A Glimmer of Hope

Vecna exited his Premium Satisfy Capsule, the cool, artificial light of his gaming room contrasting with the darkness of the outside world. 

He stretched his stiff limbs, feeling the exhaustion from the day's intense battles and strategies settling in. By now, it was midnight in NEOM, and the bustling city outside had quieted down.

Returning back to the Hotel at Ward 88, he tried not to make too much noise since his family was sleeping. With deliberate steps, Vecna made his way to the bathroom, the cold tiles underfoot a stark contrast to the warmth of the Satisfy Capsule. 

He took a long, refreshing shower, letting the water wash away the sweat of exertion. The hot water soothed his tired muscles, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax.

'I'll have to do some research on the new items I got, and contact the Rothschilds for a new transaction. That woman 'Lily' should be an executive for Rothchild that she was the one doing the transactions in-game.'

After his shower, Vecna wrapped himself in a plush hotel robe and padded over to the large, comfortable bed that dominated the room. He sank into the soft mattress, his body sinking into the luxurious comfort it offered. 

His eyelids felt heavy, and the weight of the day's events pressed upon him.

Vecna knew that he had to rest, his health in this moment was required, and he needed to be in peak condition for the challenges that lay ahead both IRL and In-Game. With a sigh of contentment, he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him.

Hours passed by, and by the time it was morning, Silvia, Vecna's caring sister, couldn't bear the idea of waking up her brother in the morning.

He looked so peaceful in his slumber, his handsome face bathed in the soft glow of moonlight that filtered through the curtains. 

Silvia couldn't help but worry about Vecna's future. She knew him well enough to understand that his unique personality might make it difficult for him to form romantic relationships.

Most girls, she thought, wouldn't be able to understand him. They might think he had problems or quirks that they wouldn't want to deal with, and this concern weighed on her.

As she stared at Vecna's serene expression, lost in her thoughts about his future, she was suddenly got jump-scared when his eyes opened, and he gazed into her blue eyes with a hint of amusement.

"What are you ogling at me for?" Vecna teased, poking her forehead lightly. "You broke my space bubble already. It's already time for the clinic appointment?"

"Mhm," Silvia replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "That's right, Adrian. But if you want, I can manage it with Alex. I know some English, enough to not embarrass myself."

Vecna chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "That's good to hear, but no. I'm the man in this family, give me 10 minutes. I'll freshen up and be ready."

With a nod, Silvia left her brother to his preparations, her worries momentarily pushed aside by the familiar banter they shared.

Once Vecna finished his preparations, the Avramescu family made their way to the NEOM Health Institute for Elena's medical appointments. The clinic staff were efficient and compassionate, guiding them through the process with care. 

Vecna coordinated everything, ensuring that Elena received the necessary tests and evaluations to determine the nature of her illness.

Over the next few days, the Avramescu family settled into their routine in NEOM. 

Mornings were dedicated to Elena's medical appointments, while Vecna patiently supported her through each step. The afternoons were a mix of relaxation and exploration as they strolled through the city's wards, taking in the sights and sounds of NEOM.

And while the family would be at the clinic in the morning, by nightfall, Vecna would find himself back at the Satisfy Gaming Hub, spending the last remaining energy he had for the day within the Virtual World. 

Once he returned to Summit's Crest, his only report to his group was that everything went according to plan. The battles against the goblins and Fangor Brambleskinner had been intense, but they had come out victorious.

As Vecna waited for Rax's return or message, he found himself engrossed in administrative work within the confines of Summit's Crest.  The intricacies of managing his constant source of income to allow a better life required an attention to detail.

He meticulously examined ledger books, records, taking various comparisons of prices from the Auction House to what they were sold to NPCs.

"Lord Vecna," Davian began, leaning against a nearby bookshelf, "that is an interesting way of doing accounting."

Vecna raised his head from the ledger to check what Davian wanted, before returning back to his side hustle. 

Vecna meticulously examined the loot obtained from the recent Goblin Tribe raid. He sat at the mahogany desk, surrounded by scrolls, ledgers, and a collection of items scattered across its surface. The room's dim candlelight cast flickering shadows as he began the process of assigning specific values to each item.

As he went through the loot, his crimson eyes narrowed in concentration. Vecna had always been an adept analyst, and this was just another facet of his skillset. He weighed the worth of each item, considering factors such as rarity, demand in the market, and the potential for enhancements.

"Let's see," he murmured to himself, picking up a goblin-made staff adorned with crude tribal symbols. "This 'Goblin Totem Staff' has limited combat value, but it might fetch a decent price from collectors interested in goblin artifacts. I'd estimate its value at around 65,000 gold."

