World of Elevators

Chapter 5

"Gordon? What are you doing here? Isn't it all over?"

"I will make you an offer, Player 101."

Gordon cast a glance at the wolf. "I'll pay one million gold coins for your wolf."

Zach's eyes widen perfectly. If 100 coins equal one dollar, then one million gold coins can be exchanged for $10,000!

Using his body, the wolf rubbed Zach's leg. The eyes of the wolf curved downward.

"No, I'm not going to sell it."

Zach had difficulty swallowing saliva. Turning down $10,000 was the stupidest decision he'd ever made. However, he believed that this wolf would be of great assistance in the future.

"How about two million gold coins?"

Zach's eyes widened once more. But something is odd.

"Why do you want to pay such a high price for it?"

"Hmm? That is not a high number. Pets range in price from 500,000 to tens of millions of gold coins."

"I'm sorry, but I'm still not going to sell it."

"Fine, you can call me at any time if you change your mind." Gordon winked, then vanished into smoke.

"I'm not selling you, okay?" Zach petted his wolf.

[Are you certain you want to leave?]

"Yes. I'm tired."

[Set the elevator summoning time.]

"I'd better choose the same time to avoid raising suspicions."

[You've arrived at floor 0. Player 101, see you in the next game!]

Zach exited the elevator. Following the sound of the door closing, the elevator transformed into a hologram and then vanished.

Zach blinked and repeatedly wrung his hands, making sure what he had just experienced wasn't just a dream.

Not even Zach's wolf is visible. Though the wolf was clearly at Zach's feet as he stepped out of the elevator booth.

Zach was directly in the beam of the flashlight. "Why are you standing out in the darkness, Zach? I'm trying to find you because I'm afraid something will happen." Juki yelled.

"O-oh, I don't know where to find Andy's book. The power isn't on, sir?"

"Not yet. Come on, I'll help you. It's too late."

***

Today, the campus hosted a student bazaar festival. Each department has prepared a booth from the previous week.

There are also competitions, art performances, and musical performances by local musicians. Zach's most hated activity.

He seemed to have shrunk to the size of an ant amid the crowd. But he was happy because no one paid attention to him. Fortunately, he only became a cleaner behind the food booth in his department.

"Zach, I'm going to go for a walk. You look after the booth." Nina gave the order.

Zach walked out of the back booth. Even though he is grumbling in his heart, he still obeys Nina.

"I want to prioritize the performing arts, Zach."

Zach was also abandoned by three of his friends. There were only five students on duty at the booth, including Zach, and they all ran away.

Nina and the others never returned after several hours. Zach is dazzled by the booth. He does everything himself, including cooking, dishwashing, and serving customers.

Meanwhile, his gaze was drawn to Nina and the other three friends standing in the middle of the crowd. Jumping happily while singing along with the band on stage.

"Yo, Dick Son! Wow, Big Boss has a big shop now!" Harris shouted.

Zach cursed inside. He was too busy to remember that bullies existed and that they had to be nearby.

"I'd like a jumbo sausage, Z."

"H-How much?" Zach stuttered.

"Just two for me and Robby."

Zach lowered his gaze as he grilled sausages. He was surprised because the two people were quiet and not bothersome as usual.

Harris and Robby were able to eat their meal in peace after Zach handed over two sausages.

'What is their plan?'

"Z, you're amazing. I'd like two more for us."

"Y-You should have paid first." Zach was terrified.

"We haven't finished yet, have we? Besides, we still want to order more. You should be a professional work if you want to be a successful businessman in the future, Z."

And they keep ordering after they've finished the sausage. So much so that the supply of sausages is only half full.

"What is the total cost?" Harris burped loudly.

Zach exhaled a sigh of relief. He was already concerned that the two of them had fled and refused to pay.

"$255."

Harris took out his wallet and handed over $55. "Thank you, Z. Good luck with your venture!"

Robby chuckled as he followed Harris away

"Wait for a second, Ris. Your payment is $200 less!" Zach yelled.

Harris and Robby came to a halt and turned towards him, their faces blank. "Isn't it enough?"

"No, it is not enough. You only gave me $55."

"What are you saying, Z? I've already paid you all." Harris raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"I just accept this." Zach shook off the crumpled money.

Their commotion drew people's attention. Of course, Nina and the other friends who had been having so much fun showed up.

"Take another look, Z. I left $200 in your wallet yesterday," Harris responded casually.

"OK, let's return to our booth." Harris was dragged away by Robby.

'Son of a bitch!'

"Zach, what's up?" Nina asked.

"Nin, they did not pay for the food. I'm sorry."

"What?! Zach, our friend's department has covered the entire cost of this booth! Sorry, will not solve the problem!"

"Ask for their money right away. If you don't, you'll be in trouble later because you'll have to replace the money," said a different friend.

"OK."

'Shit!'

Zach walked around Harris' booth. The bullies were teasing the girls in their department.

Zach's presence has been detected by one of Harris's friends. "What are you looking for, Zach?"

"Who is he?" asked the girl.

"He is our best friend since high school." Robby replied.

"You have friends like that too?" sneered one of the girls.

"This is the first time I've seen something so hideous." The girls laughed.

Angry, Zach finally spoke up, "Ris, I want the sausage money you didn't pay earlier."

"I told you I had money in your wallet!"

"He's already ugly, and it turns out he likes to accuse people as well." One of the girls raised the corners of her lips in disgust.

"That's my money. And I've used it. Please, Ris. Do not do this."

"Haaa... Pay him, Rob!" Harris gave the command.

"Why me?"

"Come on, hurry up! Take a look at his expression!"

"I don't have any money, Ris!" Robby expressed his displeasure.

Harris, to be sure. He doesn't want to show his rottenness in front of girls, especially those he likes.

Zach was approached by a girl with a sweet face. With a threatening expression, the girl folded her arms in front of her chest.