a moment before continuing.
"I think that alone should be enough to make you take me seriously, and you already know what you should do if you want to prove me wrong," Vlad said with the calm smile that never left his face before he drank his cup empty and stood up.
"Marin has been with me since the beginning of my journey in Ascension. We climbed the ranks together. Our friendship may not span years, but it’s real. Genuine." Her eyes narrowed. "He only learned about my background a year ago, long after our guild had already reached the top fifty."
"So tell me, why would he betray me now?" She paused, her gaze locked on Vlad. "For money? Power? Influence?"