Vecna continued his assessment, methodically moving through the assortment of loot. He calculated values for various items, including weapons, armor, trinkets, and crafting materials. His experienced eye recognized the potential of each piece, and he assigned fair prices accordingly.

"Ah, 'Fangor's Curved Blade'," Vecna muttered, examining the formidable weapon wielded by the fallen Goblin Chieftain. "This is a unique rated item, it has an interesting ability that enhances accuracy. Great for Rogues. It should be worth at least 150,000 gold, if not more, to the right buyer."

Davian kept quiet, not minding the fact he got ignored when he heard the stories from Reginald that Vecna wiped an entire Goblin Tribe by himself. 

The sorting process continued for hours as Vecna meticulously valued every piece of loot, creating a detailed inventory with corresponding price tags. His accounting ledger was filled with numbers, descriptions, and figures. It was a laborious task, but one that he approached with the same precision as any other aspect of his life in Satisfy.

Once he had assigned values to all the loot, Vecna leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. The room was now illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight streaming in through the window. He reviewed his calculations, satisfied that they accurately reflected the loot's worth.

[Profits: +296,000 gold]

"What do you want, Davian? You've kept on looking at my writing for a while." remarked Vecna glancing up at Davian with his piercing crimson eyes.

Davian, who had been observing Vecna's meticulous work with a mix of curiosity and intrigue, couldn't help but express his admiration. He leaned closer to the ledger, studying the neatly arranged figures and descriptions. To him, this was like peering into a realm of knowledge he had never encountered before.

"I have never seen such a detailed ledger," Davian admitted, his eyes still fixed on the pages filled with numbers and annotations. "This approach to accounting is unlike anything I've encountered in my time. It's almost... alien."

Vecna nodded, his expression calm and composed. He was used to the wonder and curiosity that his modern knowledge often elicited in those from more traditional settings.

"In my world," Vecna began, his tone measured and informative, "accounting has evolved significantly over the centuries. It's not just about recording transactions anymore. It's a comprehensive system that provides insights into the financial health of businesses, predicts future trends, and optimizes resource allocation."

Davian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by this novel concept. "Predicts future trends, you say?"

"Yes," Vecna confirmed, his crimson eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. "We use statistical analysis to identify patterns and make informed predictions about market behavior. It allows merchants and administrators to adapt their strategies and stay ahead of the competition."

Davian absorbed this information, his mind working to grasp the implications. "And what about resource allocation?"

Vecna leaned forward, his fingers tapping the ledger. "Efficient resource allocation is crucial. In modern accounting, we use techniques like cost accounting and budgeting to ensure that resources are allocated optimally. This minimizes waste and maximizes profitability."

Davian nodded slowly, starting to see the potential benefits of such an approach. "It sounds like a powerful tool for merchants and administrators."

"It is," Vecna agreed, "but it requires a deep understanding of mathematics, economics, and business operations. It's not a skill that can be mastered overnight."

Davian chuckled, though there was a touch of envy in his expression. "Are all Cursed People in possession of such knowledge? If it's so, I fear this world would be economically ruined by them."

"I don't think those people are interested in this world… Hah, you shouldn't worry about the economy of this World. Even if there are some scary people when it comes to rolling coins, it would be stupid to crush the market."

"Everyone wants a piece of the pie, if you get what I mean."

The two men fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in his own thoughts. Davian couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and longing for the sophisticated world Vecna came from, while Vecna pondered the possibilities of the 1% Elite ruling the real World actually taking interest in Satisfy.

If those greedy pigs would extend their tentacles into this blissful world, all hell would break loose and the financial stability he could enjoy here would disintegrate. He would need to work once again a boring 8-hours job to keep going his existence.

'Tsk, where are you Rax?? I told you to be back immediately!'

'Once news starts spreading that Brambleskinner Tribe got destroyed by me, it would make it harder to take down the rest of the Tribes.'

Without wishing for, Vecna was made to wait for his Knight Piece to return safely, and Rax once tasting the sweet fruits of being a 'Hero' along with the rest of boons, got reminded of the one who allowed for such change to happen in his life.

It took Rax a whole week to settle down the Brambleskinner Tribe under his leadership. Another two days passed as Rax spent time with his own family and reported his achievements to the Goblin Chieftain, all under the guise of faked reasons.

By the time Rax returned to Summit's Crest, five whole days passed outside the Satisfy World.

In those passing days the Avramescu family found themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions. 

Each medical appointment brought with it a mix of anticipation and anxiety, and Vecna and Silvia took turns accompanying their mother, serving as interpreters when needed and providing emotional support. 

Even Alexander, who had initially been a source of annoyance, started showing signs of trying to help as Silvia reached out to him and brought him back to reality.

