Chapter 10
I felt out of place at this formal event, but there was no way around it.
For the occasion, I didn't hesitate to search through the System's Store and buy some armor from a video game universe that was superior to what any special forces unit would have.
With my powers, it wouldn't even take a second to put it on if needed.
In addition to the armor, I had nine goblin bodyguards with me that I had acquired in the dungeon.
The first one reached level twenty, another was at level fifteen, and three more were at level ten, while the rest ranged from level three to eight.
As for the armor, I paid for it with a newly filled "small soul stone," filled with souls from restless ghosts in various dungeons.
There were souls that belonged to "Bosses" which were things like trolls.
There were even souls of criminals executed in the prison nearby—I just had to get within a kilometer for the stone to absorb them.
I felt morally right because, after all, they were already lost souls.
But still, I used to believe that a soul belonged solely to themselves and couldn't be sold, traded, or lost…
I was stunned when I saw the esteemed club that Emma had brought me to, "showing me off" like some trophy.
The only things I could boast about were an expensive suit, a decent haircut, a nice watch, and a new smartphone.
Despite this, many people showed interest in us, frequently approaching us to introduce themselves.
Their eyes often held a mix of mockery, curiosity, confusion, anger, and intrigue.
I couldn't blame them because I was far from being the ideal man for all the women in the world.
When I used the "Player's Gaze," I realized I was surrounded by businessmen, politicians, and "the superpowered elite."
For instance, Sebastian Shaw was here and the actual head of this club.
The mutant twins Andreas and Andrea von Strucker, who own the Fenris Corporation, were also there and, of course, "high-ranking players."
Azazel was also there and his status were enough to make me tremble, and I couldn't quite determine his exact role within the organization.
Interestingly, everyone knew who he was and didn't seem bothered by his demonic heritage.
I even caught a glimpse of Selene Gallio among other powerful beings. It was impossible to figure out exactly who Emma would need protection from.
At one point, Emma left me alone and went to the "restroom".
Not wanting to attract too much attention, I drifted over to the snack table.
Not far from me, Azazel was busy doing something similar and seemed to be avoiding someone.
It didn't take long for me to figure out that the "someone" was none other than Raven Darkholme, but I didn't recognize her at first.
I realized who she was when I glanced around the room out of boredom while eating some fruit.
Naturally, I didn't get involved in their verbal sparring. Instead, I continued honing my "Observation" skill.
As I did, I noticed a blurry, vaguely human-shaped silhouette steadily approaching me.
I was ready for a fight.
Surprisingly, the veil lifted, and Selene Gallio appeared before me, looking quite pleased with herself.
She wore an outfit similar to the one Emma had on when she came to "rescue" me from Loki, except Selene's was black.
These two women were indeed opposites in every way. After a brief conversation with her, I became even more convinced of this.
[+200 Relationship with Selene Gallio]
"I didn't expect an ordinary human to detect me while I was under my invisibility spell."
Selene curiously said as she stepped closer.
"We haven't met in person, have we? I'm Selene Gallio."
"I'm just very observant. And yes, please pardon my lack of manners. My name is Christian Smith."
I replied, taking the hand she offered and kissing it.
'Of course, I'm observant; I've already reached level one hundred in "Observation"'
"It's nice to meet the one who has captured the heart of my dear friend."
She smiled sweetly.
I might have believed her words if I didn't know who she was.
"She spoke so little about you, kept you hidden from the eyes of our society. So, Mr. Smith, you're quite the man of mystery. Everyone is very curious to talk to you, but no one dares because of Emma's fiery temper and possessiveness."
"Well, I'm not as interesting as you might think, and I'm just her friend."
"Oh! How naive men are."
She chuckled, and it even seemed like she was genuinely amused.
"They never notice what's right in front of them until you point it out directly."
"I'm afraid you don't quite understand..."
"Don't worry, boy."
Selene interrupted me.
"I understand far more than you can imagine, but there's still one thing I can't figure out. Are you gay?"
"I'm straight!"
I responded, slightly offended.
"Then why aren't you in her bed, or she in yours? You don't like her? Not your type?"
"She's a friend."
I repeated stupidly, and she scoffed.
"And I have a different type. Besides, a quiet family life doesn't exactly suit her."
"I'll agree with you on that last part."
She said while moving closer.
"But if we're talking about types, what exactly is yours?"
"Kind, sweet, dark-haired."
Selene's eyes sparkled, "and, of course, someone who would be devoted only to me and love my cooking."
[+50 Relationship with Selene Gallio.]
"Is that so? Do I fit that description?"
She asked with a playful squint.
At that moment, I knew that Emma was approaching us thanks to the Map.
"Not at all, except for maybe the hair color."
