Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 76: Names, Part Five

{The next day}

Zura’s boss, a shadowy figure entrenched in the murky underworld of Telvan’s slums, summoned her the following morning.

The meeting occurred in the same dimly lit room where Zura usually received her orders, where the air seemed to thicken with tension as if it were her first time being there.

A grin bloomed on his face the instant he saw her.

While Zura stood before him, he was shrouded in darkness. The air in the room hung heavy with anticipation as the boss leaned forward.

"So, Zura, my girl..." The words slithered through the dimness, a subtle undertone of menace underscoring each syllable. The boss’s voice carried the weight of authority, a puppeteer orchestrating a clandestine performance. "... Would you like to make 50,000 royals?"

Zura’s eyes narrowed. A flicker of defiance battled with the weariness etched into her features.

Instantly, she became suspicious. Very suspicious.

She knew all too well that deals with the underworld came with a hefty price. The total amount of bad decisions that’d been fueled by a desire for a good payout was probably unfathomable.

"Is it just my lucky day, or what?"

"Yep. I was looking through my books and I figured you were the perfect girl for this little job I’ve got. That’s all."

[Yeah? I doubt it.]

Still, all she could answer was:

"What do I have to do?" Zura’s voice betrayed a mixture of resignation and curiosity.

Her boss leaned back. There was a predatory glint in his eyes.

"You know that assessment we had you sign up for?"

"Yeah..."

"First place," the boss reiterated, the words a sinister whisper that seemed to echo through the dimly lit room. "Any competition. Support, or combat. Doesn’t matter. Just get first place. Achieve that, and you’ll find yourself richer than you’ve ever dreamed. Consider it a reward for your... cooperation."

[Heh, right. This has "shady" written all over it.]

Zura’s fists clenched at her sides, the conflict etched into the tense lines of her face.

She weighed the hidden danger against the allure of financial liberation, a prisoner caught between the desire for freedom and the chains of obligation.

"What if I refuse?" Zura’s voice, though laced with defiance, carried a note of vulnerability. She knew that in the slums, resistance often came at a cost.

Her boss leaned in, their face shrouded in shadows, the grin widening as if sensing the inevitable capitulation.

"You could. Though, I’d suggest you save up a bit of money to pay for a healer."

In other words, all Zura could do was be glad he was even paying her anyway.

[Ugh, and now I actually have to win? This whole thing got even more annoying. What the hell is this even about?]

---

{October 22}

Looking at her stats, Zura didn’t think she stood much of a chance. On even terms, anyway.

[... Shit,] Zura thought, getting out of her bed. [I’m gonna need an upper.]

Thus, deeper into these slums, Zura sought out a friend of hers. A purveyor of the illicit and forbidden.

A.K.A. a local drug dealer.

The narrow alleyways seemed to close in on her as she navigated the streets, the shadows conspiring alongside her to conceal her pursuits.

Finally reaching the secluded den of her contact, a hushed exchange unfolded behind closed doors. The air was thick with several acrid scents, intermingling as Zura spoke in low tones, her voice threading through the darkness like a whispered secret.

"Hey, Torun," she greeted, tapping her knuckles against the door.

Torun, a wiry figure with a calculating glint in his eyes, regarded Zura with a smirk that betrayed his familiarity with the illicit trade.

"Aye, Zura! Haven’t seen you in a while. What brings you here?" Toren inquired, his tone a blend of curiosity and guarded suspicion.

"I’ve got a big event coming up," Zura admitted, her eyes darting around to ensure privacy. "I’m fucked if I don’t get some help. I need something to give me an edge, and boost my stats for the Annual Guild Assessment."

Torun’s expression morphed into a sly grin.

"You’re looking for a little extra kick, eh? I’ve got just the thing for you."

Within the dimly lit confines of his lair, he produced a few peculiar vials.

"Strength and Dexterity. These babies will give you a temporary boost for both of them," Torun explained, his tone a conspiratorial whisper. "But remember, everything comes at a price."

"I know, I know. I’ll take them," she declared, the weight of her decision echoing through the compact room.

The vials exchanged hands.