Finally, after one week of medical check-ups, the day of reckoning arrived. Dr. Noah Rahman called them in for a follow-up consultation. 

The family gathered in the doctor's office, their faces reflecting a shared sense of trepidation. Vecna, seated beside his mother, held her hand tightly, trying to convey his support without words.

Dr. Rahman entered the room with a composed demeanor and a warm smile. He had reviewed Elena's test results and had a diagnosis to share.

"Mrs. Avramescu," he began, addressing Elena directly, "I appreciate your patience throughout this process. After a thorough evaluation, we have identified the underlying issue. You are suffering from a rare and severe form of liver disease known as Autoimmune Hepatitis."

Vecna, who was translating for his mother, felt as if the world had collapsed on his head upon hearing the diagnosis. He stopped abruptly, needing a moment to process the information. 

It was Elena who took Vecna's sweating palms in her arms, trying to comfort him even in her own difficult moment.

"Mr. Avramescu," Dr. Rahman continued, addressing Vecna, "you have nothing to fear."

"Adrian," Elena gently urged, "let's continue listening to Dr. Rahman."

Elena understood the gravity of her condition but tried to stay strong for her children. She had suspected that her ailment was serious, but hearing the words made it all too real.

Dr. Rahman continued, "Autoimmune Hepatitis is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage. In your case, the disease has progressed significantly, leading to severe liver impairment."

Vecna translated the doctor's words for his mother, ensuring she fully grasped the diagnosis.

The doctor went on to explain the treatment plan, which included the use of advanced nanobots. 

"Given the advanced stage of the disease, we have access to cutting-edge medical technology. We will start you on a course of immunosuppressive medications, but in addition, we will introduce specialized nanobots into your bloodstream."

Vecna, Silvia, and Alex's eyes widened with curiosity and hope, while Elena remained quiet, taking in the information.

"These nanobots are programmed to target and neutralize the rogue immune cells responsible for the attack on your liver," Dr. Rahman explained. "They will work in tandem with the medication to suppress the immune response more effectively. Furthermore, they can help repair damaged liver tissue and stimulate regeneration."

Elena nodded, her eyes filled with a newfound sense of optimism. The idea of tiny, advanced machines working inside her body to fight the disease was both astounding and comforting. 

It was as if a flicker of hope had been ignited in the darkest corners of her mind, dispelling the shadows of despair that had haunted her since her diagnosis.

Dr. Rahman concluded the appointment with a compassionate tone. "Mrs. Avramescu, this treatment represents a significant advancement in medical science. While your journey toward recovery will still be challenging, we have the tools and technology to support you effectively. 

We will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your condition closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed."

Elena smiled weakly, gratitude welling up within her. She was not alone in this battle, and the medical team at NEOM Health Institute had given her the gift of hope.

'...'

'Thank you.'

'Who ever is watching me from the Heavens… Thank you.'

Vecna, who usually wore an expressionless mask, felt as if the world, or perhaps fate itself, hadn't abandoned him. It was as though the universe had recognized his unwavering dedication to his family and had decided to reward him with this glimmer of hope. 

He had endured enough suffering, and now, perhaps, he should allow himself to enjoy life and seize every precious moment it had to offer.

As Dr. Rahman's assistant handed Vecna the cost estimate for the treatment plan, the sum of money appeared staggering, an amount that most people couldn't afford without making significant sacrifices. The full estimated cost of the treatment plan stood at $250,000.

However, Vecna didn't flinch at the exorbitant figure. What was the worth of the money sitting in his bank account if his mother's health continued to deteriorate? He was more than willing to spend every last penny to ensure that Elena regained her health and vitality.

With a determined nod, Vecna authorized the payment for the first week of Elena's treatment. It was the first step on a long and challenging journey, but he was ready to walk that path, no matter the cost. 

Elena was promptly put on the autoimmune shots that would suppress her immune system's attack on her liver, marking the beginning of her battle against the disease.

After Elena's first therapy session with the autoimmune shots, the Avramescu family left the NEOM Health Institute and returned to their hotel in Ward 88. 

Vecna couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as he listened to his mother's words during the ride back. "For some reason, I feel slightly better," she said, her voice tinged with hope.

"I'm glad to hear that mother. You'll get back on your feet in no time if the first therapy session did such a change."

Vecna understood that it might be too soon for any significant improvement to occur, and it could very well be a placebo effect. 

Nevertheless, the mere idea that the treatment might already be making a difference lifted a heavy burden from his shoulders. He exchanged a glance with Silvia and they both shared a subtle, encouraging smile.

Once they arrived at the hotel, the family settled in for dinner. The atmosphere was a mix of cautious optimism and unspoken fears. 

They discussed the day's events, with Elena expressing her gratitude for the unwavering support of her children. Silvia, ever the optimist, reassured her mother that things would only get better from here.

