*****“I’m going to destroy whoever did you like this!”After returning home that night, Ethan’s father, Robert was so enraged when he saw his son’s shoulder covered in bandages.He wouldn’t cease boiling with anger no matter how his son assured him that he was fine, and he wouldn’t stop making threats.“Father, I said I’m fine, furthermore, that wasn’t the cause of my late-night visit,” Ethan, his face now filled with exasperation, clenched his fists and faced his father, feeling thoroughly irritated by his father’s constant nagging.Recognizing his son's frustration, Robert eventually forced himself to nod at his son. Though still seething with anger, he struggled to control himself while plotting various forms of punishment for the person who harmed his son.“Go ahead, what would you like to tell me.”“Father, that bastard is once again thriving.”Ethan’s father, "..."“Which bastard?” Robert abruptly growled, his eyes flashing with dark intensity.While he asked this question, his
*****That same night, inside a suite in the highest-class hotel located in Zed City, Greg was seated casually on a couch while listening to a report from a young man who stood respectfully in front of him, acting with deference.This young man of between 21 to 24 years old is the one who had been acting as Greg’s representative to Ethan.But unlike when he was meeting Ethan, where he always had a smile on his face, his expression looked stoic and was filled to the brim with respect right now."Young master, don't worry, you can rest assured now that he is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill your wishes," the young man, Damien concluded his report and then lowered his head quietly while awaiting a response.As for Greg who remained lost in his thoughts, he paid no attention to the discomfort of the person standing before him.He pondered for a long time, and though others in Damien’s position might have grown nervous, he, being Greg’s long-serving and right-hand subordinate, re
*****“It’s my father’s birthday in some days, don’t fret, that day would be when I’m going to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me while pursuing that bitch to where she belongs.”Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, in a mansion that no one would ever know existed unless they were taken there, a middle-aged man, Grace’s uncle who had been expelled from the family and had fled the City in disgrace and embarrassment, was similarly plotting for his father’s upcoming birthday.Only he knew all the things he had endured these past days since he had fallen out of his father’s favor and had to rely on himself. This was especially true after his father had seized everything he ever owned and everything he had acquired from the company.Grace’s uncle, Stones had come to experience real life now that he no longer had his family as his support, and because of this, he vowed to do everything in his power to ensure his father forgave him and restored his authority.“Young… young mas… master, wha
*****"Who was that person?"With an astonished look in her eyes, Grace was presently gazing at Williams as though he was someone amazing he hadn't seen before today."That was an acquaintance," Williams replied casually, acting as though he didn't notice the sort of gaze he was being given by Grace and that he didn't understand her question, but Grace didn't mind."An acquaintance?" Her voice adopted a teasing tone that conveyed disbelief in Williams' claim, but Williams maintained his casual expression."Yes," he nodded his head, causing Grace to roll her eyes speechlessly at him."As if I would believe that," she grumbled under her breath, but since Williams had no intention of discussing it further, she decided not to inquire again, especially now that she was certain that Williams was not an ordinary person.That's right.Although she was eager to learn further about Williams and his background, she had been restraining herself from asking. Her suspicion that Williams might not
***** Williams had believed that the Lapidary store mentioned by the attendant was going to be an immense store like the prior store, or even larger. He was astonished by how the place appeared as soon as they arrived, and he couldn't help but feel bewildered.It was anything but well-organized, and instead of a store, the location resembled a chaotic street with various small roadside shops whose proprietors were advertising various types of promotions in the area.Williams' brows furrowed, and he gazed around with sheer puzzlement.'Is this the Lapidary Store mentioned?''How can a place like this bear such an imposing name?'Never before since he knew her had he imagined that Grace would visit a place like this, as her earlier expression when she heard of this place had indicated. Williams was compelled to assume that the place they were visiting was a destination for affluent individuals.He couldn't help but glance towards Grace. However, he soon recognized that she, too, was pe
******[A subquest has been assigned to the host; The host is required to continue procuring gemstones with gems in them in this location until the host is approached by a human who will offer a mission afterward. Would the host like to accept or decline the quest?]Williams, “_”It was as if a sudden splash of cold water had been doused on him.Naturally, he wasn't delighted with this sort of quest.Why should he be content?Indeed, he had feigned ignorance and had hoped to acquire an array of gems in this store by simply buying too much of gemstones to cut. However, based on the current quest, Williams realizes that he must be incredibly fortunate, so fortunate that every stone he buys must yield at least one gem."Heyo! Move your little ass, young one!"It was the irate voice of an elderly man that eventually wole Williams from his reverie.He promptly apologized and stepped aside, catching the attention of both Grace and the attendant, who had walked quite away since they had no i
*****Everyone couldn't help but stare at Williams as if he were a big dummy.The silence in the area persisted for nearly ten minutes with this and then a little chuckle suddenly roused everyone."You, an unknown person wish to compete with me?"The scholarly-looking old man who hadn't uttered a single word from the start suddenly inquired with a deep disdain and disgust in his voice after one of the young men beside him finished laughing."No... no, sir, please don't mind that. I'm sure he was only jesting," Grace, known for her coldness and rarely conversing with others, quickly spoke out before Williams could, her voice filled with awkwardness and her eyes reflecting confusion as she gazed at Williams."What are you doing?!!! That's a senior Gemologist for goodness' sake!!" She silently scolded Williams, who continued to smile playfully at her, showing no concern that she didn't trust him.Grace was deeply troubled by this. Ever since she had known Williams, he didn't resemble so
***** "I'm confident that I won't lose. However, if I end up losing to you, which is not possible, then… I will happily agree to become your servant and make these three kowtow in apology for how they had spoken to you.”"No!!!!""Don't do that, master!!""Master, please!!!"These shouts came from the three young men who hadn't been able to react after learning that Williams wasn't the nobody they had imagined. They started trying they could to convince the old man not to use what he was about to use for his wager, but the old man didn't listen and even glared fiercely at them when they persisted."Do you think this man would lose?"This question left everybody momentarily stunned. Soon, looks of realization dawned on their faces, and they started grinning sheepishly."As expected of the master!"“Why didn't I think about the game being played by the master?”“The master would forever be the master in both wisdom and his profession.”They began to fawn over and butter up the old man