Frustration gnawed at Liam as he stared at the holographic display of the merchant system, bewildered by the array of unfamiliar items it showcased. Skill books, potions, monster parts — it was all Greek to him. Liam's brows furrowed deeper, his fingers twitching in agitation.
His annoyance building, he muttered to himself, "This is ridiculous! I just need something simple, something I can understand."
Letting out a sigh of frustration, Liam's impatience got the best of him. He decided to settle for something familiar, something that resonated with his mundane existence. Instant ramen and popular snacks, everyday items that seemed to hold a glimmer of normalcy amidst the otherworldly goods.
Before his hand could even reach out to take items his choices, a sudden grip on his old hand startled him. Liam turned his head quickly, his aged eyes widening in surprise as they met the gaze of the shopkeeper. The grip was firm, almost restraining, and it belonged to a middle-aged man with a stern expression.
"What do you think you're doing?" The shopkeeper's voice held a note of accusation, his gaze locked onto Liam's actions. "Don't even try it," he added, a hint of annoyance seeping into his tone.
The shopkeeper's grip tightened, and he pulled Liam's hand away from the goods. His voice was gruff as he addressed Liam, "I know exactly what you're trying to do. Don't think I haven't seen your type before. I have enough on my plate without dealing with a shoplifter – an old one at that."
Liam's frustration surged anew, and he tried to explain himself, "Wait, you've got it all wrong! I'm not trying to steal anything." His words fell on deaf ears, the shopkeeper determined to stick to his assumptions.
The shopkeeper's voice stern and dismissive. "Get out of here! I don't have time for your games."
With a decisive yank, the shopkeeper practically dragged Liam toward the exit. The cold air from outside rushed in to meet them as Liam stumbled onto the street, his heart pounding with indignation. His sense of injustice was palpable as he took a deep breath, ready to retort.
Just when he about to retort, a voice interjected - a voice as melodious as a songbird's and as captivating as a summer breeze. A beautiful young woman had approached, her presence radiant as sunlight through leaves. Next to her was a man dressed entirely in black, his demeanor stern and vigilant, like a shadow guarding the light. Liam's eyes widened, captivated by her striking beauty. She appeared to be in her twenties, with lustrous black hair framed her delicate face, and her lithe form moved with grace and confidence. Liam's old eyes widened with surprise as he found himself bewitched by her beauty.
Gazing upon her in awe, he almost missed the exchange between the beautiful lady and the shopkeeper. Anger radiated from her as she argued vehemently on Liam's behalf. The beautiful lady's plump, red lips formed fierce words, her stance unyielding against the shopkeeper's accusations.
Reality snapped Liam back to attention as he found himself inside the store once again, his savior at his side. Her presence was a soothing balm, a balm that dampened the sting of the shopkeeper's harsh treatment.
As the shopkeeper watched, the beautiful lady stepped forward, her graceful presence commanding attention. "Don't worry," she said with a soothing smile, her voice carrying a gentle assurance. "I'll help you with your shopping today. You can pick anything you want, and I'll take care of the payment."
Liam's eyes widened in amazement at the unexpected kindness. He glanced at the rows of items displayed in the store. The shopkeeper stood there, seemingly surprised by this interaction, while a man clad in all black, who had been silent until now, observed with an air of caution.
Gathering his thoughts, Liam turned to the shopkeeper and spoke,"I'd like to take all the ramen you have and some snacks, please."
The words hung in the air, a moment of silence stretching before them. The beautiful lady's smile remained, but there was a hint of surprise in her eyes. The man in black, however, seemed to seethe with sudden anger. His voice, which had been silent for so long, erupted into a shout that echoed through the market square.
"How dare you?!" The man's voice thundered through the air, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at Liam. In an instant, he had crossed the distance between them, his grip tight on Liam's arm.
"What audacity!" he bellowed, his grip tightening around Liam's arm as he accused, "You're just too greedy! My lady is trying to help you, and you take advantage of her kindness."
The shopkeeper nodded in agreement, his face contorted with judgment. "He's right," the shopkeeper chimed in, his tone accusatory. "We know your type, an old geezer like you is no good. You're nothing but an old geezer trying to swindle people."
Amidst the turmoil, Liam's patience and understanding began to wane. His own sense of justice, battered by a world that had shown him little compassion, was ignited by this seemingly unfair turn of events. In a voice that carried both frustration and resolve, he declared, "Enough is enough."
Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash, the notes crumpling slightly in his grip. He flung the money onto the counter, the sound of bills hitting the surface resonating through the shop.
Liam's eyes blazing, his voice was stern, cutting through the tension like a blade., "Just pack my things and be quiet."
The shopkeeper's mouth fell open in surprise, his earlier certainty faltering as he stared at the unexpected display of wealth. The man in black took a step back, his anger momentarily subdued by the sudden turn of events. Liam's actions spoke louder than any argument, and his message was clear – he was not to be underestimated.
