Lila's face drooped, disappointment washing over her. She wanted to beg further but was lost for words. Lucas couldn't help a faint smile at her helplessness, then uttered two words that silenced the entire crowd.
"Only a gift."
"What?" The square went dead silent. Even Damon and Silas stared at Lucas in shock. Lila froze, tentative: "Expert… what did you say?"
Lucas stood relaxed, propping the staff in front of her. "I said this Silver-tier Healer's Staff is yours—no strings attached."
"No strings attached?!" A roar of disbelief erupted. This wasn't just any gear—it was the top healing weapon for Healers below Level 10, a game-changer for dungeon runs. Lila stared at the staff, confused and hesitant to take it.
"What are you waiting for?" Lucas twirled the staff and tossed it to her. "Remember what I told you last time? I'd bring you a gift when we met again. This is it."
Lila clutched the staff, still dazed. "It's too valuable… I can't accept it." Savannah stepped beside her, eyeing Lucas warily. "Ice Studio appreciates the gesture, but we'll pay 5,000 Credits. Give us your account."
Lila shot Savannah a confused glance—her tone only turned formal when she distrusted someone. She messaged Savannah: "Sav, why?" Savannah replied: "No free lunch, Lila. He's up to something."
Lucas sensed the tension, realizing his move was too abrupt. He grinned at Lila: "If it feels too pricey, keep my secret. Swear not to tell anyone—deal?"
Lila nodded, still muddled. Lucas fought the urge to ruffle her hair—game rules banned unapproved physical contact, and it would only spark misunderstanding. "Alright, everyone disperse. No more gear for sale."
He was exhausted after a full night and morning of gaming, ready to log out. The crowd lingered until they saw Damon and Silas standing firm, then sighed and left. Damon stepped forward first: "Brother, join my guild. You'll lead the elite team—I never short my men."
Silas stepped up next, his smile smooth: "I'll offer you a three-year Guild Master contract. The perks will be unmatched." Lucas shook his head, his tone flat: "Not interested." He turned and walked into a nearby inn, dropping 10 Copper to book a rest booth.
Damon and Silas exchanged a glance, their men fuming at the snub. Meanwhile, Savannah's crew lingered—Savannah glowered at Tristan: "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't owe him a debt." Tristan snapped, jealousy oozing: "Who the hell does he think he is? Give me his name—I'll settle this with him!"
"No," Lila said firmly. Sebastian added: "He's too mysterious. We don't even know his name. We must be careful." Lila's eyes widened, flustered: "Let's log out. I'm exhausted." Savannah stared after her, suspicious: "She's hiding something." Sebastian nodded. What secret was Lila keeping?