AN INTENTIONAL FRIENDSHIP
Noctis could sense the inquisitive eyes of the onlookers behind his back.
He can obviously picture their envious looks, and hear hushed murmurs all over the Lobby.
He understood their viewpoint, as they don't often get to rescue a player in a dire situation, and a beautiful girl at that.
Takara Erich remained seated on the ground not far from where Noctis just dueled her former Guild Master and won.
She is too stunned to react at the sudden turn of events she just witnessed right in front of her.
Noctis approached her, winked and smiled at her, showing his pearly and perfect white teeth, extended her a hand, then helped her get up.
Then he noticed that she trembled while standing.
So, he helped her get into a chair and sit down.
He also ordered a fresh, hot, sweet and thick chocolate rice porridge swimming with fresh milk, with ripe blackberry toppings on top of the rice porridge to replace the one that Joe spit on, and fresh, cold water with ice cubes swimming on top of the water to cool her tongue.
Noctis sat on a chair next to her and put an arm protectively over her while she hungrily ate the meal I bought.
He waited for her to finish her meal while gazing at her.
He couldn't help but look at her cute, good-looking face, with her flawless skin, sexy body, and sleek black hair down to her shoulders.
Takara looks like a chubby yet athletic young girl.
Why is it that a battlemage from a First Class and Elite Guild, The Battle Mages Guild, and a multi-elemental battlemage at that, ended up joining some second-rate guild that isn't even worth the attention of Elite Players like me, and members of First Class Elite Guilds? I guess she must have been kicked out and humiliated by the other battle mages. Don't the other battle mages know that multi elemental battlemages are considered God-Class among battle mages, players with a multi elemental battle mage skill on is much sought after by elite players and other elite Guilds because of their highly destructive firepower?
Noctis thought as he looked at Takara's info and looked at her stats, and equipment.
"Player Name: Takara Elrich
Age;18
Level: 10
Ethnicity: Half Japanese, Half German
Hp: 9
Strength: 13
Defense; 8
Agility: 16
Mp: 6
Attack Range; 8
Knowledge:5
Class: Multi- Elemental Battle Mage
Rank: Novice (Ordinary Player)
Money: 1,235 Yen
Takara Elrich's Equipment
Weapon
Beginner Battle Mage Book
Class: Common
Level: 6
Attack Range: 9
Armor
Beginner Battle Mage Crop Top
Class: Common
Defense: 6
Beginner Battle Mage Shorts
Class: Common
Defense: 7
Beginner Battle Mage Shoes
Class: Common
Speed: +3
Defense: 7
Beginner Battle Mage Pendant
Class: Common
Defense: 3
(+2 Attribute Attack for All Elements)
What a sad, tragic waste. This isn't how a multi-elemental battlemage should be treated. Her mediocre, and average stats and weapons won't be beneficial in the long run. Time to give her my backing, and do something drastic about it.
Noctis thought as he shook his head at her mediocre stats, and equipment incredulously.
What does Lelouch want from me? He seems to know me at first glance, I only know him as the brother of Satsuki, but I don't know Satsuki's brother personally. It's time I found out why he's being kind to me. He's obviously flirting with me right from the start to catch my attention. Well, two can play the game.
Takara thought as she finished eating the last few spoonfuls of the tasty chocolate rice porridge and drinking the glass of ice-cold water that Noctis bought for her. She steeled herself and cleared her throat.
She smiled a sweet and innocent smile at Noctis, held his hand, and winked back at him.
“ Thanks for the free food and drink, Lelouch. Why did you help me? What do you want from me?”
Takara gazed straight into Noctis’ dark and haunting gold eyes, which seemed to brim with a wild and unrestrained fury, always seething with suspicion.
“I didn't like the way your former Guild Master and your ex-Guildmates are treating you. So, I thought I'd at least help you get out of your predicament.”
Noctis allowed Takara's hand to stay on top of his own hand, and even let her stroke his hand.
Is that all, Lelouch? I can tell you aren't a simple and trusting man. You want something from me, so you plucked me from the Scraper Guild, and even rescued me. "
"Would you rather I give you back to that second-rate and unimpressive guild leader of a second rate guild? Too many prying ears and eyes here. Let's move to the Elite Players Market for privacy."
Though Noctis could still hear murmurs here and there, and occasional glances in their direction, he was glad the crowd had dispersed.
At the next table, he could hear them murmuring to each other in hushed tones.
"Isn't that the newbie guy who passed the tests with flying colors, and even ranked at the top of the tests? I heard rumors that he has a very powerful backer.”
He just ignored what he heard and focused on what needed to be done.
He stood up, held Takara's hand, then they looked around and found the Elite Players Corner of the Lobby.
The players needed an Elite Player Badge to access the Elite Players Corner, and the Elite Players Market.
The corner was nearly empty, and thrice as spacious as the corner for ordinary players.
The other Elite Players are far too busy to take any notice of both Takara and Noctis.
But Noctis erected a soundproofed spell barrier just in case, then gestured to Takara that it's safe to start talking again.
“ You're a multi-elemental battle mage, right? But I'm not impressed by mediocre stats and equipment. It's time something drastic is done about it.”
" Don't tell me you're doing this and even help me out so I can assist you one way or another in the future, and be indebted to you, Lelouch. You want to avenge Satsuki, right?"
“It took you a few moments to figure everything out, Takara? You're smarter than you look. I thought you were totally innocent."
“The trusting and the innocent will never last a day in VRMMORPG Fantasion. I adopt whatever disguises I have to do, the same way you endlessly and shamelessly plot and scheme your way to the top. I can tell you're the exact opposite of Satsuki, Lelouch."
" Good points, Takara. I know you're worried about going guildless, but don't worry. I got your back. But I'm not forming a guild. You've seen how I fight. Solo. And don't expect me to spoon-feed you. The least I can do for you is give you what you need to get strong."
They went straight to the Elite Players Market and filled up their inventories with what they needed.
Good thing Noctis has an unlimited amount of money, as all the items starting from summoning scrolls down to potions are legendary to God-class, and those items are really costly.
“Did you know that using high-quality items like potions, and the highest-quality spells can drastically improve your stats? There are some bugs in this game that we can use to our advantage.”
He gently held her hand and touched her face.
“Do I need to get stronger, and do it solo if I have to?”
Takara asked, with her looking straight at Noctis.
“Yes. You need to get stronger. Use whatever means you can. Let's keep in touch.”
Since making friends and chatting in RPG Fantasia is possible even with great distances, Noctis made the first move and added her in-game.
He even chatted to her in advance.
He took out a money pouch filled with a lot of money and even had an extra Nobility Badge with him.
“Here. Take this money pouch. It never runs out of money. Also, take these extras of Badge. I don't just give Elite Badges to anyone. so don't fail me.Those will come in handy. Use it wisely.”
Then they hugged before she let go and went off, probably to challenge the next floor, and train solo.
Noctis liked that girl at first sight, but he knew that he had to stay wary.
He'd seen what happened to his brother, because of one fatal mistake.
And he didn't want to do the same.
Noctis can only hope she won't turn traitor later on.
If worse comes to worst, he'll have to eliminate her from the game.
A player must be careful in choosing allies and tie loose ends when he encounters enemies.