Villain Ch 141. A Fox Among The Sheep
Allen immediately opened his voice, mustering up all the enthusiasm he could muster. "Nice to meet you, Elio. That's killer armor you've got there," he answered, putting on a friendly smile. He couldn't help but find the situation ironic, but he wasn't about to run away and cancel his plans of joining their hunt. Instead, he saw it as a golden opportunity to learn more about their tactics and strategies. So, he decided to play along for now.
"Thanks," Mac responded with a pleased expression. "Your character looks pretty awesome too. So, what level are you?" he asked curiously, eager to know more about Allen's progress in the game.
"Level 58," Allen confidently replied. He figured that if he joined their party, they would eventually find out his true level anyway.
"Wow! That's seriously high!" Gil exclaimed genuine amazement in his voice.
Allen smiled innocently, trying his best to downplay his accomplishments. "Yeah, I've mainly focused on leveling up. So I haven't really had the chance to collect materials or invest in fancy gear," he explained, gesturing toward his basic uniform. "I've been relying on NPC armor, and all my coins have gone toward buying potions."
Mac nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with admiration. "That's actually pretty impressive. Your high level shows that you've got the skills to take on tough monsters, even without top-tier equipment. That's definitely a good quality to have," he complimented, his words oozing with encouragement and support. It was evident that Mac was the kind of leader who valued each member's abilities and believed in bringing out the best in them.
"Thanks," Allen responded modestly.
Gil looked around, scanning the area for the other guild members. "Where are the others?" he inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.
Mac chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "They're probably off restocking their potions," he answered. "You know INeedAHotGF, right? That guy has a meltdown every time his Mana Potion runs out as if he doesn't remember he has Mana Regeneration. It's both hilarious and frustrating at the same time," he added, shaking his head.
"Ah, speaking of potions, mine also ran out. I need to restock," Gil exclaimed, a hint of panic in his voice.
"No worries, we can all head to the potions store together," Mac suggested, turning to Allen. "Come with us, and I'll introduce you to the rest of the team."
Allen's expression turned slightly awkward as he cringed internally. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I wish I could join you guys, but..." he trailed off, his gaze shifting towards Yora, who still held onto his hand. Her grip was firm, and her eyes bore into his, filled with a mixture of confusion and something else he couldn't quite decipher.
Allen couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort, wondering if Yora had somehow recognized his true identity as the devil emperor. After all, he had been in close proximity to her when he had used her as a hostage in the past. The memories of that encounter were still fresh in his mind, and the last thing he wanted was for his secret to be exposed.
In a sudden burst of nervousness, Yora quickly released his hand, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Ah, sorry," she stammered, clearly flustered by the unexpected physical contact.
Allen let out a small chuckle, trying to ease the tension. "No problem at all," he assured her, flashing a friendly smile. Deep down, the uneasiness lingered within him. He couldn't help but wonder if his carefully crafted disguise was starting to unravel. Nevertheless, he pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present moment.
"Are you alright? Do you want to switch seats with me? Yours is too close to the AC," Mac said, concern evident in his voice. He glanced at Yora, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.
Yora shook her head, her gaze glanced at Allen. There was something about him that stirred a sense of familiarity deep within her. A nostalgia. It was as if they shared a connection, a bond that transcended the boundaries of the virtual world.
"No, thanks. I'm just lost in thought because of other things," Yora replied, her voice tinged with a hint of distraction. She quickly redirected her attention to Allen, her eyes searching for answers in his expression.
'Is it because he has the same name as him?' Yora wondered, her mind drifting to thoughts of her ex. The mere coincidence of Allen sharing the same name as her past lover was enough to spark a flicker of unease within her. However, she quickly dismissed the notion, reminding herself that Allen's voice sounded different from her ex's, despite the fact that the headset could certainly alter voices to some extent, just as it transformed her own voice.
Allen, sensing her intense gaze, felt a sudden pang of unease. He tried to maintain his composure, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Alright," Mac chimed in, his voice soothing and understanding, trying to disperse the awkward situation. "Just let us know if you need anything."
"Okay! The next stop is the potions shop. After that, we'll hunt down some goblins!" Gil exclaimed with an energetic grin, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Yora nodded, trying to shake off the strange familiarity she felt toward Allen. It was just a coincidence, she told herself. After all, it was common for players to have similar names in the gaming world. She couldn't let her past experiences taint her interactions in the present. It was time to focus on what she had now and enjoy the game with her newfound companions.
"Sounds like a plan!" Yora chimed in, mustering a smile. She was determined to make the most of her time in the game and forge new friendships. The thrill of adventure awaited them, and she was eager to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Together, the group made their way through the bustling city.