Chapter 66: Farming Merit
"Okay, thank you," Adyr replied with a calm smile and ended the call.
He turned to Niva, who was watching him with anxious eyes. "As I guessed, it was Victor. He wants to meet at the cafeteria tomorrow morning," he said casually as he sat back down and resumed his meal.
His lie was flawless, delivered with perfect ease. But Niva didn’t look entirely convinced. She had that sixth sense women were known for, something that told her something wasn’t quite right. Still, with no clear sign of deception to hold onto, she chose not to press the issue. Instead, she nodded and joined her brother in silence.
They ate their dinner together, sharing light conversation.
Adyr talked about his day, both in this world and the other. He told her about reaching a new kingdom, describing the Velari people and their gentle, friendly nature. He laughed as he recounted how they sat together in a tavern, drinking like they’d been old friends for years.
He made jokes along the way, telling it all like a fantastical children’s story. His tone, timing, and playfulness slowly lifted the tension in the room. He eased her worries and helped her forget the silence that had haunted the house just minutes ago.
By the time night came, both of them headed to their rooms, the evening ending just like any other—quiet, normal, and without suspicion.
—
When morning came and Adyr arrived at the player headquarters, he was greeted at the front desk by Selina. Her dark purple hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore a sleek black tracksuit.
"Selina," Adyr said with a calm smile.
To most, that smile would seem completely normal—his usual self. But Selina wasn’t most people. She could sense something underneath, something cold and restless, like smoke curling beneath a still surface.