WARNING! [Filler Chapter]
In the realm of Arcadia, life pulsated through the digital world, guilds flourishing and players navigating the challenges of Covenant.
However, a conspicuous absence lingered as Ren remained elusive, his avatar's presence nowhere to be found.
Amidst the bustling activity of guilds and players, Ren's notoriety soared to new heights, his bounty increasing once again.
Covenant buzzed with the fervor of the hunt, and guilds like Black Lion, Sleeping Dragon, and Fate Alliance, amongst the few mobilized their members in a relentless pursuit of the elusive player.
Within the game's expansive universe, Roz found himself preoccupied with accompanying Lira on her many whimsical mission.
The duo ventured through the landscapes, engaged in quests, and encountered the diverse challenges that Arcadia presented.
Roz and Lira found themselves meeting their demise more than once, and it was often due to the whims of the adventurous woman.
Surprisingly, Roz didn't mind much, as Lira compensated him generously per hour, and any items they acquired during their escapades became his rightful spoils –– a deal he considered quite favorable.
Although Lira, once a popular streamer, had taken an indefinite break from the online world, her financial resources remained abundant.
She demonstrated a keen sense of financial acumen during her heyday, wisely investing in stocks, businesses, and real estate.
Despite having the means to retire early, she persisted in streaming because it brought her joy.
Roz secretly hoped for her swift return. Despite her initial brash demeanor when they first met, he had grown accustomed to her quirks. He was even somewhat fond of her bold attitude.
"Hoi, Roz! Look! Look! A pink pond!" Lira called out, enthusiastically waving at him before tiptoeing towards the pond. "I wonder what a pond is doing here in the desert. I wonder if it's deep."
"Stop poking your feet into everything weird; you might get in trouble again."
"How rude." Lira retracted her feet and faced Roz, placing her hands on her waist, pouting. "What could be dangerous in a pond? It looks pretty. It's pink."
Roz was about to respond when, out of nowhere, a peculiar basilisk, its body adorned with diamonds, emerged from the pink pond and swiftly devoured Lira from behind.
"Aargh! Roz, help me!" Lira screamed as the basilisk's jaws closed around her head, causing her to panic and fall into the pond.
Roz let out a weary sigh and lazily made his way towards Lira's direction. This was an everyday occurrence for him. If Lira wasn't in some kind of trouble, it would undoubtedly be an unusual day.
Elsewhere, Leonel and Isolde embarked on a mission, their avatars navigating through treacherous terrains and battling formidable foes. The immersive nature of their quest mirrored the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the gaming world.
Their relationship had improved throughout their journey, but no one seemed to have crossed that last barrier that would make it official.
It seemed that, for now, they were enjoying each other's company and didn't want to label anything.
Meanwhile, Ragnar, Isolde, and Nikolai delved into the depths of Cthulhu's lair, an ominous and foreboding location within the game that only a few could find out and enter.
The trio faced the mysteries and perils lurking within, their fates uncertain as they pressed on in pursuit of their objectives.
Despite the ceaseless efforts of bounty hunters, players, and guild members, Ren's presence remained elusive.
The last reported sighting placed him in Renais Kingdom, nestled in the realm of humans within the game. The once-grand city became a focal point of the search, with participants scouring every nook and cranny, hoping to unveil Ren's whereabouts.
Yet, Ren wasn't going to surface in the surface any time soon since he was still busy in the Netherworld.
In the bustling digital realm of the official Covenant Auction, where players from all corners of Arcadia sought easy treasures, equipment, and unique items, a sudden wave of excitement and anticipation swept through the players and every guild.
As the clock ticked down to the beginning of a new auction, a cascade of holographic displays illuminated the screen, showcasing an array of dishes that promised not just satiation but extraordinary benefits.
The dishes on display were no ordinary fare; they were virtual delicacies, each with properties that could turn the tide of battle or provide invaluable buffs to adventurers.
Among them were the rarest of the rare, legendary-grade dishes that players could only dream of acquiring in the vast expanse of the virtual realm. The starting bids for these culinary wonders reached astronomical figures, reflecting the demand for their incredible effects.
One dish that garnered immediate attention was the [Serenity Sashimi x2]. This virtual delight boasted the ability to instantly restore a player's health and mana to half capacity.
The translucent slices of fish gleamed with an ethereal glow, promising not just a feast for the senses but a swift recovery in the face of adversity. With a starting bid of five million dollar, the Serenity Sashimi became the talk of the auction house.
Next in line was the [Elysian Éclair x2], a pastry with a golden aura that seemed to emanate from within. The mere consumption of this delectable treat granted players enhanced agility and speed for a limited duration.
Bidding wars erupted as speed-oriented classes and competitive players vied for the chance to outmaneuver their enemies and gain advantage from the others.
The starting bid for the Elysian Éclair skyrocketed to ten million dollars, reflecting the immense value placed on swiftness in the battlefield.
For those seeking resilience, the [Aegis Ambrosia x2] beckoned with its promise of increased defense and damage mitigation. This divine dessert, adorned with shimmering, edible armor, became the centerpiece of attention for tanks and frontline warriors.
The bid for the Aegis Ambrosia surpassed even the Elysian Eclair, starting at a staggering fifteen million dollars.
However, the pièce de résistance of the auction was the [Phoenix Phyllo x2]. This legendary dish, with its delicate layers and a phoenix feather as garnish, possessed the power to resurrect a fallen player with full percent of their health restored.
The prospect of a second chance in the midst of battle captivated the entire gaming community. The bidding war for the Phoenix Phyllo reached unprecedented heights, with the starting bid set at an astonishing twenty million dollars.
