Next Day
Upon hearing Lloyd's answer, Leo couldn't help but sigh lightly and say, "I predicted this would be your reply."
Leo paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. "Well, anyway, take this card and keep it with you. Whenever you need any kind of assistance from our clan or want to access its resources—whether for hunting or to access our weapons vault to borrow exclusive weapons—you can do so with this," Leo said, uncovering the shiny golden card in his hand. The card glinted under the light, its golden surface reflecting a sense of prestige and authority.
"But Mr. Leo, Lise already gave him the beneficiary card before," Lloyd interjected, his voice tinged with confusion.
"Yes, I know about that," Leo acknowledged with a nod. "But her card has her biometrics on it. If you take it anywhere, they might suspect you of stealing it. Besides, this card offers greater benefits. Lise's card won't let you access guild weapons vault and get weapons from there on lease. With this card, you can take any one weapon from our vault permanently, and you'll receive the same benefits as before. Show this to any member of the Laxan group, and you can expect VIP treatment comparable to mine. Just put a few drops of your own blood on it, and it will be bound to you," Leo explained thoroughly, ensuring Lloyd understood the use of the card.
Lloyd took the golden card, his eyes widening slightly, "Thanks, Mr. Leo. This will help me a lot," Lloyd said earnestly, handing back Lise's black beneficiary card, which now seemed less impressive in comparison.
'Holy shit… I somehow struck a goldmine by saving her!' Lloyd thought, his mind racing with the possibilities that this card now presented to him.
"You don't have to thank me," Leo said, waving off Lloyd's gratitude. "It's the least I could do to show my gratitude for saving my daughter," Leo's voice softened, revealing a rare glimpse of vulnerability and genuine thankfulness.
"Well, I'll take my leave, Mr. Leo. I have a match tomorrow," Lloyd said, trying to sound nonchalant even though he felt a surge of excitement about the upcoming match and the new possibilities ahead.
"You mentioned you're staying in some random hotel, right?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lloyd nodded. "Yeah, just a place I found nearby."
"Then why waste your money staying in that rundown place? Check out from there. I'll arrange the best room for you at our hotel, and don't worry, it's all free of charge since you are a benefactor to me," Leo said, his tone leaving no room for argument as he dialed a number on his phone.
[Arrange the best room... I don't care, kick out any VIP and make space for him… he will be there soon.]
As Lloyd listened to the phone call and observed Leo's authoritative demeanor, he realized the depth of Leo's gratitude. Leo saw him as a person of immense importance now, a shift that felt surreal. Leo was the kind of person who would repay someone's small kindness with tenfold gratitude, and Lloyd was now on the receiving end of that generosity.
"Thanks for that," Lloyd said, feeling a mix of gratitude and disbelief.
"It's fine. Tell me your current address, and I'll send someone to fetch your stuff," Leo replied. "You'll find the driver outside the reception. He will drop you off at the hotel," Leo added, his efficiency and attention to detail clear.
Lloyd left Leo's office, the golden card clutched tightly in his hand which he put inside the dimensional ring, and found Lise waiting for him outside. She was pacing back and forth, her expression lighting up as soon as she saw him.
"Oh, you're finally here!" Lise said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"What did you guys talk about? It took you so long…" Lise added, her tone a mix of impatience and genuine interest.
"Um… nothing much. Just some formalities," Lloyd replied, trying to sound casual. He knew the discussion he had with Leo wasn't something he should be sharing, especially not with Lise.
"You're good at hiding stuff, aren't you?" Lise said, puffing up her cheeks in mock annoyance, though her eyes hinted at playful teasing.
"Ahh fine… First, he thanked me for saving you, and secondly, he asked me to join the guild," Lloyd began to answer, his voice steady but thoughtful.
At the mention of Lloyd being invited to join the guild, Lise's eyes lit up with excitement. "Did you say yes?" she asked eagerly.
"No, I rejected the offer since I was conflicted," Lloyd responded, his tone firm but regretful.
"Oh… okay…" Lise's voice turned gloomier, the sparkle in her eyes fading.
"Why do you sound sad?" Lloyd asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.
"Nothing… It would have been great if you joined the guild, but it's your choice," Lise said softly, trying to mask her disappointment.
'Her dad is right; she's indeed a goofball,' Lloyd thought, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed her earnest expression.
"Anyway, I gotta head out now. I have a match. I'll be expecting you to be in the spectators' area to cheer me on again, just like today. So, see you," Lloyd said, waving as he left.
He arrived at the hotel, and it was grand. Being the biggest and most luxurious hotel in the city, it was obvious that VIPs who could afford it were staying inside this building. Whether it was the recruiters or participants from big families, they were all inside this grand, luxurious establishment.
Lloyd was guided to his room. Upon entering, he saw a spacious room, almost double the size of his own back home. Not only was it grand, but it was also luxurious. Everything inside was golden. The furniture was made out of premium red sandalwood, giving the room a rich, earthy aroma. The bed was so big that a family of four could comfortably make a home on it.
"This is going to be the best stay I've had till now," Lloyd murmured to himself. Without much delay, he hit the bed, sinking into its plush softness.
---
The voice of the figure echoed through the void, cold and detached. "You can't change fate… it's how it's supposed to end every time," the voice intoned, as a sword pierced right through Lloyd's chest.
*****
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Ik I shouldn't be asking for this but I need money... My PC is dead... I need money to buy a new laptop for work... since I'm not making anything from the book I have to turn towards you guys... I'm not in the best financial state so I would like a little bit of support from everyone it's fine if you don't donate but I would appreciate it if you could... even a dollar will be good enough... only donate if you got spare money to spend I don't want to force anyone for no reason thanks...
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