chapter 42

Naomi nodded cheerfully. "Yep, my friend Toyo and I took care of it." Her face took on a concerned look. "Are you alright?"

The young man nodded as he studied the ground. "Yeah, I'm so sorry for getting you caught up in that. I had no idea what kind of mobs they were or where they came from. Before I knew it, they were attacking me in droves." He looked up, and though he looked ashamed he managed to offer a warm smile. "You two saved my life back there. I can't begin to thank you for risking your lives for me like that."

Toyo scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as he stepped forward, extending his hand to the player.

"Sorry about screaming at you back there, man. I had no idea they had impairment attacks."

The young man shook his head emphatically as he took hold of Toyo's hand with both of his. "No worries, I got where you were coming from. But listen, while I may not be able to pay you back for my life, I would love to help you guys out if you'll let me. My way of saying thanks."

"You attacked mobs with impairment abilities?" Jae asked in shock. "We haven't fought anything like that yet. Why the hell didn't you come get me?"

"We couldn't." Toyo said flatly. "This guy would be dead if we had taken any longer."

Naomi nodded as she stepped up beside Toyo. "He's not exaggerating. We had to help…" She paused, glancing at the other player. "I'm sorry, but is it ok if we ask your name?"

The player blinked. "You can have more than that. Please, can you two friend me?" As he spoke, he accessed his menu, quickly sending them both a Friend Request. Looking at Jae, the player sent him a request as well, saying, "If you're with them, then I'd love to help you out with items and equipment too."

Accepting his friend request, Toyo saw that his player name was Tristan.

"Nice to officially meet you, Tristan." Naomi said cheerfully, shaking his hand in turn.

"So I'm assuming you're an info broker?" Toyo asked. "You know where certain items are?"

Tristan shook his head. "No, sorry. I'm actually running an item shop, or at least, I'm about to. It's kind of hard getting everything I need."

Jae was intrigued. "A player running an item shop instead of NPC's? No offense, but that sounds like a lot of work, man. What made you want to pursue something like that?"

Tristan shrugged. "You're right, it is a lot of work. I've been running around this entire floor gathering the items and materials I'll need. That's why I came to the forest outside Trevica today. But I'm confident it'll be more than worth it in the end."

Toyo's eyes widened as he thought about it. "That's actually pretty ingenious. NPC item shops are pretty bland, at least the ones on this floor. Not to mention the fixed costs. Running a shop of your own, you could create your own prices and include items in your store that you know the players want or need, things beyond the basics sold by the game. Talk about the start of a monopoly."

Tristan nodded. "You're exactly right. There's some serious profit to be made here, and I intend to be the first to capitalize on it." He paused, smiling up at Toyo and Naomi. "For you guys though, your first shopping experience is completely free."

Toyo raised an eyebrow. "Just the first? Bro, you'd be dead right now if it wasn't for us-"

Naomi punched his shoulder.

"Don't be an ass."

She offered Tristan an apologetic face. "He's just messing. It's very generous of you to treat us like that. We'll definitely take you up on that offer sometime. Where's your shop at?"

Tristan hesitated. "Well, it's not officially open just yet. I was holding off on the grand opening until after the Boss raid, seeing as it sounds like the players in Tolbana might just get us to Floor Two tomorrow. If that's the case, I'll need to be where the players are, and you know everyone will be interested in checking out the next Floor as soon as possible."

Jae nodded, deliberately glancing at Toyo as he spoke. "Speaking of, I still think we should go to that meet-"

"Actually," Naomi interrupted, "A friend of mine who also stays in Tolbana messaged me before Toyo and I went to eat. He said the meeting was between nine and ten this morning."

Checking the time in his menu, Jae sighed irritably. "It's almost noon." Giving Toyo a look that could curdle milk, it was obvious he wanted to say something.

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