Chapter 16: Trading Loot
A few minutes later...
Riley finally came out of the eastern gate, walking through the novice village with a smirk stretched across his face.
The sun was still high in the sky, casting streaks of light through the sparse clouds, but nothing felt brighter than the glee simmering in his chest.
Each step he took was lighter than the last, and he couldn't help but feel excited at how much he had been progressing since he entered the game.
He raised his hand, eyes gleaming as he stared down at the ring wrapped around his finger and the sleek black bracelet on his wrist. A low chuckle slipped past his lips.
"Not bad at all..."
After Burus had practically begged him to name any price for "compensation," Riley had known exactly what to ask for.
He hadn't even hesitated. That glinting ring—whose glow betrayed it as no ordinary accessory—and the thin, matte bracelet that gave off a faint pulse... they were the two most valuable-looking items the farmer had on him. And Riley had claimed both without shame.
The poor man had tried to haggle, tried to offer some coins or a piece of gear instead, but all it had taken was a step forward from Riley, and Burus folded like wet paper.
The man had even slipped the ring onto Riley's finger himself, hands trembling the entire time.
It felt good.