"You're right about that, dear Chris."
Emma purred, taking my arm.
"She's hardly ideal, but she is my 'friend'."
She added with so much venom in those words.
"But I'm sure she'll find someone after the tragic death of her husband."
Suddenly, Selene's face paled, and she glared at Emma after touching a nerve by mentioning the death of her husband—someone she might have truly loved once.
"It's nothing, it's a matter of forgotten past."
Selene dismissed and regained her composure.
"My condolences, Miss Gallio."
"Just Selene."
She beamed at me.
"There's no need for unnecessary formalities. Since Emma and I are friends, I can be your friend too, dear Chrissy…"
She sang sweetly, "…and hopefully a very close one."
For a moment, I felt the sharpness of Emma's nails.
It was unlikely she was doing this out of affection for me and it was probably more about annoying an old rival.
"Oh, I'm hoping for that too."
I have a feeling they're even communicating telepathically, but unfortunately, I can't prove it.
I don't have telepathy, and I don't know either of these ladies well enough from the comics to predict their actions and thoughts.
My instincts kicked in, and I realized that "it's starting!"
At that moment, Selene was about to say something, but she was interrupted by the collapse of almost the entire wall.
A woman in a black-and-yellow suit with bright red hair and eyes that looked like yellow flames appeared in front of my eyes.
'Could it be Jean Grey?!'
"AND WHO AMONG YOU MORTALS WANTS TO TASTE MY POWER?!"
She spoke as if from a loudspeaker.
Jean Grey had made her entrance.
It all made sense—they had been hunting the Phoenix, and here she was.
"Damn it!"
They both realized what was happening at the same moment.
"Is she your acquaintance?"
I let out a short laugh.
"Yes."
Emma scowled.
Of course, she had tried to steal Grey's boyfriend.
They were clearly acquainted.
With a single wave of her hand, Grey ignited half the hall and the people inside it.
The smell of burning flesh and the dying screams snapped me back to reality and nearly made me vomit all the cupcakes and fruit I had just eaten.
"We need to get out of here!"
Emma shouted, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward one of the doors.
But right in front of us, Grey appeared out of nowhere, her gaze aflame and a smirk directed at Frost.
"HELLO, ICY! DID YOU WANT MY POWER? YOU WANT TO TAKE WHAT BELONGS TO MY HOST? THAT DOESN'T GET FORGIVEN!"
She exclaimed, striking us with mental pressure or something similar.
Emma crouched down, then soon fell to her knees, screaming wildly and clutching her head.
The Phoenix was literally frying her brain.
However, I was protected by the System—thank God for that and the God of Games.
The Phoenix slightly eased the pressure on her upon realizing this and waved a hand in my direction.
But nothing happened.
I received a notification that I didn't read.
"IMPOSSIBLE! YOU DARE TO RESIST ME!"
Grey roared.
However, I didn't want to wait long.
I donned my armor, grabbed Emma, and ran away from that place.
I was shocked by how quickly my legs carried me, full of energy and success. I zigzagged and ducked as fire and kinetic blasts were fired at me.
Luckily, I managed to evade the attacks each time, but I got slightly burned and hit.
The skin on my back and legs was slightly burned, and I could clearly feel that a couple of ribs were either broken or cracked.
Before long, the floor beneath me collapsed, not due to my weight but from the attacks of the Dark Phoenix.
Thanks to my training, Strength, and Stamina, I didn't fall to my knees but kept running toward the exit of the mansion.
As soon as I burst through the front door, a kinetic blast sent me flying ten meters or more.
I pressed Emma against me and landed on my back.
I tried to get up because my body hurt, but the Dark Phoenix was standing over me.
It seemed to want to say something, but then a gang from the Hellfire Club appeared and began attacking it.
It was unlikely they were there to save our butts. They probably thought the Phoenix was distracted enough to launch an offensive.
They attacked her and even tried to bind her to some artifacts—I had no idea what those were, but—
'What the hell am I doing just lying here? I need to get out of here.'
With great effort, I stood up and took off running at full speed toward the bushes.
It was funny because I had been running from this lady whom I was carrying in my arms to avoid getting caught, and now...
In the bushes, I caught my breath and noticed that the Hellfire Club had joined forces with some cross-shaped beings.
After deciding it was best not to draw attention to myself, I retreated further into the park.
As I ran another hundred and fifty meters deeper into the park, I received a new notification.
[You are in the Dungeon Zone]
["Demonic Park."]
[Do you want to enter?]
[Yes/No.]
This is good news because I could hide there for a while until the chaos outside settles down.
Since one second here is equal to one hour there, I need at least thirty minutes which means I'll be in the dungeon for fifteen days.
So, I gladly clicked "Yes."
To be continued...