With a newfound sense of authority, Liam addressed the man in black, his voice firm and unyielding. "I've had enough of unfair judgments. If Miss wishes to help, I appreciate it. But, no thanks. I can buy it my self, as much as i want."
As the shopkeeper began hurriedly gathering the ramen and snacks, the beautiful lady watched the scene unfold with a mixture of admiration and amusement. Liam's response had revealed a side of him that they hadn't anticipated. As the tension gradually dissipated, she addressed Liam, her voice soft with appreciation. "You certainly know how to make a statement."
Liam's expression softened as he met her gaze, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Sometimes actions speak louder than words."
He had stood up for himself in the face of adversity, and he was determined to assert his worth, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
As Liam returned to his humble abode, a newfound excitement bubbled within him. The mysterious merchant system's interface danced before his eyes, its otherworldlyrealm awaiting his touch. Determinedly, he navigated its virtual settings to set up his shop. To his mild astonishment, the system imposed a restriction - he could only sell a maximum of five of goods. With a furrowed brow, he contemplated his options. "I guess I'll start small," he muttered to himself. He listed five different types of snacks, each priced at a modest 10 gold. It was an experiment, a dip of his toes into the unpredictable waters of virtual commerce. With a deep breath and a click of confirmation, his products were on display to the potential buyers scattered across dimensions. His heart raced as he monitored the virtual marketplace. Minutes turned into seconds, and Liam's heart raced as he watched the notifications pour in. Sold out. Sold out. Sold out. Each snack vanished fro
The skinny man turned back to the young lady, his tone cold and business-like. "Now, are you going to settle up or do we have to escalate things? You've been dodging us for too long, sweetheart." The young lady's shoulders tensed, a mix of frustration and vulnerability evident in her eyes. Her voice wavered only slightly as she responded, "I'm working on it. Just give me a little more time." The bulky men exchanged knowing glances, their silence filled with unspoken communication. The leader's grin widened, revealing a row of sharp teeth like a predator ready to strike. "Time, huh? Well, sweetheart, time doesn't wait for anyone. And neither do we." His oily face casting a shadow over the counter. "You owe us, and you're gonna pay up." The young lady's eyes widened in fear as she stared at the skinny man, unsure of what to do. Panic gnawed at her, her mind racing to find a solution to the impossible situation she found herself in. Then, a glimmer of ho
As Liam walked along the bustling streets of the city, his thoughts churned with a mixture of anxiety and determination. The weight of his newfound wealth pressed on his shoulders, an immense responsibility that he felt both elated and burdened by. With each step, his mind played out scenarios of how he could use the money to change his family's life.Finally reaching the bank, he stepped inside and approached the teller's counter. "I'd like to transfer 5,000,000 dollar to my mother's account," he said, his voice steady despite the nerves that fluttered in his chest.The teller, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up from her paperwork, a hint of surprise crossing her features at the significant amount he mentioned. Her perfectly arched eyebrow quirked upward as she took in his appearance, dressed in his worn but tidy clothes. Nevertheless, she nodded, professionalism taking over as she began processing the transaction."Of course, sir. Could
As Liam neared his apartment building, a shiver of unease crawled up his spine. The dimly lit street seemed to stretch out menacingly before him. The shadows cast by the streetlights appeared to dance in sinister patterns, and the murmurs of the city seemed to fade into a distant hum. A knot of apprehension formed in his stomach, warning him that something was amiss. As he quickened his pace, Liam noticed a group of strangers assembling around him, forming a tight circle that closed in like a trap. Each face was unfamiliar, and their intent was far from clear. Anxiety gnawed at him as he attempted to move away, only to find his path consistently blocked by these menacing figures. "What do you want?" Liam's voice quivered slightly, a mix of fear and defiance underlying his words From the depths of the gathering, a familiar figure emerged. It was the skinny man he had encountered at the toy shop earlier. A smirk twisted across the man's lips as he spoke, his vo
As if suspended in time, the footsteps paused. Liam held his breath, his body frozen in place, his entire being focused on the sound. He could hear the gang's leader, a skinny man with an air of authority, uttering curses under his breath. The gravity of their situation hung in those words, a promise of harsh retribution."Where is he?" the leader's voice was tinged with a dangerous edge, the threat of violence lurking beneath the surface.As the tension escalated, Liam's senses were suddenly engulfed by a familiar sensation – a notification window popped into existence. His heart raced as the words unfolded before him, announcing that one of his game boys had been sold at a rapid pace. He clenched his fists, silently urging the system to let him purchase the concealment skill if he had enough money.Liam's breath caught as one of the group members, a silhouette framed by dim lamplight, approached. Every footfall seemed to reverberate through the air, each
