Chapter 31 : Please Bear With It


    As he navigated through the bustling city, Noah noticed that players of all classes moved about, engaged in their own pursuits, creating an atmosphere that was both immersive and busy. Somehow, Noah''s heart swelled with a mixture of nostalgia. Bittersweet memories for the hours he had spent adventuring within these realms.


    He was mostly alone in his endeavour before, trying to be as alone as possible so that the endeavour that he went for the Weaver class plus the bonus Ring of Wonder could be kept as a secret, in case he got something so powerful that would be detrimental by the powers. Moving like a lone wolf, keeping his fire down and his intentions hidden from possible prying eyes.


    “...Honestly, looking at the current progress and incidents, I myself can’t tell now if the plus is the Ring of Wonder or the Weaver itself,” Noah muttered with a wry smile on his face.


    He also knew that if words got out about his endeavour back then, his chance to get those things would be significantly lower. Any hint of his efforts could shatter his carefully constructed advantage. One shouldn’t underestimate the powers and factions formed in the New World after all. In the end, who could guarantee that no one would be enticed if somehow his findings would be kept within his circle only, including his friends if he even made friends anyway in game?


    Being cautious was a virtue that one should always have after all. Who would not falter when the promise of unprecedented strength and glory lain in wait even if at the cost of betraying their own kind.


    Yet now, if he was to flaunt his achievement, naturally that would be a move that might impress others and could potentially be recruited in a big guild or factions. He could imagine those people seeking to recruit him, eager to harness his talent and hence elevate their standing. Being positioned in a high rank would be an easy matter for him to acquire too, commanding armies and squads while being served as a VIP right off the bat.


    The appearance of a person that held an unknown rarity class and an item that increased the luck attribute by a whooping 70 points, such incidents would absolutely set the New World in chaos.


    Nah, more than that, he was aware that just one clue that he got from that journey could set the New World abuzz. Within moments of his announcement, competitions would arise as to who could offer the highest bid of a prize and seize the person to be in their ranks. His orders would be met with immediate actions and flattery. Any request would be delivered in a gold platter toward his front door in a matter of seconds basically.


    Who wouldn’t want to be a person in such a center of attention? Any farts and barks would be seen as a word of wisdom most likely.


    “Shake my head…” Noah shook his head.


    Never flaunting his achievements, never engaging in needless contacts so that his purpose remained concealed. That could mean that Noah’s goal was far grander than joining such groups of powers.


    Because such a position came with a cage that could control over his actions. A double edged sword for one to have as that would relinquish his ambitions. It would tie him to alliances and obligations, potentially compromising the freedom that would allow one to grow as much as he wanted.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Still, for a person that didn’t have anything and was poor, joining those big factions right away might not necessarily be a bad idea. After all, with that he would be a successful person with millions of money going into their pockets on the spot. Having prestige just like the big superstar would be a natural course. Who wouldn’t be enticed by such situations?


    Still, who could guarantee that the group that they joined would be a group that respected their subjects and didn’t see them as indispensable tools later down along the way? Who could guarantee that they wouldn’t be stabbed in the back, eyeing them like wolves eyeing the deers? Such a risky move needed a whole lot of consideration in the end.


    So while the thought of basking in the limelight and joining the ranks of the elite was undeniably enticing, Noah chose the path of his own.


    Especially for Noah who seemed to be wealthy already and even got a company that he owned himself. Though it might not be as wealthy as a superstar, for a person who always be grateful and had goals, would such things even matter in the end?


    Somehow, thinking about this made him excited. A grin appeared on his face, and if one could see his expression one would wonder just what kind of thinking this man had in his head.


    “Haa… Anyway, where is that guy?”


    Noah''s destination was a serene corner of the city, a park-like area adorned with colorful flowers and elegant buildings. It was here that he had arranged to meet Wilhelm, his friend and subordinate from the real world.


    “Ohh, here he goes…”


    The virtual sun cast a warm glow over the park as Noah spotted Wilhelm''s Mage avatar approaching. The familiar wave of his colleague''s hand brought a smile to Noah''s face.


    "Aye, boss!" Wilhelm greeted with a friendly smile, his voice resonating in a spirited sound.


    "Hey there Bro Wil... I mean, Wise Sage..." Noah aka Demerit Liberty replied, returning the gesture.


    "Wise Sage, huh? That''s quite the fitting ID for a mage like you."  Noah quipped, amusement lacing his voice. "


    "Hahah, well, I figured if I''m going to be slinging spells, might as well go for something grand huh,” Wilhelm aka Wise Sage laughed, his shoulders shaking with mirth.


    “Well, enough about me. What about you here, Boss? You look so happy and so eager, huh. I know, I can tell, because I know that feeling. Playing the game for the first days or so was really exciting not gonna lie."


    Noah grinned as he heard what Wise Sage said, ".... Haha... Gahahahaha... Yeah... True, I''m so excited right now to be honest. I feel like I wanna test my skills toward some monsters or something. Nah, what about players..."


    Wise Sage nodded his head as he heard what Noah said. He too somehow felt nostalgia as he remembered his situation when he was a newbie. Diving down into the New World was an eye opener for him.


    "Alright then... For starters, ready for some adventuring?" Noah asked in a low voice.


    Wise Sage''s nod was accompanied by a grin. "Let’s! I''ve been exploring dungeons and honing my skills. Can''t wait to see what we can achieve together."


    Noah''s smile remained, but there was a thoughtful edge to his gaze. "Good. Oh, one more thing. I''d appreciate it if you don''t call me ''boss'' here."


    Wise Sage''s  tilted its head slightly, a quizzical expression taking form. "May I ask why, uuhh.... Demerit… Liberty?"


    Noah''s gaze held a depth of meaning that he hoped would convey his intention. "One of the reasons is about keeping a certain aspect of my identity concealed."


    Wise Sage''s eyes widened a bit as realization dawning. "Ah, I see what you mean."


    "There are times when we need to keep certain roles separate. Right now, I want to experience the game as just another player, without the added weight of being perceived as someene else..." Noah continued, his words measured and earnest.


    "I understand... Demerit…" Wilhelm replied in a somewhat awkward manner.


    "... Yeah, it might take a while to normalize but all I could say is to please bear with it..."