The Hotel Grand was buzzing with anticipation.
Raven walked in, unhurried, his Trickster Mask keeping his identity hidden. His footsteps echoed in the high-ceilinged lobby, a grand space designed for high-level players and VIPs.
But right now, it wasn't the luxury that mattered.
It was the sheer number of players who had gathered.
Some were casual spectators, sipping virtual drinks while sneaking glances at the entrance. Others were more direct, openly watching, whispering, and refreshing the forum threads.
> [Trending: Cute Mist & Frost Eye – Meeting Confirmed?!]
[Player1:] "She actually sent him a contract?! Five million just to meet? This is insane."
[Player2:] "If Frost Eye takes the money and logs off, I'll die laughing."
[Player3:] "He won't. He's having too much fun messing with her."
Raven smirked as he casually swiped open his message interface.
Right there—Cute Mist's contract.
A simple yet powerful line:
> Upon Frost Eye's arrival, 5,000,000 credits will be transferred instantly.
A soft chuckle escaped him.
Frost Eye (muttering to himself): "Mist-chan, you really are desperate to see me."
Without hesitation, he clicked:
> ACCEPT CONTRACT.
Ding!
> [System: 5,000,000 credits have been deposited into your account.]
At that moment, the entire lobby fell silent.
Everyone had been watching his every move.
The moment the system notification popped up, a collective gasp rippled through the room.
---
The Arrival of Cute Mist
Then—
The grand doors swung open.
A powerful gust of virtual wind swept through the lobby as she stepped inside.
Cute Mist.
She was alone.
No backup.
No guild members.
Just her.
Her golden eyes glowed with quiet fury, her crimson cape billowing slightly from the force of her entrance. She moved with the confidence of someone who could command armies—but right now, she had come as an individual.
For a moment, the only sound in the lobby was the soft click of her boots against the polished marble floor.
She walked straight toward him.
Unflinching.
Unstoppable.
---
The Face-Off
The space between them shrank.
Ten steps.
Five steps.
One step.
They were face to face.
The air felt heavy with tension.
The onlookers held their breath. Was this a declaration of war? A deal? A confrontation?
Then, Raven smiled.
His voice was light, teasing, but layered with amusement.
Frost Eye (grinning): "Ah, Mist-chan, you actually came alone. How bold. Are you sure you can handle being with me?"
Mist's expression remained unreadable.
She didn't flinch.
She didn't react to the teasing tone.
Instead, she simply said—
Cute Mist (coldly): "Let's talk."
The entire lobby held its breath.
And then—
The real game began.
The tension in the air was thick.
The crowd had expected fireworks—maybe a heated argument, a duel, or even an explosive declaration of war.
Instead, Cute Mist remained composed, her golden eyes locked onto Frost Eye.
She had paid five million credits just to meet him. Now, it was time to state her true purpose.
She reached into her inventory and pulled out a contract document. A crisp, formal Guild Invitation.
> Position: Senior Alchemist of Rainbow Solutions
Base Salary: Negotiable
Profit Share: 20% on all high-tier alchemy sales
Signing Bonus: 10,000,000 Credits
A murmur rippled through the hotel lobby.
Ten million just for signing?!
Raven raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes.
Frost Eye (smirking): "Mist-chan, how flattering. So you don't just want to meet me—you want to keep me."
Cute Mist didn't take the bait.
Cute Mist (calmly): "You're a rare talent. You've already proven your alchemy skills are unmatched. If you join Rainbow Solutions, we'll give you everything you need—resources, protection, and a limitless market."
She took a step closer.
Cute Mist: "You won't have to waste time selling potions yourself. We'll handle logistics. You can focus entirely on your craft."
Raven chuckled.
Frost Eye (mocking): "Oh, how generous. And in return?"
Mist's lips curled slightly.
Cute Mist: "In return, your potions belong to us. No selling to outsiders."
A deadly silence fell over the room.
A guild contract.
A golden cage.
Raven tilted his head, his smirk widening.
Frost Eye: "So, in other words… you want to put a leash on me?"
Mist's eyes narrowed slightly.
Cute Mist (coldly): "Call it a partnership."
For the first time, Raven laughed.
Frost Eye (grinning): "Mist-chan, Mist-chan… You're cute when you're serious."
His fingers tapped the contract once, bringing up the 'Accept' and 'Decline' buttons.
But instead of pressing either—
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough so only she could hear:
Frost Eye (whispering, teasing): "But I don't do collars. Not even if they're gold-plated."
Mist's fist clenched at her side.
Cute Mist (warning): "Frost Eye."
He straightened, lazily stretching his arms.
Frost Eye: "I'll think about it, Mist-chan. But, honestly?"
He gave her a playful wink.
Frost Eye: "I enjoy being chased more than being caught."
And just like that—
He turned his back on the offer.
Raven casually flicked his wrist, making the contract disappear from his screen without even acknowledging it.
Then, he slowly looked at Cute Mist.
His usual teasing smirk remained, but now, there was something colder beneath it—a sharp edge hidden under his playful mask.
Frost Eye (calmly, but mocking): "Mist-chan, I think you're confused."
She frowned slightly, sensing a shift in his tone.
Frost Eye (smirking): "You're offering me a contract like you're doing me a favor. But tell me… who's the one in the position of power here?"
He let the question hang for a moment, watching her reaction.
Then, he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make it personal.
Frost Eye (coldly, yet teasing): "You see, Mist-chan… you are the one in the dog position, not me."
A deadly silence fell over the room.
Mist's fingers twitched—whether from anger or restraint, it wasn't clear.
Frost Eye (chuckling softly): "I control the poison resistance potions. I set the prices. And guess what?"
He casually gestured to the players around them.
Frost Eye (mocking): "Many guilds—far bigger than yours—are practically begging me for them."
His smirk widened, enjoying the way Mist's golden eyes darkened.
Frost Eye (cold amusement): "Your guild isn't in a position to 'hire' me. You're in a position to plead with me."
Mist's jaw tightened.
Frost Eye (smiling): "And yet… instead of coming with a proper offer, you tried to leash me? How disappointing, Mist-chan."
He sighed, shaking his head mockingly, as if he truly felt let down.
Frost Eye (sarcastic pity): "I expected more from you. Really, I did."
Mist's aura flared.
A warning.
A sign that she was seconds away from snapping.
But Raven wasn't done.
His voice dropped even lower, just above a whisper.
Frost Eye (whispering, sharp): "If you want my potions, Mist-chan… you don't give me a contract.
He tapped her chin lightly before stepping back with a slow grin.
Frost Eye (mocking): "You get on your knees and beg."
The moment the words left his mouth—
CRACK!
Mist's hand slammed onto the hotel's marble table, cracking it in half.
Her golden eyes burned with rage.
But Raven?
He just laughed, turning away.
Frost Eye (waving over his shoulder): "I'll let you think about that, Mist-chan. But don't take too long~ My prices only go up."
And with that—
He walked out, leaving her fuming in silence.