Feeling exhausted from his little late-night adventure, Alex quickly falls asleep. Starting the next morning, time passes rather unspectacularly.
No big auction is going on, no rare items are being sold, no conspiracies are unfolding, or guilds plotting against him. Just Peace and a semblance of normalcy are developing.
His guild is mostly doing its own thing, only offering trades and exchanging information on a few occasions. The only two members constantly drawing attention are Benezia and Menchi, openly celebrated for their unique contributions. Menchi, in particular, producing [Medigel], [Omnigel], and countless food items and potions, is endlessly busy. Her stall at the markets—set up every few days—is wildly popular, especially among low-level players who depend on her reasonably priced goods for survival. She's also known for paying fairly generous sums for food ingredients, sometimes even thousands of FC for larger cuts of meat available in most worlds. This information keeps spreading, and whenever people want to sell ingredients, they know that Menchi will pay fairly and reliably, rarely refusing a deal.
Alex, a little unsure about this situation, ultimately decides that it suits him just fine. He was told to keep a low profile, so he is doing just that. He trains his spells, swordsmanship, Nen ability, arts, and Biotics. He spars with Tereza, Jewel, Menchi, and even Benezia.
During their spars, Alex can't land a single strike on her, getting mercilessly beaten like a child. After his fifth defeat, he finally can't take it anymore and calls her a cheat, only for her to smile in amusement.
"You finally figured it out. It took you long enough, in my opinion. You are a rather earnest and hard-working man, I can respect that." Benezia says.
"How… I was just letting off steam to be honest," Alex replies, feeling guilty.
"Outside of missions, I retain my level, which is…" Benezia tries to say.
"Nineteen! Of course, you are destroying me. This is unfair!" Alex yells.
"Let's keep going… you have much to learn. While you can't beat me, you might actually learn a thing or two." Benezia says, with a confident grin.
What a terrible teacher…
With occasional beatdowns included in his life, Alex, despite being generally lazy, still improves his abilities. While his skill level and his stats stay the same, his ability to use them improves regardless.
Rishi checks in once in a while as well, though his focus seems almost entirely on the real world, his business empire apparently growing by the week.
Meanwhile, Jewel continues her own training. With some effort and a lot of persistence, she reaches level 7, her stats improving by a lot, almost allowing her to keep up with her "owner."
Jewel: Lvl 7
Relationship: Worshipped (Maximum - Can't be lowered or increased)
Rarity: Gold
HP: 320/320, MP: 270/270, AURA 287/287
STR: 19 (+3), AGI: 19 (+3), PHY: 19 (+3), SNS: 19 (+3), CHA: 19 (+3), MNA: 19 (+3), INT: 19 (+3) SPR: 19 (+3), LUK: 19 (+3), NEN: 19 (+3)
Innate Skills: Thornback Conquering Trailblaizer lvl MAX, Nen Prodigy lvl 5 (Limitless Legacy lvl 5, Basic Nen lvl 5, Advanced Nen lvl 5)
Thornback Legacy: Thornback Poison lvl 5, Thornback Poison Spit lvl 5, Thornback Web shoot lvl 5, Thornback Burrow lvl 5, Thornback Bite lvl 5
Free Skill Slots: 3/4
Skills: Arachmagic Eight-Spear Style lvl 5
Special Skill: Telepathic Bond lvl MAX
Finally, a message arrives from Glimmerwhisk, inviting him to visit whenever he has free time.
Alex, who honestly feels like he's back in his student days with nothing but free time, decides to head over immediately. He also messages Benezia and Menchi, who are currently in the Realm doing business. Both promise to meet him in front of the Eternal Coffins.
As he waits outside the Goblin conglomeration, his thoughts wander.
I feel like a worthless bastard, letting two women work tirelessly while I laze around… but if I'm being perfectly honest…
Fuck, I hope this lifestyle continues forever! Is this how rich girls feel with their sugar daddies? How is the male version of that called? Wait… am I really…? This feels like the secret to life itself. Maybe I should get one or two mor—
Is Soulmate having bad thoughts? His face just twisted into something that frightens Princess Jewel.
… No.
Princess Jewel is relieved to hear that. ❤️
I also sent Glimmerwhisk a message regarding you, Jewel.
Is Soulmate not satisfied with Princess Jewel? Please… do not abandon her!
Is this acting? I never really know when you're joking… Of course, I'm not abandoning you. Your ridiculous fear couldn't be further from the truth. I just asked her about your lack of skills. Pet skills can be unlearned too, so it's time to fill your damn skill slots. The Pet Hub only sold garbage, but there must be decent ones out there! Decent is enough for now—you can always upgrade or replace them later. Remember how that Blue-Quality spear skill evolved into your broken Light-Gold one? And don't forget your special innate skill, which even allowed you to learn a player skill in the first place.