Cursed Potion of Hypertrophy

{Boost Strength for 1 hour. Can deal internal damage if consumed too much. This damage cannot be healed away through magic.}

Cursed Potion of Light Feet

{Boost Dexterity for 1 hour. Can deal internal damage if consumed too much. This damage cannot be healed away through magic.}

"How much?"

"Eh, these are on the house. Since it’s been a while and all." Torun smiled.

"Torun, come on, I can’t-"

"Nah, it’s all good. Since your family’s always been such good customers and all."

---

{Enverna}

"Okay," Enverna replied.

"I’m just saying," Lianna kept going, for maybe the 50th time. "It’s **very** important that we get first place, okay?"

"I understand."

"Good, good... I mean, I’m just saying, it’s-"

"Lianna, I get it. Stop."

"Okay, okay... I’m just saying."

Once again, she and Lianna found themselves at the VR center that had been rented out for them.

They were just finishing up another training session. Their Skills had gone up as a result.

Lianna

Archery: 12

Enverna

Lance: 16

"Okay!" Lianna clapped her hands together. "Now, I think we should head to the Player’s Association. We need to gather some intel on how the Annual Guild Assessment is being managed."

Enverna arched an elegant eyebrow, her refined features betraying a subtle confusion.

"Why would we need to do that?"

Lianna chuckled, her easygoing demeanor contrasting with Enverna’s more formal disposition.

"Well, Enverna, it never hurts to have a bit more information, does it? Besides, it’ll be a good chance to get a feel for the competition and maybe pick up some tips."

Enverna nodded, though the logic of Lianna’s reasoning eluded her slightly.

"Very well, Lianna. Lead the way."

The two made their way through the bustling streets, striding through the radiant, daytime roads. Sears flew over their heads, other players prepared to head out on other expeditions.

The Player’s Competitive Association stood as a prominent structure, its sleek architecture a testament to the significance of the upcoming assessment.

As they entered the association, the atmosphere shifted from the reserved ambiance of the Watchful to the dynamic energy of experienced adventurers. Lianna confidently approached the reception desk, where a helpful attendant greeted them.

"Hi there! How can I assist you today?" the attendant chirped.

Lianna leaned against the counter, her demeanor casual yet inquisitive.

"We’re participating in the Annual Guild Assessment, and we wanted to know more about the event details and how things are being managed."

The attendant smiled warmly.

"Certainly! Let me provide you with the information you need."

As the attendant began explaining the intricacies of the assessment, from the tournament structure to the scoring system, Enverna listened attentively, gaining a clearer understanding of the event.

Lianna interjected with a few odd questions.

"So, uh... What’s the security gonna be like?"

Both the attendant and Enverna raised a brow.

"Why do you wish to know?"

"No reason..."

[... Alright.]

As the attendant divulged details about the security arrangements for the upcoming Annual Guild Assessment, Enverna maintained her poised demeanor, absorbing the information attentively.

However, she couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in Lianna’s expression when a particular name was mentioned.

"Many retired and active players will be part of the event’s security," the attendant explained, gesturing toward a holographic display showcasing the names and profiles of the experienced individuals involved. "They bring a wealth of expertise and insight to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the assessment."

Enverna scanned the holographic screen, her eyes flickering across the names and accompanying achievements.

She knew one of them. Haiko, the lady she’d met during the gala, would be there.

[Oh, wow.]

It was a formidable lineup of adventurers, each with a storied history, apparently.

However, as her gaze met Lianna’s, she detected a trace of unease beneath the crimson-haired girl’s usually composed exterior.

Lianna, attempting to conceal her reaction, nonchalantly scratched her head, a casual facade failing to fully mask the subtle tension in her demeanor. Enverna, ever perceptive, sensed that there was more to this than met the eye.

"Is everything alright, Lianna?" Enverna inquired, her voice laced with concern. "You seem a bit off."

"Y-Yeah," Lianna smiled, trying to ease her concern. "I-I think we should try to meet some of them, though! Just to really be sure that everything’s going to be alright!"

Enverna raised an eyebrow.

[She seems quite nervous.]

In all honesty, by now, Enverna had begun to suspect that perhaps Lianna was privy to information she wasn’t. Sometimes, she’d settle on things that didn’t quite make much sense to be so committed to otherwise.

[But, if there was something important to know, The Lover would tell me about it too, wouldn’t she? I don’t know... Maybe.]