Chapter 9

When the system declared Richard the winner, the entire hall fell into stunned silence.

They couldn’t believe their ears or eyes.

"How can a loser who barely knows the game win?" someone blurted out.

Shock rippled through the room. 

Everyone had expected Richard to lose.

After all, Carter was the highest-ranked player in Vantican!

How could a newbie win him? Impossible!

"There must be a mistake, right?" another person muttered.

As Richard exited the room, with Melissa following him, people noticed something unusual—his gaming suit.

It’s the latest, most expensive gaming suit, equipped with AI assistance.

A newbie could become a master by activating the AI. 

Originally designed for military use in war, it’s now a game-changer in the virtual world.

Seeing that super expensive gaming suit for the first time, their surprise quickly turned to anger.

"You cheated! That suit must’ve boosted your fighting skills," someone shouted.

"Yeah, no way a newbie could win without cheating," another voice chimed in.

"He’s just a newbie. Miss Melissa must have rigged the suit for him."

Accusations flew at Richard.

Melissa felt she had to clear the accusation and stepped up. 

"Listen, although his suit has AI assistance’s function, Sir Richard here won with just his skill."

The whole hall fell silent, then exploded in laughter.

“Hahaha...”

“Melissa must be joking!”

"If you don’t believe me," Melissa added, "I can replay everything for you to see."

"No need," Carter said as he approached.

"Let him enjoy his little victory. I let him win this time with his AI-assisted suit, but I’ll demand a rematch when he’s learned not to use that suit."

"Oh, so chivalrous, Carter," someone quipped.

"So gentlemanly."

“You are the best Carter,” Laura sneered, "Not like someone clearly using cheats but doesn’t dare to admit it."

"Melissa," someone asked, "why did you let him use that expensive suit? I heard it’s only for special top members. I never see anyone on Vantican use it."

Everyone looked at her with interest while Melissa, unable to tell the truth, came up with an excuse.

"Mr. Richard here is the 10,000,000th lucky visitor of the Noble Knight Club. And he won the special top member card. Please treat him kindly, okay?"

"Tch, what a lucky bastard."

"Even a dog has its day."

"Carter, how about you both fight again, and I’ll change Mr. Richard’s suit to a normal one?" Melissa asked.

"No, I’ve got better things to do," Carter replied. 

"Tonight’s the Aaron Windsor banquet. I don’t have time for this clown. Let him learn first."

Carter feared another defeat; only he knew Richard had used five times gravity while fighting. 

Even if Richard used AI support, Carter would have received a notification for fairness.

And he really didn’t use that.

Carter shot Richard a look. 

"You won’t hold onto that victory for long. I’ll see you in the next fight."

"Anytime you want," Richard replied. 

"But I’m not here to bully kids."

“Don’t forget the mansion, though.” 

Richard reminded casually.

Carter’s face darkened and looked so unpleasant that it was as if he had been forced to swallow a full mouth of shit.

Just then, Sabrina cut in.

"Shut up! When people show you kindness, don’t boast. You’re only making yourself look worse."

Carter, buoyed by Sabrina’s support, smiled. 

"Yeah, it’s best if he just shuts up. Sabrina, we’ve got a banquet to get to. Care to join me?"

"Really?" Sabrina asked, her eyes wide.

"My father told me Mr. Aaron Windsor is making a banquet to welcome a high-ranking guest tonight." 

Carter announced, loud enough for all to hear.

The mention of Aaron Windsor, Vantican’s richest man, filled the room with envy.

If only they could attend the banquet, they might secure their future with high-ranking connections.

To become rich, it’s all about connections.

Laura asked, "Can I come too?"

"Sorry, Laura, it’s invite-only. Maybe next time," Carter replied.

Laura’s face fell. 

The Windsor banquet was the most sought-after event in the city, and invitations were rare.

"Do you know who Mr. Windsor is welcoming?"

"No idea, but it’s supposed to be someone very important."

"Damn, I really want to join the banquet!"

Melissa glanced at Richard. 

There was a possibility Richard was the guest, as there had never been a top member in Vantican’s Club for the five years she’d been here.

Richard looked at her. 

"Please teach me how to use this suit for training?"

They busied themselves while Sabrina tried to show gratitude to Carter. 

"Thank you, Carter. You’re such a help to me and my family."

Laura chimed in, "Yeah, Carter is kind. Not like some loser who scams people with get-rich-quick schemes."

Sabrina, Carter, and Laura all glanced at Richard, making their point clear.

They had brought the loser here to make him feel out of place, but it turned out he became the top member, which was really frustrating.

"The banquet’s tonight. We need to get ready," Sabrina said. 

"I’ll make sure to look my best. Maybe the important guest will notice me."

Richard was still learning the ins and outs of the suit from Melissa when he overheard them talking about the banquet.

"Fair plan," he said. 

"But how do you know the banquet’s even happening?"

Carter scoffed, "Do you even know what you’re talking about? Stop embarrassing yourself."

"Believe what you want," Richard said. 

"But the guest of honor isn’t coming. What’s a banquet without him?"

Laura sneered, "Do you even know who this important person is?"

Richard smirked. 

"Yeah. It’s me."