Behind him, the players started talking nonsense again.
"This is going to be good!" one player whispered to his friend.
"That summoner's about to learn what happens when you mess with the wrong people," another said, grinning ear to ear.
Arthur stopped in his tracks, slowly turning to face the level 4 player who had begun walking toward him.
His eyes locked with the man's, his expression unreadable. "Something I can help you with?" he asked, his tone calm.
The air seemed to slightly crackle as the two stared each other down.
The man stood directly in front of Arthur with a composed look, but his cautious gaze betrayed his wariness of Arthur.
Beside him, the smug player had a smirk, clearly enjoying himself.
"My name is John," the man said, his voice calm. "May I know yours?"
Arthur tilted his head slightly, evaluating the man before replying, "Fateless."
John nodded, the name rolling around in his head as if trying to match it to any rumours or feats. "I see."
"Is what they're saying true? Did you summon this boar?" His eyes flicked to Borak, who was carrying the unconscious girl.
Arthur met his gaze evenly and gave a small nod. "Yes, it's my summon."
"I see," John repeated, his tone neutral but layered with thought.
'He either has a summoner class, or his talent is related to summoning. Either one, he isn't weak...'
He glanced briefly at the smug player next to him before returning his attention to Arthur, he asked, "May I know your level?"
Arthur frowned, his patience wearing thin. "You're asking too many questions," he said, his tone firm but still controlled. "I don't have time for this. Don't beat around the bush—just get straight to the point."
The smug player immediately spat back, his voice loud. "You should be honoured he's talking to you! Do you even know who this is? He's an elite among elites! He's already reached level 4, and he'll hit level 5 soon to get his class. You're nothing compared to him!"
Arthur's expression didn't change. Instead, he brought a finger to his ear, cleaning it out with indifference before flicking the wax onto the ground. "Are you done?" he asked, his tone flat and uninterested.
The smug player froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. For once, he was at a loss for words.
The tension in the air was choking, but John broke the awkward silence with a calm chuckle. "Alright, I get it. You're not one to waste words," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Arthur's demeanour. "I can tell you're strong. That much is obvious."
Arthur said nothing, watching John closely.
John continued, his voice lowering slightly as if the conversation were meant only for them. "That girl you're protecting," he said, glancing at the unconscious figure on Borak's back. "I can tell she carries a hidden mission. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to such lengths to place your summon as her guard."
Arthur's eyes didn't betray any emotion, but his silence spoke volumes. John pressed on. "You must have some idea of what she represents. I know how this world works—valuable quests don't just drop into anyone's lap. But you know as well as I do that her presence here is no coincidence."
The smug player next to John, still trying to regain his composure, added hastily, "If you think you're keeping her all to yourself, you're out of your mind. A hidden mission like that belongs to everyone."
Arthur finally let out a sigh, his patience thinning further. "Are you done?" he asked again, his gaze moving lazily between John and the smug player. "I don't owe either of you an explanation."
John raised a hand, silencing the smug player before he could argue. "Relax," he said, his tone firm.
"We're not here to fight you. I'm just... curious. Someone with your skills could be an ally in the right circumstances. But..." his tone sharpened slightly, "if this girl's presence is going to cause unnecessary chaos, I hope you're prepared to deal with the consequences."
Arthur smirked slightly, crossing his arms. "You're concerned for someone who claims not to be here for trouble. Let me make this clear—I don't need or want your advice. If there are consequences, I'll deal with them myself."
"You, on the other hand," his eyes flicked to the smug player, "should stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
John's gaze stayed on Arthur for a moment, curiosity flashing in his eyes. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he spoke, his tone no longer casual.
"Alright," he began, his voice low enough that only Arthur and the smug player could hear him. "I'm not sure if you're dense enough not to pick up on the hints I've been dropping, or if you're just choosing to ignore them."
Arthur's frown deepened, his posture tensing. He didn't respond, letting John continue.
"Here's the deal," John said, his tone turning sharper, and more direct. "Either share the quest with me, and we'll complete it together so we both benefit or..." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping even lower. "Prepare for the consequences of players finding out you've got a hidden mission."
Arthur's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you threatening me?"
"Take it how you see it," John replied with a shrug, his expression neutral. "I see it as mutual benefit."
The smug player next to John grinned smugly, clearly enjoying the tension. "You should listen to him," he interjected, his tone dripping with condescension. "It's not every day you get an opportunity . You got an elite player wanting to help you complete a hidden quest, what else would you want,"
Arthur ignored the smug player entirely, his focus locked on John.
Finally, Arthur spoke, his voice cold. "Let me get this straight. You want me to share the quest with you, to work together. But if I don't, you're going to spread the word about it and cause trouble for me."