Rollan the Contractor

"What does it do?" Rin asked, eyeing the Stain of Sin.

The stranger didn't answer at first. He probably didn't know or was wondering how much he should let on. It's barely been a day since the start of the game, after all. All information was regarded as secret, as any useful knowledge could help anyone to earn big bucks if not high standing in the game.

"I don't know if it has any practical use for us," he said eventually. "Of course, you can absorb it, but I will strongly advise against it. It is called one of the most ominous items for a reason, after all. The only use I can think of is offering it to the gods to get some blessing."

Finding Rin not interested in the Stain of Sin anymore, the lanky fellow carried on with his task of collecting all the gems, looting the corpses. Most of the wolves dropped either Physique or Agility enhancing gems, while the minions of the Shred only dropped that helped enhance the physique.

"Brother, it's your pick," the stranger said, coming closer to sit next to him. After looting all the corpses, the surroundings felt a lot cleaner, though there was the occasional blood splatter and smeared grass with some mangled body parts.

"What did I say about calling me brother again?" Rin scowled at him.

"Sorry," he shut his mouth, showing an embarrassed smile. "By the way, I haven't thanked you yet, brot--

"Thank you. I'm Rollan."

"Thank you?" Rin glared from where he lay. "You better apologise first. On my worse days, I would have killed you and run away with all the rewards."

"I apologise," Rollan complied. "Does that make you feel better?"

"No."

Rollan shrugged. "What should I call you then, if not, brother?"

Rin didn't answer. Honestly, even glaring was exhausting to him, much less conversing. He simply opened his Player ID and flashed it on top of his head to let him know.

"Ulysses?" Rollan repeated and nodded as if the name held no importance. "So, what do we do about the loot?"

"I call dibs on all the Physique and Spirit enhancing gems," Rin said, hoping to make it easier for him. He wouldn't just to die from some mobs.

"Sure." Rollan had no problem with it. He didn't have any of the two as his awakened attribute. Spirit might be the most valuable gem, but Physique was quite common in contrast. As far as he was concerned, Rin hadn't asked for too much, considering his contribution to the battle.

"I only have Agility and Recovery as my attribute as of now," Rollan asked. "If you don't mind, I'll take the other gems."

"Fine," Rin answered half-heartedly.

"Are you sure?" Rollan asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Nope," Rin grumbled, stretching up to sit upright. "I have an itch to poke you with my sword and rob off all the gems, but that's too much work, and I'm exhausted."

"Wow," Rollan said with a frown, "that's blatantly honest."

"Say anything about myself," Rin said, "I'm the most honest person in the world."

"Well, as long as you don't act on your honestly," Rollan added as his eyes found the old scars on Rin's body. As he examined, he found a lot of them, and he was sure more of them were covered under the ragged clothes.

Rin detected the look in Rollan's eyes as he turned away immediately. "Anyway, give me my loot. Also, I'll be keeping that Stain of Sin."

"Um, sure." Rollan handed him everything he asked for. "There are twenty-seven Physique and twelve Spirit enhancing gems."

Rin poured everything into his pocket as he wouldn't be able to absorb them today. He already used all his quota for the day.

However, it seemed Rollan wasn't full yet as the strange guy started to absorb his Agility and Recovery gems one after another. Rin thought he might stop after meeting his quota midway, but he carried on as if there was no limit to him.

"Oh, I forgot you're one of the Outworlders," Rollan commented, finding Rin staring at him with suspicion. "Anyway, I hit my limit in Agility, you can keep the rest of the Agility enhancing gems. I know you don't have Agility as your Awakened attribute, but you can exchange them for other attributes from other players."

"How many gems did you absorb today?" Rin asked, frowning.

"I don't have an exact number, but roughly it's closer to a hundred."

Rin blinked, irritation growing. "Are you a cheat like Stephen?"

"Stephen?" Rollan rolled his eyes in confusion. "Nah, bro— I mean Ulysses. I'm not an Outworlder like you. The rules apply a little differently for me to play in this Great Game."

The frown on Rin's forehead deepened. 'Did the guy just imply he's an NPC? Wow, I had been with him for the whole fight and I had no clue.'

"Yeah, I know it is unfair to all the outworlders," Rollan continued, misinterpreting Rin's incredulity. "But you are competing for a piece of our world. How can you hope we'll simply let you have it without a fight?"

"Mate, I have no idea what the hell you're talking about."

"You will be," Rollan said, "and you better be, because this is going to be brutal."

"Ah, sure, I guess," Rin said half-heartedly.

The NPC—or as Rin guessed—the native player stood up as it was time for him to leave.

"I would have liked to learn more about your world, Ulysses," Rollan said. "Sadly, I don't have time. I'm a contractor, and it's been two days since I lost contact with my employer. I must carry on my search."

"Sure, goodbye," Rin was ready to wave his palm at the guy. But Rollan was still not ready to leave.

"Ulysses, it wouldn't be wrong to say you saved my life today, for that I'll ever be grateful. I was raised by the kins to always pay my debt."

"Okay," Rin rolled his eyes, "you're really acting like an NPC now."

"I hope I can be of use to you on your bad day."

"If I were a girl, I would have asked for a tampon from you," Rin said seriously, "just to get done with this cringe conversation."

Rollan looked at him sternly and then chuckled. "Friendly advice before I leave," he said. "Exhaust yourself, and you'll be able to absorb more gems."