After dinner, with his family's well-being on his mind, Vecna excused himself and headed to the Satisfy Gaming Hub.

It was his sanctuary, the place where he could momentarily set aside the weight of his responsibilities and immerse himself in the virtual world.

Emerging from the shadows as he logged inside the game, he walked out from his private room.

Making his way to another room within the compounds of the mansion, Vecna sought out Davian for an update on their ongoing plans. Davian, seated and sipping on his tea, looked up as Vecna entered without fanfare. His crimson eyes, reminiscent of a different world, locked onto Davian's expectantly.

"Has that kid returned yet?" Vecna inquired, his voice carrying a note of impatience. "What about your nephew, Arthur? Any news from him about the plan?"

Davian set his teacup down, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he saw Vecna's eagerness for information.

"That goblin rat," Davian began with a frown on his face, "is currently in the company of the two ladies. Hmph, he didn't even thank me for smuggling him inside Summit's Crest."

- Davian was drinking his tea when he noticed Vecna stepping inside without any signs of approaching. Hearing him ask about the status of their plan, he had good news in regard with both problems.

Vecna nodded in acknowledgment, his mind already moving on to the next piece of the puzzle. "And Arthur?"

Davian reached for a letter that had been neatly placed on the table nearby and handed it to Vecna. It was penned by Davian's nephew, Arthur Vinespine, who had been tasked with gathering crucial information on the Orc Warchief and the potential alliance they were seeking.

"Read it for yourself, my Lord."

[My Dearest Uncle Davian,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am pleased to report that my mission within the Orc camp is progressing well, and I have gathered valuable information that may aid in our endeavors.

Some insights I got about Gorruk Bloodmaw:

Gorruk Bloodmaw, the imposing leader of the Orcs, is a formidable figure. His strength is unmatched, and his reputation among his kin is one of power and ruthlessness. During my time here, I managed to eavesdrop on several of his conversations. It appears that he is intrigued by our offer of alliance, though he remains cautious. He seeks assurances and additional incentives before committing to any agreement.

Insights on the Orc Tribal Dynamics:

Within the camp, there are clear divisions among the Orcs, with various tribes vying for influence and power. Gorruk Bloodmaw's tribe, the Bloodfangs, is dominant, but he faces opposition from other tribal leaders who question his leadership. This internal strife may work to our advantage in negotiations.

Interest in the Goblin Champion:

News of a new Champion rising from the Goblin Tribes has reached Gorruk's ears. He views this development with a mixture of curiosity and indifference. However, he appears more concerned about the involvement of humans and the presence of a wielder of Blood Magic within the Goblin ranks. This is an area where we may need to exercise caution and provide strategic information.

Infiltration Challenges:

I must confess that my presence here has not gone entirely unnoticed. Some Orcs have grown suspicious of my activities, and I have had to employ my stealth skills to evade their prying eyes. While my cover remains intact, I must exercise caution in the coming days.

Suspicious Humans:

While they haven't blown up my cover and intentions inside the Bloodmaw Camp, there seems to be a group of humans wearing black robes lead by an old man. Gorruk Bloodmaw seems wary of them, but the other Orc Leaders have friendly exchanges with those humans. 

If I am not wrong, it is as Lord Vecna has theorized. The source of Demonic Power should have been from the Yatan Church, and they are already deep inside the Orc Camp.

I will continue to monitor the Orc camp closely, searching for any signs of vulnerability or opportunities to strengthen our position. My conversations with Gorruk Bloodmaw will continue, and I will work to uncover the specific conditions he requires for a potential alliance.

Please convey my deepest respects to Lord Vecna and assure him that I am dedicated to the success of our mission. I eagerly await further instructions and guidance.

With utmost loyalty and discretion,

Arthur Vinespine ]

Vecna scanned the letter intently. Arthur reported that he had successfully gained an audience with the Orc Warchief, Gorruk Bloodmaw. However, the Warchief seemed hesitant about the proposed alliance, waiting for something unspecified.

"He doesn't seem too keen on our offer, but it's similar for the Yatan Church," Vecna remarked, his fingers tracing the words on the letter as he spoke. "How can I exploit the division between Orc Leaders?"

"Should I infiltrate inside the Orc Camp as a Yatan Church member?"

Davian, who saw a bright future in Vecna's dream, morphed into something akin to a pragmatic advisor, as he weighed in with his perspective.

"Lord, in my opinion you should continue weakening the Goblins. This will slow down the Orc's preparations, and from what Arthur told us, Gorruk doesn't seem to be oblivious of the schemes the Yatan Church plans for the Orcs."

"Good," Vecna replied, his crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "Then let's prepare for the Second Raid."