A Petty Squabble

Sybil, sensing an opportunity to get on the good side of the girls, stepped in on Verena's behalf. "What's going on here? Did you PK her in the dungeon? Is that why she didn't come back with you?" Sybil shot out the words, as if trying to make the matter worse.

Sylvan and Tarquin didn't seem like they wanted to be part of this and Saad didn't have the time to feel anything about that. He needed to get out of the situation for now.

"Why are you making assumptions!? It was dungeon master that kicked her out! Ask her!" Saad quickly retorted back but talking so passionately almost made him throw up. The dizziness was real.

Dante, not wanting to escalate the situation, stepped in front of Saad. Since Sybil looked like he was ready to attack, "We're a team. Let's figure this out together. No need for unnecessary drama." He put a hand in air and stared at Sybil, "We need to hear their sides."

"You guys need to stop butting into my business!" Verena was obviously having none of it, she was frustrated and Saad was counting on just how long would it take for debuff to disappear.

The twins, Lyrane and Lyrue, spoke simultaneously, their voices perfectly synchronized, "Take your disagreements outside. We won't tolerate disruptions near our mistress. She can perfectly hear your voices!"

Dante, sensing the urgency, swiftly stepped forward, "We're sorry for any trouble," He looked at the member of their temporary team and sighed, "Let's just leave and cool off."

Saad however simply wanted to leave. He had already sent complain about Verena's use of 'abusive language.' He wondered just when those lazy people would strike a warning.

As they exited the building, Sylvan, his discomfort apparent, awkwardly interjected, "I, uh, have another quest to finish. I'll catch you all later." It was clear he was using the quest as a convenient excuse to distance himself.

Tarquin, ever the straightforward one, grumbled, "This has nothing to do with me," before abruptly departing, leaving behind a palpable tension among Sybil, Dante, Penelope, Saad, and Verena. The silence that lingered held the promise of an impending storm, with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts simmering beneath the surface.

The tension outside the building hung thick in the air, and as Penelope finally broke the silence, her voice carried a stern edge. "Saad, if you've got Verena's spear, return it."

Saad rolled his eyes, a silent rebellion stirring within him. There was no way he would comply after the way both Verena and Penelope treated him. He feigned innocence, stating, "Oh, the spear disappeared when the dungeon master kicked Verena out."

Dante, seeking clarity, inquired, "Why did the dungeon master kick her out? What happened?"

Sybil, taking Verena's side aggressively, interjected, "It has to be Saad's fault! What's the whole story? What did you do huh? I am pretty sure that you are the one who must have done something to her!"

Saad, growing tired of Sybil's accusations, couldn't help but sarcastically remark, "Isn't it embarrassing to act like this just to get on the good side of girls, Sybil? Your behavior is unsightly."

Sybil's eye twitched with anger, and he menacingly moved forward, demanding Saad to repeat his words. "What did you say? I dare you, repeat that!" he growled, his fists clenching at his sides.

Dante swiftly stepped in, trying to defuse the situation, "Hey, Sybil, calm down. We need to hear the full story first."

Sybil glared at Saad but reluctantly stepped back, still seething with frustration. Dante, the voice of reason, continued, "Alright, let's get all the facts. Kael, what happened?"

Verena, frustrated and angered, stomped her foot," I don't have anything to explain!" She pointed at Saad and bit out the words, "You have my spear! It's mine! So give it back and I might forgive you."

Saad, maintaining his cool, reiterated, "I don't have your precious spear, and even if I did, wouldn't it be considered 'battle spoil'?" He let out a mocking snort, "In fact, let's talk about why you lost it in the first place." He looked at Dante as if explaining it to him, "Verena attacked me after the official duel ended. She lost her spear because she broke the rules and got kicked out by the dungeon master."

Verena was furious and she looked at Penelope with a grumbling whining voice, "he is lying! He has it! Help me please!"

[The negative status 'Chirping Birds' has lifted. Your focus has returned to normal.]

Saad's confidence was back as his negative status finally lifted, after all, he still had 45 minutes of his ascendance buff. "Believe what you want. I play by the rules, unlike some people."

The revelation left both Sybil and Dante looking at Verena, eyebrows raised. Penelope stepped up to cover for Verena, her loyalty unwavering. "Why don't we leave it at that?" She spoke, almost threateningly. 

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Dante stared at Penelope and Saad just stood there, hoping this would end soon.

Penelope, attempting to defuse the situation, took a deep breath and looked back at Verena, "Verena, let it go. We can find another spear. It's not worth the trouble."

Verena, fumed, looking at her friend with disbelief on her face, "No, I won't let him get away with this! How can you even suggest that?"

Penelope moved to grab Verena's hand. She gently started guiding Verena away, "Come on, it's not worth it. Let's focus on our next quest."

Sybil saw the girls leave and his expression grew annoyed. "This is ridiculous. Whatever, I'm out." He clicked his tongue and left grumbling.

Dante and Saad both saw them all leave and, observing the situation, Dante spoke to him, "Well, Kael, some players are like that. Don't let it bother you too much."

Saad, didn't think that he would meet a decent person like Dante but it felt nice, "Thanks, Dante. I appreciate it."

Dante, extending a friendly gesture opened up the interphase, "Let's add each other as friends. Maybe we can team up for quests in the future?"

Saad, smiled, nodding with a pleasant surprise, "Sure thing."

As Dante also left after adding him, Saad was left standing alone, rather pleased with the turn of event. It was time to check for his rewards and to think what was he going to do with the spear.