Alex carefully inspects the [C-Rank Mission Request] and can't help but be surprised.
[C-Rank Mission Request]
Quality: Purple
Type: World Item / Quest Item
Effect: Allows the player to enter the World of Naruto during the Land of Waves arc.
Effect: Player will automatically enter this world exactly 48 hours after obtaining this time as long as a certain other condition is met.
Requirements: Level 5
Note: C-rank Missions are generally about bodyguard duty and hunting wild animals and are somewhat risky. However, generally, Ninjas don't encounter other Ninjas during C-Rank missions.
Note: This item cannot be traded, discarded, or sold. It will disappear after use.
"...Really?" Alex mutters aloud, narrowing his eyes at the strange item.
Glimmerwhisk waves the paper teasingly in front of his face, then turns without a word and begins walking toward the Eternal Coffins bank.
"Hey! I have some questions—hey!" Alex tries to follow up, but Glimmerwhisk ignores him completely, her pace unchanging.
He exchanges a glance with Jewel and reluctantly trails after her.
Soulmate, this item is not a trap. However, the requirements are oddly specific—Level 5. There is also a hidden condition.
Yeah… until now, items always had a range. This is oddly narrow. But traps are usually tied to low-quality junk. This one's Purple… Maybe it really is a chance. If it's the mission I think it is, it should be manageable. If I side with Konoha, I'm bound to win. But still… almost feels a little too convenient.
As they reach the steps of the Eternal Coffins, Glimmerwhisk suddenly turns around and stares directly at Alex and Jewel.
"My, what are you doing here? Coming for a loan?" she asks with feigned innocence.
"..." Alex shakes his head, clearly annoyed.
Why does she keep playing these games…
"Maybe we should just leave…" he mutters.
"Don't be such a child. Follow me," she replies, flashing that same infuriating smile.
As they step inside, Alex grumbles, "If I say something, you always demand the opposite."
"I just love to see you struggle, my dear," she says sweetly.
They enter a private room and sit down—or rather, Glimmerwhisk does. The couch is tiny, forcing Alex into an awkward half-lying position.
"What terrible manners. You're a rude man," she sighs, shaking her head—but her smile betrays the delight in her voice.
Soulmate, you've figured her out. She's constantly lying. Everything she says should be interpreted as the opposite.
Oh great. She's a professional reverse speaker.
"Shall we get to business? How about a little game? I'll allow you three questions, and after that…" she smirks, "well, let's make it a surprise."
"Sure. But I'm not signing anything," Alex warns.
"How rude. Not that I need you to—your word is valuable enough, isn't it?" She replies, now uncharacteristically serious.
Alex gives a crooked smile. "I like this… Alright. First question: tell me your identity—your full identity. Every important detail. No tricks."
"I'm Glimmerwhisk," she says with a grin. "Anything else you need to know? I don't think so!"
Alex scoffs. "If you want to play it like that, I might as well leave."
"You little crybaby," she teases, then suddenly hops onto the couch beside him.
Jewel leaps defensively onto Alex's stomach, glaring at the goblin, but Glimmerwhisk reaches out and pats her calmly, showing not a hint of fear.
"I'll throw you a bone," she offers. "Maybe you'd like to know I'm the only daughter of the current head of the Goblin Union—the organization responsible for partially managing this Realm. In a decade or maybe sooner, I'll be the head."
"...Yeah. Minor detail. Totally irrelevant," Alex mutters, stunned.
"Hehe, of course," she says, clearly enjoying herself. "Second question?"
Alex leans forward slightly. "Explain that mission item. What's the hidden condition? And why is it locked to level 5? It looks valuable, but I don't understand how you can even offer it. The note says it can't be traded."
"Oh, that one's simple." Glimmerwhisk reclines like a queen. "The first question's answer covers this one too. As the daughter of the Goblin Union's leader, I have special privileges. My kind manages and distributes mission items. You should know that already, shouldn't you?"
Alex says nothing. His gaze sharpens, recalling a certain event that landed him in court.
That scumbag Goblin-merchant that forced me to accept that Mission item to the Hunter-world had the same ability. I guess that part is true, at least.
"This item is special," she continues. "I won't reveal everything, but… I'll tell you the condition. Hehe. It's very simple. There is a second item—nearly identical. Both must be distributed to players."
Suspicious… Two level 5 players, both entering the same world? This smells like a setup.
"This isn't a co-op mission, is it?" he asks. "Sounds more like a duel. A trap… maybe a deathmatch."
"Oh my, your intuition is excellent," she says, eyes sparkling. "Your guess is accurate."
"Seriously?! Why would I agree to this? A 50/50 gamble with my life on the line? And who knows how powerful the other player is?"
"I'll give you a freebie," she says, voice low and dangerous. "My brother already gave the other item to a player of his choice. While I am clearly more intelligent and talented than that fat loser, he's always trying to challenge me. Our father… even encourages it. He prefers me, but if I get lazy, he's not above changing heirs."
She leans forward, grinning with cute, but sharp goblin teeth.
"You see, I want you to enter that world for me—and defeat his champion."
Alex blushes her beauty and charisma, simply on another level.
She's a true vixen. I haven't felt this ever… even Menchi can't remotely compare!
Alex gulps, then speaks carefully. "Okay… so here's my last question. Why the hell should I risk my life for your private gamble to secure your position as the heir?"
