Novel Full Chapter 623: You’ve Wasted Your Time
Villain Ch 623. You’ve Wasted Your Time
James and Noah realized Allen was moving to end the meeting prematurely. Desperate for more intel, James acted quickly. “If you’re not interested, just say so directly,” he blurted out. “But there’s no need to rush off so soon. We’re all fellow gaming enthusiasts here – what’s the harm in casual conversation?”
Noah picked up on James’ ploy and jumped in. “My friend’s right. At least hear us out a bit more before kicking us to the curb.” He gestured to Mila’s crestfallen face. “You’re upsetting my poor sister with this tension. Have a heart, won’t you Allen?”
Mila did indeed look distressed, her hopes for reconciling the rivals dashed. Tears glimmered at the corners of her eyes. She had orchestrated this meeting with such optimistic intentions. Now she felt caught in the crossfire of veiled threats and power plays far beyond her depth. All that she wanted was Allen, but it was clear everything had fallen apart.
Seeing Mila’s mounting despair, Allen reluctantly retook his seat with a resigned sigh.
“Very well then. Speak your minds, since you insist. But don’t expect to extract privileged information from me.” His sharp gaze reminded them he saw through their ploy. “I’ll indulge this farce a few minutes more for Mila’s sake – but my time is valuable, so get to the point.”
“Excellent!” James enthused, refusing to be intimidated. “No hidden agendas here, I assure you.”
Noah jumped back in smoothly. “For instance – given the insane success of games like Hell’s Gate, what future trends do you see gaining traction? More ultra-realistic graphics and haptics to enhance immersion? AI learning engines tailored to individual playstyles?”
“Actually, I’m more interested to hear your thoughts on defeating the Hell Gate’s villain – the Devil Emperor,” James redirected. “As one of the top solo players, you must have unique insights into strategy there.”
His leading question was transparent – clearly James hoped to extract intel on anything Jordan Goldborne might have leaked to Allen about upcoming plotlines or events.
Noah chimed in supportively. “I agree, your perspective would be invaluable. What approach do you think has the best chance of taking down the Emperor?”
Allen eyed them both, seeing through their not-so-subtle fishing attempt. Still, discussing gaming strategy intrigued him enough to entertain their inquiry. He decided to put himself in the player’s shoes and gave them a few basic suggestions.
“An interesting question,” he mused. “I assume merely attaining higher levels or gear isn’t sufficient, given the Emperor’s vast power.” Allen stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Rather, I suspect we’ll require not just quantitative improvements, but some specialized qualitative capacity.”
Seeing he had piqued their interest, Allen elaborated. “Specifically…mastery of certain battle techniques or skills honed through obscure side-quest chains. Capabilities beyond standard class talents, tailored to counter the Emperor’s specific strengths.”
As he spoke, Noah watched Allen closely for any unguarded reactions hinting at anything with Jordan Goldborne. But Allen’s expression remained politely bored, offering no clues to his true opinions.
Allen noticed Noah and James exchanging an eager look at his cryptic hints.
Casually, Noah pressed for more details. “Battle techniques or skills, you say? Can you give any examples that might prove pivotal in defeating the Emperor?”
Allen shrugged. “Hard to specify with certainty. But skills that pierce magical barriers, reflect ranged attacks, amplify critical damage – those would likely prove useful.” He gave them a measuring look. “I bet your network may have already uncovered clues?” Order of Valiance was a top guild so Allen was sure they should already have their own strategy.
Noah held up his hands with a laugh. “You speculate in interesting directions – but I cannot confirm or deny anything of the sort.” His eyes glinted.
“Naturally,” Allen granted. “Though cooperation can also prove vital for unlocking segments requiring multiple participants or skill-sets in conjunction.” He smiled thinly. “For instance – a stealth class to infiltrate barriers, a warrior to defeat guards, and a caster to dispel wards. Together a team may achieve what no individual can alone.”
James jumped back in energetically. “So, you feel even standout solo players like yourself would benefit from strategic alliances and guild support at higher tiers?”
Allen inclined his head. “When approaching the end game, certainly. The pieces are aligning toward a grand confrontation with the Emperor. Only a united front of our best gamers stands a chance at victory.”
Noah turned to James. They spoke with their eyes as if they were using telepathy. ’Allen has a sharp tactical instinct – but his theories around defeating the Emperor were mostly conventional wisdom. Nothing indicating unique intel from Goldborne or special joint projects.’
James nodded. ’Yeah, he covered his tracks well. We still have no clear idea on what he and Goldborne are cooking up together.’
Inside, Allen eyed their muted consultation. As the pair reentered stonily silent, Allen raised one sardonic eyebrow.
“What, no effusive praise for my gaming insights? I’m crushed.” His mocking tone hardened. “I expect you hoped to harvest inside knowledge about Jordan Goldborne’s plans. But as you see, you’ve wasted your time.”
Noah spread his hands innocently. “We meant no offense. Clearly, your speculation aligns with prevailing strategies among top players.” He essayed a conciliatory smile. “Please, let’s end this amicably. We share common ground around advancing the gaming space – can’t that unite us?”
Mila added her own tentative plea. “Allen, I sincerely apologize for how badly this meeting went. My intention was only ever to reconcile differences between us.” She blushed, glancing down. “Especially after you’ve been so kind about…my personal feelings.”
Noah’s head swiveled sharply toward his sister. “Your personal feelings? Just what is going on here?” He speared Allen with a suspicious glare.
Mila’s blush deepened. “I…may have confessed to admiring Allen. Quite strongly in fact.” She peeked up to gauge his reaction. “I understand if you don’t reciprocate, but I want you to know my love confession is genuine.”
“W-What…” Noah murmured. His eyes narrowed, swiftly re-evaluating this new variable.
Unexpectedly, James laughed. “Our little Mila, head over heels! Can’t say I’m surprised – Allen cuts quite the dashing figure among the gaming crowd.” His grin took on a teasing edge. “So, will the lone wolf consider making our Mila part of his pack?” Thinking twice, making Mila their spy wasn’t a bad plan either.
Noah shot James an irritated glare at his flippancy while Allen himself stayed silent, features unreadable.
Into the tense pause, Vivian inserted herself firmly beside Allen, slipping a proprietary hand through his arm. “You seem to forget about me.” She smiled coldly at Mila. “While your admiration does you credit, I’m afraid your affections are quite hopeless, my dear.” No, Vivian didn’t mind if Allen added more members to his harem, but Mila came from a rival company. She could be a spy.
Mila flushed brighter, face falling. But Allen placed a calming hand over Vivian’s, expression neutral. “Now Vivian, let’s not embarrass the poor girl further.” He essayed a gentle smile toward Mila.
Allen turned his attention back to the MagicSword reps, still trailing a protective arm around Vivian. “Well gentlemen, unless you have actual business to discuss, I believe we’re done here.”