Soulmate is so kind. Princess Jewel didn't want to be selfish, since she isn't contributing like Menchi or Benezia.
You actually do contribute—during missions, you can always come with me, while only one Supporter can. Honestly, you're stronger than the average player. Investing in you isn't a waste at all. I even asked Benezia to look for skills that might suit you.
Princess Jewel isn't sure she can just find something random…. She had a strong feeling about the Spear Proficiency Skillbook, but hasn't felt that way since. Even if she can learn player skills, she fears they might be reduced in effectiveness, losing not only value, but also becoming weak compared to the original skill.
Even so… might as well learn something, right?
❤️ Let's see if Glimmerwhisk even found something suitable for Princess Jewel.
A few minutes later, Benezia and Menchi arrive.
"Hi!" Alex says, feeling more than a little awkward.
"... You've been acting a little too self-aware these last days, Alex," Menchi comments. "We already told you, you don't have to feel guilty for taking it easy once in a while. You train, and you relax, that is enough."
Alex sighs. "I guess…. You did tell me. I still feel a little weird. Let's go inside then."
A few minutes later, once inside, Softspark immediately glares at them, her gaze trying to pierce through them.
"Will she treat us like that every single time? It's getting a little ridiculous!" Alex nags.
Benezia glances at him, her face showing a faint trace of sympathy. "I've been learning to accept juvenile, or even illogical, behavior. In my world, I was a religious leader, and people always displayed the utmost respect towards me. Inside this Realm, I encounter rage, lewdness, desperation, hatred, fear, and malice on a daily basis. It's almost… refreshing. This goblin may act childish, but deep down she is probably a kind and loyal woman, deserving of respect."
"You are a little too kind. If you always try to see the good in people, you'll get stabbed in the back one of these days," Alex says.
Princess Jewel agrees. These goblins can't be trusted. This time, Princess Jewel will not be deceived and tricked into acting like a simple-minded Pet spider again!
How does a pet spider even act…? This is ridiculous. And if you like to play with her, just own it and claim she tricked you. I've also fallen for her charms before. She probably has some sort of ability… I am usually not even into goblins.
It's all a trick!
You know, if we ever visit the Yu-Gi-Oh world, I'm pretty sure you would get along great with Seto Kaiba.
Princess Jewel is not aware of that character but is getting interested. Exposing tricks is a cool thing to do!
… He is not even remotely doing that, they are just playing a card ga—
"Hey!! Wake up, will you?!" Menchi yells, snapping both Alex and Jewel back to reality.
"You two constantly zone out, talking about the silliest, dumbest things, if my hunch is right. It's kinda cute, but we are in the middle of something, aren't we? Softspark said to just go ahead. We know the room."
"Sorry…" Alex mutters, moving ahead—only to notice Softspark glaring at him again.
Shortly after, they enter Glimmerwhisk's chamber.
Alex instantly cringes because this time his goblin sponsor is wearing a yellow gown that reminds him of a certain princess's dress.
Every day, she's dressed like a princess or a noble lady.
"Hi there… you look nice," Alex says, trying to be polite.
"Hmph, I don't need to be told that. Your greedy stare is enough for me to confirm the obvious," she replies. "Your eyes are stripping me bare already, it's rather uncomfortable!"
Why do I even try to be polite? It never seems to work! Might as well insult her, that way I'd feel better at least.
"Brought your girls again, huh? They're certainly popular. Not only are they both gorgeous, but they've also garnered quite a few loyal customers, especially among the lower-level players. Menchi's [Omnigel], in particular, is drawing plenty of attention—despite her selling it for far more than it's actually worth—thanks to it being usable for emergency repairs," Glimmerwhisk says.
"Are you intending to follow in my footsteps, Alex?" Glimmerwhisk finally asks.
Alex sighs loudly, thinking for just a second.
"I am not responding to this question because I already know how it will end," he says, shaking his head.
"Spoilsport!" she huffs, looking a little disappointed. "Let's get to business, then. Jewel, come over—I need something cute to rub while I talk!"
Surely not…
Alex, unable to even finish his thought, just shakes his head as Jewel obediently follows the command, jumping onto the table and then into Glimmerwhisk's lap.
"Are you a dog now? Or a cat?" Alex asks.
❤️
------------------------------------------------
A/N: Always thankful for Power Stones, Comments, and Reviews. Thank you for reading!
If you are interested, then please support me at patreon.com/FRWriter
70+ Early chapters available - I will still release on WN daily!! Thank you!
New Chapters every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday!
Bored? Complains? Demands? Check out the Discord: https://discord.gg/puVqWsf3y9
Thank you for supporting the story with Power Stones!