"Hehe, quite simple," Glimmerwhisk says, grinning. "If you succeed, you'll be mine. I'll take good care of you. I'll tell you all the information you need, give you loans that might as well be free, and support you. Of course, I can't overdo it or the Realm will intervene—but what I offer will be priceless… I might even give you a kiss."
She gestures a kiss her face now just inches away from Alex, who's stunned.
Alex shakes his head, backing off, making Glimmerwhisk smile triumphantly.
"I know I used up my three questions, but… do you think I can win?" Alex asks, narrowing his eyes.
"I don't know," she admits, tilting her head. "But from your results, I'd say you have a very good shot. My brother's champion is bound to be talented too. However, you'll start with a small advantage, thanks to the item. You'll enter on the side of Konoha, while my brother's champion starts out as a Mercenary Ninja somewhere in Kirigakure. I don't know the exact mission details, as they'll be generated by the Realm, but you'll have both lore and canon on your side. That gives you a slight edge."
She leans in slightly, her tone softening. "But it all depends on your ability. And I mean your fighting ability."
"Then why bet on me?" Alex asks, voice low.
Without hesitation, Glimmerwhisk climbs onto his chest, her face now even closer to his own than before.
"Wha–what are you doing?!" Alex stammers, visibly flustered.
Glimmerwhisk ignores him. Her eyes shift to Jewel, sitting protectively on his shoulder.
"It's because of your lovely pet," she says quietly. "A pet on this level gives you more than a simple edge. I'm willing to bet on you… because I feel her immense potential."
❤️
Jewel… I have to scold you just this once. You got happy just now because she praised you, didn't you? She's manipulating you to push me into accepting this.
Ah… Soulmate is correct… Jewel thinks…
"I'm not saying this to trick your pet," Glimmerwhisk says calmly. "I'm serious. I guess it's up to you now—will you accept my offer?"
She steps back slightly. "But don't worry, I'm not some scammer who forces her target into a pressured yes. I'll give you a day. Is that okay?"
"Yes," Alex responds, genuinely surprised. "You're… surprisingly honest today. I expected you to force me into accepting now, or threaten to pull back the offer."
She sighs, "I told you I'm not scamming you. Also, I need to win this contest and can't have you lose! I only want you to accept if you are confident!"
"I simply can't afford to lose this bet," she says plainly. "And I could use someone like you. I have stakes across the Realm, and a competent player like you would allow me to influence numerous events. I also have a list of players I'd like to see… disposed of."
She grins. "I want you. Become mine. In return, I'll let you ascend."
"Ascend?" Alex asks, raising a brow.
"Ah… I suppose that's something for later," she replies, brushing it off with a smile. "Anyway, I've got work to do. Visit me tomorrow and tell me your decision."
"Okay," Alex says, still not entirely sure what to think.
Let's go, Jewel. We can talk it over with the others.
As he steps out of the room, Alex can't help but glance back one more time.
Glimmerwhisk is still smiling at him.
Can I really trust her? I feel like I'm being manipulated…
[Scene Break]
Back in Alex's player room, he sits surrounded by Tereza, Menchi, and Rishi.
"This is a tough call," Tereza says, crossing her arms. "Honestly? I feel like you should avoid it. Just play the game normally. Why does every damn mission have to be special and dangerous? Just focus on collecting your A- and S-ranks. That's enough!"
Alex sighs. "Honestly, Tereza, I kinda agree with you. We really share a few braincells. One of these days, even my LUK will run out. Why take all these risks?"
Tereza smiles and pulls him into a hug. "You are compatible with me! I love to share more than just braincells with you…"
"Okay… let's get back to the topic please…" Alex says, slightly embarrassed.
"Menchi?" Alex turns toward her, curious about her take.
"I'd only say yes for selfish reasons," she says. "Is there anything I'd want from there?"
"Maybe… The food is somewhat special," Alex says. "Remember that Ramen I gave you during the Hunter Exam? That was from this world."
Menchi perks up immediately, licking her lips. "Oh. I see…"
"There's more. They're surprisingly competent in medicine. There are items like soldier pills, which are special food pills that give you a huge energy boost, and some unique ingredients. It's not a culinary paradise, but there are some rare animals too. Not a bad pick."
"Then I'm voting yes!" Menchi says with conviction.
"Why?"
"You have me and Jewel. Pay the 25,000 FC it takes to designate me as your combat supporter, and we won't lose. Jewel and I can even afford to die—it might have negative effects, but it's not the end. If things get desperate, we can go all out. As long as you make it, we'll eventually return as well."
"I guess… that is true," Alex admits.
"Rishi?" he continues.
"I won't argue much. Just accept," Rishi says calmly. "I don't think you'll ever lose a one-on-one. Not with Jewel and Menchi at your side. The only real question is whether it's worth it. And I'd say the rewards seem promising. There might even be a bonus reward for winning the bet. Also, your connection to that goblin could be a game-changer."
"So… two yes, two no."
"Huh? You're voting no, Alex?" Menchi asks, surprised.
"My instincts are warning me," Alex says slowly. "That goblin… she could be lying. I feel like a child when I talk to her. She's always five steps ahead. I can't win that kind of mind game."
Jewel agrees with her Soulmate… however… Jewel still believes in Soulmate! Jewel wants to show that goblin what she's capable of too.
Alex nods. "I guess… 3 to 2. I'm going."
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