558 Forged Deal



The moment he was back in the real world, Ren found himself wanted on COVENANT's wanted list.

Apparently, Lily had paid thousands to place him on that board.

COVENANT's wanted list was a great place to hunt players because of it was broadcasting on every player's screen but in his case, it was useless.

His face was hidden with a cloak, and though he wasn't the only one doing that at this point in time, equipment that hid the face was rare.

Even equipping a helm and cloak would still reveal the player's faces. The players must have either acquired rare equipment or artifact to do just that.

If no one knew his face except his name, then the chances were, every player that named Ren would be hunted, and everyone would say that it was the real 'Ren.'

It would only cause a commotion. Ren thought.

At this point, Lily's anger was the only fuel to this idiotic move.

Ren wondered if her brother Scar knew of her sister's decisions to waste money and achieve nothing in the end.

Knowing that she lost the [Clockwork Dragon] in a fight and didn't get anything in return, Scar would surely pop a vessel.

Ren laughed at the thought.

He was in a good mood as he went out of his room. He was expecting to find Leone but was shocked when he found Lamir instead, chatting and laughing with Leonel on the couch.

"Ah! Ren!" Leonel took notice of him. "Look whose here to visit you."

"Hello. Hello," Lamir greeted. He lunged forward, arms outstretched for an embrace, and was about to hug and kiss Ren on the cheek when the latter was quick to avoid him.

Lamir's face fell slightly as Ren evaded his attempt. He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Cold as ice, Ren. But that's why you have me around to warm you up."

Leon, witnessing the whole scene, was thoroughly confused. He had mistaken Lamir's gender, assuming Lamir to be a boy, and had unwittingly allowed Lamir to kiss him on the cheek. The realization hit him like a sudden jolt, causing his face to drain of color.

In a panic, Leon shot to his feet, his voice trembling as he stammered, "Wait . . . Lamir . . . I thought you were a . . . I mean . . . Are you . . . ?"

Lamir's laughter grew louder, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, dear Leon, the surprises keep coming, don't they? No worries, my dear, I am indeed a fabulous, fabulous man."

Leon's eyes widened in realization, embarrassment burning on his cheeks. "Oh, I . . . I see. My apologies. It seems I misunderstood."

Lamir waved a dismissive hand, a wide grin still plastered on his face. "No harm done, dear Leon. It's quite amusing to see your reaction. You must admit, I have quite the knack for keeping people on their toes."

"Stop confusing my friend over there," Ren said and asked straight to the point, "Is Evie fine?"

Lamir rolled his eyes. "Yes. Yes. Dear Evie is fine, but what about dear Lamir?"

"You look fine if you're breathing," Ren dismissed. "Did she have anything for me?"

Lamir took a deep breath and snatched a pink envelope from his jacket. But before Ren could take hold of it, Lamir was quick to hide it away again.

"Before you pop a vein over there, hear me out first," Lamir said and briefly stared at Leon.

Leon got the cue, and he excused himself. "I'll just be over there in the kitchen."

When he was gone, Lamir made himself comfortable on the seat and gestured for Ren to sit next to him.

Ren sat opposite him, of course. Lamir was a good guy, no doubt about it, but it wouldn't hurt to be cautious around him because he felt like he would just lunge at him if he let his guard down for a moment.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Did you grow taller and . . . leaner but buffed?" Lamir asked instead and smacked his lips. "I love the change."

"Lamir . . ."

"Fine. Fine." He leaned over and gave it to him straight to the point, "You're the Ren in the Fey Realm, right? The one with the cloak."

Ren couldn't formulate an answer to the sudden question.

Lamir smirked, a self-assured glimmer in his eyes. "Oh, Ren, my dear, hiding your true identity from me is a futile endeavor. I possess a unique talent for discerning a man's features. Height, build, scent, and even the timbre of their voice — they all leave an impression on me."

Ren's bewilderment deepened, a mixture of fascination and unease filling his mind. "That's . . . quite remarkable. I must say, your perceptiveness is truly impressive."

There was no use in hiding it and he was tired of formulating excuses at the moment.

Lamir laughed, a melodious sound that resonated through the air. "Why, thank you, dear Ren. It's a talent that serves me well in many situations. You can call it my secret weapon if you will."

Ren raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "And what do you plan to do with this newfound knowledge?"

For some reason, he wasn't worried that Lamir had found out about his secret.

Lamir leaned in, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Oh, dear Ren, secrets are like rare gems to me. They hold immense value, and I'm willing to keep your secret safe, but not without a little trade."

Ren's curiosity deepened as he inquired, "What kind of trade are you proposing?"

"Treasures, my dear Ren. I have an insatiable appetite for rare and exquisite items in the game to give to my cute adorable members. So, if you want me to guard your secret closely, I'll require a few treasures in return."

Ren chuckled, understanding Lamir's request. "Ah, so you're using your unique talents to collect treasures to give to your guild members. Quite a clever strategy. However, I'm afraid I can't comply with your request."

Lamir's expression turned quizzical. "Oh? And why is that, dear Ren? I am even willing to pay the price if the treasure is right."

Ren's voice softened as he explained, "I'm planning to auction them to pay off Evie's debt. Selling them beforehand would undermine that goal."