Lost in contemplation, he whispered to himself, "What have I gotten myself into?"As if sensing his inner turmoil, the system chimed in, its digital voice resonating in his mind. "Curiosity and uncertainty often walk hand in hand, Liam. Your discovery of this new world comes with its share of complexities."Liam's eyebrows furrowed, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But what if my balance becomes zero? What then?"The system's response was immediate, devoid of emotion, yet weighty in its implications. "If your balance reaches zero, your existence in this realm will cease. Your life, as you know it here, will come to an end."Liam's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing to grasp the gravity of those words. The very essence of his being was tied to the gold he possessed. Each coin represented not just wealth, but the days, the moments that comprised his existence.He leaned back, the weight of this newfound knowledge pressing upon him. The allure of wealth now held a darker shad
There, lay his elderly landlady sprawled on the ground, her form twisted in an unsettling manner. Without hesitation, Liam rushed to her side, concern etching his features. "What happened?" he asked urgently, crouching down beside her. The landlady, wincing in discomfort, managed to explain, "I tripped over my dress and lost my balance." Liam's heart went out to her. Without a second thought, he helped her up and supported her. Gently, he slipped one arm beneath her shoulders, his other arm supporting her frail frame from the side. With careful strength, he helped her into a sitting position, his eyes never leaving her to gauge her comfort level. The delicate lines of her aged face were now drawn with discomfort, her hands gripping her ankle as if trying to alleviate the pain. Her breaths came in uneven, shallow gasps. Liam can see that the landlady's ankle had swelled, and Liam's brows furrowed with worry. "We need to get you to a hospital,"
"So, when does the time for the quest run out?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of eagerness and uncertainty. The system's reply came promptly, its digital voice carrying an air of detached efficiency. "The quest's time limit is 7 days. You must complete the task within this timeframe before being transported to another dimension to locate the quest item." Liam nodded slowly, his mind processing the information. "And how long will I have to search for the item in that other dimension?" he queried further, his eyes fixed on the window displaying the system's responses. The system's tone remained steady as it answered, "The quest duration in the alternate dimension is indefinite. It will last until you either successfully complete the quest or meet your demise." With the knowledge of the impending challenge before him, Liam delved into action. The following seven days became a whirlwind of preparation, fueled by his determination to succeed. Fr
Liam walked out of the bathroom with wet hair, a towel in hand as he began to dry it. Just then, his phone started ringing, and he noticed it was a call from Naomi. After the incident that had led to Naomi being grounded, Liam had made the decision to send both Naomi and Jun to stay with their older sister Shannan, who was taking care of their mother at a hospital in the city. As a result, it was just Liam left at home now. Liam picked up the phone and answered, his voice laced with concern. "Naomi, is everything all right? How's everything at there?" Naomi's voice trembled with panic as she spoke into the phone, "Um, I know it sounds crazy, and I'm not in my best condition for the past few days, but I saw a video about myself being bullied by Sarah. And I swear it's not me. I mean, I'm not even there." Liam remained calm as he responded, "Did you see your face in the video?" "No, I'm not. It's censored," Naomi replied. Liam continued in a reassuring tone, "Then you might just be
A sense of tension hung heavily in the air as Sarah's cruel intentions had taken an unexpected turn. With a swift, unsettling halt, Sarah froze her hand in mid-air, her fingers just inches away from Naomi's face. Her eyes, previously filled with malicious intent, now held a perplexed and uncertain expression. A flicker of confusion danced across Sarah's features as she observed Naomi's sudden change in demeanor. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden and unexpected change in demeanor. Naomi, on the other hand, gazed back at Sarah with an intense, almost eerie calmness, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I got you," Naomi's lips moved, but there was no audible sound as she addressed Sarah. Intuitively, Sarah took a step back, a sudden and unsettling premonition seeping into her consciousness. The unfolding events had taken a disconcerting turn, and she felt an impending sense of dread. In the distance, the faint wails of police car sirens began to pierce the air
"Are you sure it's the right thing to do?" the worried teenager asked, glancing anxiously at Sarah, who stood in silence.Sarah's gaze remained locked on the lifeless body of a teenager, whose head was concealed within a bag. Her expression was a mix of confidence and a chilling determination that sent shivers down the spine of the onlooker. She didn't offer a response, leaving the teenager in a tense and ominous silence."Doesn't your parents know about this?" the teenager persisted, concern evident in their voice.Sarah's patience wore thin. She abruptly turned and delivered a sharp slap to the teenager's face, her anger flaring. "Just do what I told you to do," she snapped, her tone laced with frustration and impatience, leaving no room for further questions.The teenager, still nursing her stinging cheek, approached the lifeless body and gingerly unzipped the bag that concealed the victim's head. She stared at the sight, her face contorting with a mix
