Orville couldn't understand why Ethan was so adamant.So to teach him a lesson, he decided to agree to his request.“Fine then, I'll call on the appraiser but on one condition.”“What condition?” Ethan inquired with a raised brow.“If it turns out that you are just spouting rubbish, then you'll have to clean the toilets on this floor for a week.”The arrogant woman behind Orville quickly added. “Make it two!”“Of course. Two weeks.”“And it I turn out to be correct?”“I'll apologize.” “Nah, let's make it more interesting. If I turn out to be correct, you'll not only have to compensate me for the time wasted and the unnecessary insults with a free dress, and yes, the dress has to be your most expensive.”Orville could barely contain his surprise at Ethan's audacity.“Also, you'll have to make a public apology using the announcement speakers.”“You…”“I have no reason to accept your ridiculous challenge, Mr. Orville. I only observed so if you wish so badly to prove that I'm wrong. You'
The Dawn Pavilion was a hubbub of activity as the Brewsters had moved in and thrown a party to celebrate.Several of their friends, rivals, and investors were present with even a few popular gamers from all over the world in attendance.In a sense, their party was a gathering of the cream of the crop of the gaming industry.But apart from the incredible sight that Dawn Pavilion afforded those that graced its grounds, there was another incredible sight in the form of Kiara Brewster, the so-called Ice Queen.She was a popular gamer as well and was known as the Ice Queen for her cold demeanor and unparalleled beauty.Her incredible gaming skills ensured that she was constantly ranked among the top 100 most skilled gamers in the world. Such a woman was indeed a gem in the eyes of those invested in the gaming industry as most would say that no one could conquer the Ice Queen.Tonight, which was an oddity considering she hardly ever attended social events, she had revealed herself, wearing
Ethan had always been a sore spot for Hugo.He was better at everything, even at being a good person.Because of that, Hugo hated him.When put next to the great Ethan, he was nothing, and that fueled his hatred even more.When hearing a masked Ethanmentionsn his past, he flared up, his anger exploding like a volcano.“How dare you!” He bellowed, drawing the attention of quite a few guests as they turned to watch the unfolding spectacle with interest.Ethan remained unfazed as he intoned. “I'm only stating facts, Hugo, I mean, Howie. Don't you like facts?”“You bastard!” Hugo tried to attack Ethan but he was sorely mistaken for thinking he would be able to overpower Ethan due to his larger body.Ethan proved that quite well as he grabbed the incoming fist before pulling Hugo toward him and then tripping him, causing him to fall unceremoniously to the ground on his face.“I didn't know you were a fan of the floor, Mr. Hugo.” Ethan intoned, his tone laced with mockery and sarcasm.Hugo
Ethan prided himself on not being extremely petty but when a person can ask for it, he had no choice but to teach them a lesson in humility.Hugo had never learned, despite everything he'd tried to teach him in the past.His ego always seemed to blind him from doing the right thing.Regardless, since Hugo had decided to challenge him, who was he to not accept the challenge?Hence, he took a trip to the bathroom after which he called for the system and accessed Shop.Once again, he found himself within the universal supermarket with Vivienne appearing a few seconds later.“You again.” The elf queen intoned causing Ethan to chuckle.“Not happy to see me?”“I didn't say that, I just…”“It's fine. I just came in to get an item for a friend.”“As a gift?”“Precisely.” “Is the person an Apostle?”Ethan shook his head before pausing. He couldn't exactly be sure if the Brewsters were Apostles.It's not like there was a sign that would let him know if they were connected to the divine or not
No one expected much from a gift brought by a nameless nobody.Indeed, most were still contemplating what right a masked nobody had to be in their midst.This was a gathering of names in the gaming industry, names that would be recognizable everywhere.But what about this masked man?... He was unassuming with a dull air about him.So imagine their surprise when Mr. Brewster opened the gift he'd received from that same nameless nobody, only to let out a cry of delight.“A masterpiece!” Mr. Brewster exclaimed with wide eyes, unable to fully process the beauty of the painting before him.Ethan was also partially surprised at the ambiance the painting possessed.Back at the supermarket, it had been quite unassuming but here, it seemed like something had been released, allowing it to reveal its true worth.Instinctively, Mr. Brewster raised the painting and revealed it to the guests, causing many to gasp in shock.It truly was a masterpiece, unlike anything ever seen before.It was like so
Ethan was well aware that Mr. Brewster had good intentions but he wasn't sure if he wanted to get back into the gaming industry so soon.Taking a deep breath, he found himself in a bit of a dilemma.However, it didn't take long for that dilemma to be broken as Kiara approached him.He recognized her as Mr. Brewster” 's first daughter. “Hello, Miss.” Ethan calmly greeted though she remained indifferent.She seemed to look upon him with contempt as she remarked. “You will participate.”“What?”“Don't try to act dumb. I know who you are Zero.”Ethan furrowed his brows before calmly replying. “You sound like you have something you want to say, Miss Kiara.”“I'll say it in the game. I expect you to be there.”“And if I don't participate?” Ethan inquired.“You will,” Kiara replied. “I assure you that you will.”With that, she turned and left, seemingly to make preparations for the upcoming competition.“I don't like her.” Anna intoned at the side.Ethan chuckled. “She's a Brewster.”“She d
The hall was filled with mockery towards Ethan for not knowing his place.Now there was nothing but humiliation awaiting him the moment he lost to Karan.Taking the golden opportunity handed to him on a silver platter, Karan didn't hesitate to make a move, causing his avatar to make a move, scoping Ethan's character with his sniper before taking a shot.Everyone expected it to hit, after all, it was like trying to shoot a scarecrow and though Karan had no place in the top 100, he was said to be an excellent sharpshooter with an 85% hit rate.But then the bullet ended up in the sad, a full meter wide of Ethan's avatar.Immediately, the hall went silent as all eyes shifted from Ethan to Karan.How the hell did he miss such an easy shot was the question on everyone's minds.Karan gulped, feeling the pressure weighing down him as he knew that should have struck Ethan.But though the others hadn't seen it, Kiara had noticed something was off about the way Ethan's avatar was moving.“Just t
Ethan chuckled at Hugo's arrogance in claiming that he wouldn't lose but he had to admit; that Hugo was a tough opponent.He never cheated straightforwardly, instead utilizing loopholes and underhanded actions to get ahead of his opponent.Under normal circumstances, such things would be ignored but at official competitions, doing so resulted in being kicked out.Ethan had a feeling Mr. Brewster didn't plan on kicking Hugo out even if he cheated with the loopholes.If he wanted to, he would have and since he hasn't, it meant only one thing.Mr. Brewster had invited Hugo for one reason and that was for this very moment.He wanted to be certain that the Zero of back then was still around.It was somewhat of a challenge and Ethan had never been one to back away from such.So, he turned to face Hugo. “What happens if I win?”“Didn't I already answer?... I said you won't win.”Still adamant, Ethan proposed his reward. “If I win, you will have to leave this place and never come back. Unders