Chapter 30 : Long Day
With each passing moment, as the city embraced the night and stars began to twinkle overhead, the car went away swiftly.
Wilhelm navigated the city''s streets with practiced ease, his hands steady on the wheel. He glanced at the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of Noah lost in his thoughts. Wilhelm had been Noah''s confidant for years, a companion who had seen the man weather storms and emerge stronger each time. He understood Noah''s dedication and resourcefulness, qualities that had earned him not just success but also the trust and respect of those around him.
Despite his success, Wilhelm could feel that Noah’s mind rarely found rest. Even now, as the city lights flickered across his face, his expression remained unreadable, as if caught somewhere between reflection and thoughts.
"Long day, Boss?" Wilhelm finally broke the silence, his voice steady yet respectful.
Noah blinked, as if pulled from deep thought, before exhaling lightly. "Yeah… something like that." He stretched slightly as he changed his position against the plush seat. "Though I suppose that''s just how things go. Always something to deal with, always something new on the horizon."
Wilhelm nodded knowingly. "That’s the price of always staying ahead, I suppose. You never really get to stop running."
Noah smirked slightly at that, with his fingers intertwined against each others. "And yet, standing still is never really an option, is it?"
"Not for someone like you, Sir. Not for someone who keeps winning." Wilhelm chuckled, turning the wheel smoothly as they approached a quieter street.
“Ahaha… Always winning huh… Amen to that,” Noah laughed with narrowed eyes.
“Haa… Maybe we should stay for a while more back there.”
Noah let out a soft breath, his gaze drifting upward toward the night sky. As the engine purred softly, enveloping the car''s interior in a soothing hum, his gaze shifted momentarily from the outer sight to Wilhelm.
"Brother Wilhelm," Noah began, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. The corners of his mouth curled into a small grin, interest evident in his eyes as he turned his attention to the conversation at hand.
“How''s your progress in the New World been lately?"
Wilhelm, who had been navigating the bustling streets like someone who knew them like the back of his hand, changed his gaze from the road to Noah for a glance.
"Well, I''ve been taking your advice to heart. I''ve been dedicating part of my time to leveling up and honing my skills there." A hint of a smile playing at the edges of his mouth.
Noah nodded approvingly, "That''s good to hear. I remember well back then suggesting you to use the Mage class. How''s that been working out for you so far?"
"Honestly, I''m loving it. The mage specialization seems to be tuned for me. And I''ve been focusing on expanding my magical repertoire at the moment..." Wilhelm''s eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he explained his situation.
Noah smiled in response. Wilhelm''s effort was commendable, and he could tell that this employee of his was truly immersing himself in the New World. But there was more to their conversation than met the eye. Noah had his own reasons for encouraging Wilhelm to progress in the New World even though he had a pretty relevant job placement in his company.
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"Alright. I think it''s about time we connect with each other in the New World too." A thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he looked outside the window.
"Really? You''re joining the New World too?" Wilhelm''s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
Noah chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, I''ve been playing it on and off. I have reached level 30, actually."
"Oh, that''s great! I had no idea you were already into the game. But then again, you must be busy right..." Wilhelm''s eyes widened in genuine interest.
That''s right. Even Wilhelms wasn’t told that Noah had been in the New World for years now. That was a part of Noah’s plan in the New World.
"Yeah, business has been quite demanding lately. But I''m finding more time to play the game now." Noah nodded his head.
Wilhelm''s grin was contagious. "That''s awesome, Boss! I''ve been kinda hooked lately, exploring the New World and learning the ropes. It''ll be amazing to team up..."
"I''m looking forward to it. It''ll be good to play there alongside you..." Noah replied with closed eyes.
As they continued chatting about game strategies and their plans for the virtual world, Noah couldn''t help but feel intrigued. While Wilhelm was unaware of Noah''s long-standing involvement in the game, as far as his plan was concerned, Noah knew that their paths were about to converge in a way Wilhelm would probably never expect.
With a subtle nod, Noah wrapped up their conversation. "Well, we''ve got some work to attend to for now, but let''s set a time to meet up in the game soon. Here''s my id..." Noah said as he told Wilhelm his id and information so that he could add him.
Wilhelm nodded understandingly. "Definitely, Boss. I''ll send you a message when I''m online next. Let’s raid dungeons and level up together!"
"Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to it." Noah said relaxedly.
The car soon approached the Finest Fish Emporium’s area, the glow of the street lights reflected off the sleek exterior of the building. It stood tall like an old tree, a modern structure lined with tinted glass windows and illuminated signage that proudly bore its name.
The sound of activity within was sounding busy even at this hour. Workers moving crates, the distant hum of refrigeration units, and the occasional beep of forklifts maneuvering through the loading docks.
Wilhelm moved the car to a smooth stop in front of the main entrance. Noah stepped out, adjusting his cuffs as his eyes swept across the familiar surroundings. He took in the sight of the workers diligently moving about. Their organized efforts reflected the discipline and structure he had instilled in the company.
A man in a neatly pressed uniform, approached them with a respectful nod. Oliver Grant, the facility manager.
"Good day, Sir," Oliver greeted, standing upright with his hands clasped behind his back.
"We received the latest shipment from the northern fisheries just an hour ago. Quality checks are in progress, and initial reports indicate everything is up to standard."
Noah nodded, his expression neutral yet attentive. "Good. Any irregularities?"
Oliver shook his head. "Nothing significant. Just the usual weight variances, all within acceptable margins. Logistics team has already compiled the reports if you’d like to review them."
"Maybe a bit later," Noah responded, glancing toward the loading docks. "I want to take a look at the shipment first."
"Of course. Right this way, Sir." Oliver didn’t hesitate and started to lead the way.
There, they could see workers inspecting fish packed in ice, others documenting inventory, and large trucks idling nearby, ready for their next deliveries. Noah moved with an air of quiet authority, his gaze scanning everything with the sharpness of a man who seemed to know every detail of his business
"Good catch this time," Noah commented, running a gloved hand over the ice-packed crates. "Make sure these get prioritized for the premium clients."
"Already noted, Sir," Oliver confirmed. "Also, the buyers from the east province markets are inquiring about an increase in supply. They want exclusivity for the next quarter."
"Hmmm… Better discuss it in the morning. Make sure our contracts align before committing to anything." Noah exhaled thoughtfully, seemingly considering the request.
"Understood."
…
A few moments later, they soon parted ways toward their own settlements. Noah''s thoughts turned to the New World. He had been curious regarding the Weaver class that he had acquired, the unknown rarity that made him intrigued and puzzled.
But now, after finally getting an item that could move him toward another step forward, Noah saw the opportunity had come step by step...