In an opulent and tastefully decorated office, Mrs. Bennett, a poised and beautiful middle-aged woman, held herself with an air of confidence and authority. Her office was adorned with elegant furnishings, and the soft glow of ambient lighting highlighted her impeccable taste. The room exuded a sense of success and accomplishment, mirroring the woman who occupied it.Mrs. Bennett's typically composed expression had transformed into a vivid tableau of emotions as she listened to the voice on the phone. At first, shock had seized her features, her eyes widening with disbelief. Her perfectly manicured fingers held the receiver, and her mouth fell slightly open, betraying her astonishment.But as the conversation continued, shock gave way to a burning rage. Her brows furrowed, and her jaw clenched as her once-graceful countenance became etched with anger. The elegant woman's posture remained regal, but a storm brewed in her eyes, and the room seemed to crackle with the intensity of her em
In lavishly decorated bedroom. The walls are adorned with rich, textured wallpaper, featuring intricate patterns and a soft, pastel color palette. Large windows drape the room in natural light during the day, allowing the sumptuous details to shine.A plush, king-sized bed with a tufted headboard takes center stage, dressed in high-quality linens that invite rest and relaxation. The room is furnished with elegant, antique pieces, such as a vanity with an ornate mirror and a vintage chaise lounge, adding a touch of timeless charm.The floor is adorned with a plush, thick carpet that your feet sink into with each step, providing a cozy underfoot sensation.Sarah's personal touches, from family photographs to personal mementos, add a sense of warmth and personality to this extravagant setting. The result is a bedroom that is not only a sanctuary of comfort but also a testament to her refined taste and style.Sarah paced back and forth, her typically confiden
As Naomi lay on the ground, pain throbbing through her body, she felt a mix of humiliation and fear. Sarah's friends circled her, their laughter ringing in her ears. They had been mercilessly mocking her, and she knew they were about to strike her face when she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact.Just as she anticipated the blow, a sudden gust of wind swept across the park. Naomi's eyes snapped open, and she felt the cool breeze against her face. She squinted at the sudden change, wondering if it was some strange stroke of luck.Before she could comprehend what was happening, a tall figure appeared, blocking the view of her tormentors. A sense of relief washed over Naomi, though she couldn't quite make out who the figure was.The tall figure, shrouded in an air of authority, reached out and deftly caught the hand of one of Sarah's friends, who had been moments away from delivering another painful kick. The momentum of the friend's attack was halted,
Naomi peered out of her bedroom window, her expression clouded with confusion. She wore rumpled pajamas, and her disheveled hair cascaded untamed over her shoulders. Her younger brother, Jun, had told her that her friend was looking for her and had her homework from the teacher. Grudgingly, Naomi decided to venture outside to meet her, even though she'd rather stay cocooned in her room.As she stepped out onto the porch, Naomi spotted one of her classmates standing in front of her house. The sight was both bewildering and concerning. The girl's hair was in disarray, her clothes tattered, and her face bore the painful, visible marks of recent injuries. Immediately, Naomi's heart sank, and her mind raced to piece together what had happened.The young girl looked at Naomi with teary eyes, her expression a mix of half apology and half fear. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, "Sarah is looking for you," she said, her voice trembling with a mixture of guilt a
Liam sat at his chair at home, staring intently at the document spread out before him. It was the report he'd been stolen, and he couldn't help but notice the glaring discrepancies. There were far too many holes in the information, nothing like what Mr. Redwood had assured him during their last conversation.Liam also think something about the man seemed off. The room was filled with polite conversation, but Liam's attention was fixed on the subtle signs that had set off alarm bells in his mind.He couldn't help but notice the peculiarities about Mr. Redwood. A scratch, faint but discernible, marred the skin of his hand. Liam wondered how one would get such a scratch.Liam also noticed to the corner of Mr. Redwood's mouth. There, he spotted a small, irregular patch, as though someone had bitten or scraped the skin. The oddity of the patch couldn't be ignored.Moreover, it wasn't just the physical signs. Mr. Redwood's mannerisms were unusual. The way he carried himself, his gaze that s
Liam stood in front of the luxurious private school, his gaze fixed on the imposing edifice before him. The grand gates, adorned with ornate ironwork, bore the name of the institution in gilded letters: "Harmony Elite Academy." The school's pristine, manicured grounds stretched out before him, a stark contrast to his own humble origins.The sprawling campus was adorned with lush green lawns, intricate architecture, and a sense of privilege that hung in the air. The school's towering, ivy-covered buildings exuded an air of tradition and excellence, and the well-manicured gardens spoke of a world far removed from his own.As he gazed at the massive wrought-iron gates, a couple of students, dressed in impeccable uniforms, strolled past him. They exchanged quick glances and hushed comments as they passed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and subtle condescension. It was clear that Liam's presence, in his less refined attire, had not gone unnoticed.Liam felt the weight of their judgme