Chapter 4 An Intentional Relationship

• Noctis could sense the inquisitive eyes of the onlookers behind his back.
• He can obviously picture their envious looks, and hear hushed murmurs all over the Lobby.
• He understood their viewpoint, as they don't often get to rescue a player in a dire situation, and a beautiful girl at that.
• Takara Erich remained seated on the ground not far from where Noctis just dueled her former Guild Master and won.
• She is too stunned to react at the sudden turn of events she just witnessed right in front of her.
• Noctis approached her, extended her a hand, then helped her get up.
• Then he noticed that she trembled while standing.
• So, he helped her get into a chair and sit down.
• He also ordered a fresh hot porridge to replace the one that Joe spit on.
• Noctis sat on a chair next to her and put an arm protectively over her while she hungrily ate the meal I bought.
• He waited for her to finish her meal while gazing at her.
• He couldn't help but look at her cute, good-looking face, with her flawless skin, sexy body, and sleek black hair down to her shoulders.
• She looks like a chubby yet athletic young girl. With the spell book she carries around, she is obviously a mage.
• “Who are you? How do you know me? Why are you helping me?"
• She managed to say shyly. She couldn't bring herself to look Noctis in the eyes.
• "You can call me Zero. I didn't like the way your former Guild Master and your ex-Guildmates are treating you. So, I thought I'd at least help you get out of your predicament."
• “But”
• "But what about how you'll fare later on in the game, now that you’re guild-less and all?"
• “Yes, that's what I'm concerned about."
• "There's no need to be concerned about it. I got you covered. Come. We need to be somewhere with fewer prying eyes."
• Though Noctis could still hear murmurs here and there, and occasional glances in their direction, he was glad the crowd has dispersed.
• At the next table, he could hear them murmuring to each other in hushed tones.
• " Isn't that the newbie guy who passed the tests with flying colors, and even ranked at the top of the tests? I heard rumors that he has a very powerful backer."
• He just ignored what he heard and focused on what needed to be done.
• He stood up, held Takara's hand, then they looked around to find the VIP corner of the Lobby.
• " You're a mage, right? What spells can you cast? "
• " How did you manage to get all of my information?" Takara said, surprised.
• "Yes. I'm a mage. Specifically, a multi-elemental battle mage. But I can’t fully utilize my powers because of lack of support."
• She said with pleading eyes.
• "Don't worry. I got your back, Takara. But I'm not forming a guild. You've seen how I fight. Solo. And don't expect me to spoon-feed you. The least I can do for you is help you until you get strong."
• "Thank you. I'm starting to like you more and more."
• She said sweetly.
• Then they managed to find the VIP corner.
• Noctis scanned to see if there is anyone who might eavesdrop on us.
• They are too busy minding their own business to even care about them. There are fewer people in the VIP section.
• It seems that players need to have a nobility badge to use the VIP section.
• They went straight to the Dark Market and filled up their inventories with what they needed.
• Good thing Noctis has an unlimited amount of money, as all the items starting from summoning scrolls down to potions are legendary to God-class.
• And they are the most expensive things in the game, as only Game Administrators are capable of making them.
• After they finished buying what they needed, he can’t help but notice her mediocre stats.
• This won't be beneficial in the long run.
• "Did you know that using high-quality items like potions, and the highest-quality spells can drastically improve your stats? There are some bugs in this game that we can use to our advantage."
• Noctis whispered into her ears.
• "Why the need to be so secretive?"
• She slapped him on the shoulder and whispered back.
• "Because not all the players know about this. Hush now."
• He gently held her hand and touched her face.
• "I know you have a lot of questions about my identity, and why I hide my face behind a mask. Perhaps you will get a chance to know who I am, see my face, and why I helped you in the future. I promise. But not for now. I need to get stronger."
• "Does it mean that I need to get stronger, and do it solo if I have to?"
• Takara asked, with her looking straight at Noctis.
• "Yes. You need to get stronger. Use whatever means you can. Let's keep in touch."
• Since making friends and chatting in RPG Fantasia is possible even with great distances, Noctis made the first move and added her in-game.
• He even chatted to her in advance.
• He took out a money pouch filled with a lot of money and even had an extra Nobility Badge with him.
• "Here. Take this money pouch. It never runs out of money. Also, take these extras of my Nobility Badge. I don't just give Nobility Badges to anyone, so don't fail me. Those will come in handy. Use it wisely."
• Then they hugged before she let go and went off, probably to challenge the next floor, and train solo.
• Noctis liked that girl at first sight, but he knew that he has to stay wary. He’d seen what happened to his brother, because of one fatal mistake.
• And he didn’t want to do the same.
• Noctis can only hope she won't turn traitor later on.
• If worse comes to worst, we'll, he’ll have to eliminate her from the game.
• A player must be careful in choosing allies and tie loose ends when he encounters enemies.
• .