BOSS C.C: "Ugh, there's not a single strong one here, step aside, everyone. The hidden quest line for Cassandra is mine now."
A priest player, dressed in an extremely flamboyant outfit, chuckled arrogantly.
With over two thousand essence fragments and such a low drop rate, even with Snow Dream and the help of the Holy Light Guild NPCs, it would be extremely difficult to gather them.
"Hidden quest line? So that's what this is about," Orson chuckled faintly. His pockets were filled with bullets, and he was curious to see how Snow Dream and her crew would react.
"How far off are we?" Strategic Trickster asked his teammates.
"Don't worry, I've got more than enough. I even picked up some extra, I'm definitely one step ahead of him!"
Strategic Trickster breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this. According to the information he'd received, the hidden quest line related to Cassandra would have a significant impact on the NPC factions of the empire. This could be the crucial setup for Usher's grand return!
Especially with Godslayer Guild's leader, Orgod, having disappeared, he didn't believe the golden-masked warrior could pose much of a threat to them.
While the lone dragon was undeniably powerful, at the end of the day, it was just one incredibly strong player with no known guild backing him. And with Usher's soaring power, Orgod's absence meant no one could challenge him for dominance in the US.
"Not enough, still not enough."
Snow Dream shook her head abruptly, her face showing signs of concern.
War Dragon Fei: "Boss, what's not enough? Here are 3,000 fragments, easy money, we'll crush that small-time rich guy."
Strategic Trickster's heart tightened as he looked at the golden-masked warrior, who was also watching them. He suddenly felt uneasy.
"Anyone still holding onto Fragment of the Blood Demon Essence, I can buy them for 50 gold a piece. Bulk deals get a discount," Snow Dream suddenly called out.
"40 gold per fragment? Holy hell! Based on the rewards, selling it to her is way more profitable! I'd be making double the money!"
"Don't lie! If you're really buying, I've got 260 pieces for sale!"
The players immediately started shouting, eager to cash in.
BOSS C.C: "I'll offer 50 gold! What, you think you can outbid me?"
"Major loss! I'll get my essence fragments back, selling them to the big shots is the real profit!"
"Ugh… I guess selling to this guy is better after all."
The player who had originally intended to sell to Snow Dream immediately changed his tune and began negotiating with BOSS C.C.
Snow Dream: "Sorry, this quest is very important to us."
BOSS C.C: "Is it just important to you? Don't make me laugh."
Snow Dream wasn't angered by the remark. She smiled and said, "Please, young master of the Rocket Investment Company, take it easy. We're not enemies. We'll be doing plenty of business with your company in the future."
At those words, the players nearby broke out in cold sweat.
She's ruthless!
A moment ago, BOSS C.C had been strutting around arrogantly, but now his face turned pale as Snow Dream basically stripped him of any pretense.
Pointing out his role and requesting he back off—she'd essentially put a gun to his head, hadn't she?
With the DK Group backing Snow Dream, dealing with a small-time rich kid from an investment company was practically child's play.
"This is Dragon's Kiss Guild's intelligence network. They have control over every prominent figure in the game," Orson thought to himself.
A few months ago, Snow Dream wouldn't have used such underhanded tactics. But it was clear that she had changed.
Her former naivety and sympathy had been completely destroyed, and now Snow Dream had embraced her true, more ruthless self.
"She could become a formidable opponent…"
Beneath his mask, Orson's expression grew serious as he muttered to himself: "But right now, she's not worth mentioning."
BOSS C.C's defenses crumbled immediately, and he started hurling insults at Snow Dream. "You filthy b***h… you're seriously asking for it! If I didn't care about the company, I'd—"
"Enough! There's no need to fight with this kind of person."
BOSS C.C's companion quickly stepped forward to stop him, worried that a few words of anger could bring trouble upon them.
Snow Dream merely smiled at the scene. Not only was she unbothered, but her smile only grew wider.
"This is the power of the dominant side," Snow Dream thought to herself, feeling a thrill at how easily she could manipulate her opponents.
Orson watched quietly from the side, sensing that Snow Dream was like a blood-red rose blooming in the wild.
He sighed inwardly. As someone without a conscience, he truly wasn't suited to be anyone's teacher. All he would create were monsters—each more grotesque than the last.
BOSS C.C, defeated, logged out.
The players in the area quickly sold their Fragment of the Blood Demon Essence to Snow Dream's group.
The wealthy players, who had planned to compete, quickly changed their minds after seeing Snow Dream's warm and inviting smile. They shivered at the thought of what might happen next—perhaps they too would end up with their secrets exposed as a form of "persuasion."
Orson calmly watched Snow Dream's group, silently calculating their earnings from the transactions.
Snow Dream received the collected essence fragments, smiled at Orson, and nodded before stepping forward to submit the quest items.
But just as she was about to make her move, Orson suddenly acted. He stepped forward, getting in front of the NPC guards and turning his back to Snow Dream, saying, "Have you collected enough?"
Snow Dream stared at his back in surprise, not knowing how to respond.
"Should I sell you some more?" Orson asked again.
"If it's possible…" Snow Dream smiled, trying to mask her embarrassment.
"Time to cut your losses. You're not my match." Orson's voice was cold but filled with pressure.
"What's wrong with you? I've hated you from the start. Why don't you try and kill me here, in the safe zone?"
"Friend, sometimes, things that seem easily done can break when overexerted. Making enemies with us isn't wise."
"Shut up!"
Snow Dream's brow furrowed as she shouted, her aura instantly overwhelming the nearby players.
Although she was furious at the insults she'd received, she knew better than to clash with Orson. Not now, at least.
"I know I'm not your match, but if we don't challenge strong opponents, we'll never grow stronger. Don't you agree?"
Snow Dream spoke calmly, not servile but with a dignity that made Strategic Trickster nod in approval. He had been right about her—she was bound for greatness.
Orson's heart sank as he saw his former student, now showing signs of becoming formidable. He didn't sense pride, but rather a chilling intent to kill.
Snow Dream smiled slightly, stepping forward to submit the quest item.
Nessov: "Current adventurer submitting the most essence fragments: Snow Dream, total submitted: 6,501!"
Snow Dream smiled, "If I win, it's luck. If I lose, I didn't prepare enough. There will be more chances for challengers."
"Sometimes, showing off one's intellect is not always a good thing."
Orson's eyes gleamed as he looked at Snow Dream. The oppressive energy around him grew.
The players around them immediately froze in place, feeling as though they were facing a Vilitian Behemoth, as though they might be crushed at any moment.
"This is… a safe zone. He can't attack me here."
Snow Dream felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she unconsciously stepped back, her beautiful face turning pale, as though her heart were being gripped by the hand of death itself.
Orson paused for a moment before walking toward the NPC guards, casually saying, "Because you need to see clearly, the one you're arm wrestling with is not just a man, but…"
Snow Dream's expression changed, and she stared at Orson in shock, whispering, "A god?"
Nessov: "Incredible! Adventurer: Anonymous, total submitted Fragment of the Blood Demon Essence: 8,891!"
Nessov: "This timed collection task has ended. All adventurers, please leave the residence."