Rael was fast asleep, however, he was awoken by someone tapping him on the side.
That someone was, of course, none other than Linlin.
Groggily opening his eyes, he was greeted by a wave from her and a few system messages.
Hmm? Rael tilted his head. Something is missing...
And he soon found out what.
Those fucking players... Rael grumbled, however, he didn't revive them just yet.
After all, the players were likely waiting in a queue to clear it again, and unless he invested a bunch of money into this dungeon, it would be a dud.
Therefore, he would leave it for later—when he did some remodeling.
Nonetheless, he took out his cheap plastic ear plugs, and tossed them outside the carriage.
"We're here... I'm surprised you keep useless stuff like that in your inventory though," Linlin remarked, as she stepped out of the carriage, before turning to him. "Coming?"
"Give me a second, I need to do some stretches, close the door," Rael informed, and with a confused look, Linlin complied.
Now, there were some things he wanted to do, some of which included crafting himself some gear.
Available MP: [663,200/663,200]
He input 200,000 MP each, but unlike last time, he changed his style.
Rael selected "Yes" like before, and soon...
—Prism Chestplate (Uncommon+)
Durability: 2120/2120 (+960%)
Special Effect: +5% All Magic Damage Increase
+122 Strength (+388%)
+244 Constitution (+388%)
+244 Intelligence (+388%)
—Prism Boots (Uncommon+)
Durability: 2160/2160 (+980%)
Special Effect: +5% All Magic Damage Increase
+123 Strength (+392%)
+246 Constitution (+392%)
+246 Intelligence (+392%)
The gear pieces looked transparent, but much sturdier than his previous set, so Rael swiftly put them on and made his way out of the carriage.
Immediately, the scent of baked goods hit him—followed by Linlin covering him up.
"You forgot the disguise..." she said, sighing.
"Oh, right," Rael inwardly face palmed, as he leaned over his seat, pulled out a black cloak, and threw it on—now ready to go wherever he liked.
"So where to? I hope you didn't come here to visit the whorehouse," Linlin said, twirling her hair back.
"Not a whorehouse. We're heading to the Black Diamond casino," Rael replied, making Linlin's brows furrow.
"I'll put what little trust I have in you and assume you're not going there to gamble."
"I'm not, follow me," Rael said as he began making his way through the crowd of people.
His carriage would be handled by the coachman, and the envoy had already headed off to their destination.
Now the only thing he needed to do was get to that gambling house.
Nonetheless, the city looked much bigger and crowded with people, so even without the cloak, he would likely go unnoticed.
Unlike Celestara, which was situated in a crater, Yrgon was far more open, with both icy regions and vast plains within its territory.
As for the city he was in? It was the capital of Yrgon, Varnak.
But of course, he could admire the rivaling country some other time.
Rael knew precisely where to go, as this wasn't his first rodeo, so after several minutes of walking, he arrived in front of a run-down wooden building with 'Black Diamond Casino' written across the front.
"..." Linlin stared skeptically between him and the building, but before she could speak up, he went inside.
There were a few empty, dust-filled tables scattered everywhere, as people obviously had better alternatives.
However, Rael didn't mind, as he approached the casino cashier, and nodded at him.
"Mate, if you've stumbled into this dump, then you must really be down bad, huh?" the cashier remarked with a chuckle.
But Rael had other plans.
"I'd like to buy the membership."
Hearing that, the cashier's brow twitched, before returning to normal, a smile on his face. "We don't sell memberships, but if you'd like to place a few bets, then I'm more than happy to—"
"Cut the bullshit," Rael said with a scoff. "I'm here to meet the Faceless One, so if you wouldn't mind, sell me the membership and go about your day."
The cashier's smile didn't disappear, but once he began tapping in the air, Rael knew he was in the right place.
And the next pop-up only confirmed it.
•—Balance: 796,451 Trell—•
• Basic Membership (???): 15,000 Trell
• Gold Membership (???): 50,000 Trell
• Diamond Membership (???): 150,000 Trell
• Seat Membership (???): 500,000 Trell
Just as expensive as I remember, Rael remarked inwardly, and proceeded to buy the most expensive one.
Of course, spending money hurt, but that was only the case when it was going to shit.
In this case, he was making a huge—and worthwhile—investment.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Rael Sutekh," the cashier spoke again, his voice slightly deeper.
As Rael turned toward the cashier, he noticed his eyes color changed to pure black, meaning he was in front of the one and only.
"You're the Faceless One? I thought you're busy this time around," Rael replied, not too surprised.
"I make time when needed, and this particular season of travelers requires my utmost attention," the Faceless One stated, before walking over, and grabbing some whiskey, before pouring three glasses.
He placed them down in front of Rael, and held one out to Linlin, who accepted it with a puzzled look.
But just as she was about to drink, Rael snatched her glass and poured the whiskey onto the ground.
As he did, the floor visibly began deteriorating, almost as though there was acid in the glass.
"I had it under control..." Linlin muttered.
As for Rael, he placed the glass back on the table and, with a smile, looked the Faceless One straight in the eyes.
"I have a business opportunity for you, interested?"