Chapter 20: Shopping Time

Within an hour, two more parties gave up, following the first ones. Ethan gained EXP from them according to the bet.

The most noticeable effect on them was how their individual levels dropped drastically after losing the fight.

Some fell to level 5, others to level 6 or 7. Basically, they had to start all over again from scratch.

Not only did their level and power decrease, but several features also got locked again and couldn’t be used. That hit them hard.

Ethan ended the team battles and noticed there were still a lot of players gathered around the city arena.

He didn’t feel intimidated at all. In fact, he was pleased—he’d just gained more EXP without lifting a finger.

A notification panel appeared in front of him after all the challenges ended. The total reward he earned was displayed clearly before his eyes.

[TEAM BATTLES]

[All challenges completed. You are eligible for total rewards:]

[30,000 EXP || 30,000 Gold]

[DING! Congratulations, you have leveled up]

[Name: EthanArk]

[Level 33 → Level 46]

[EXP: 41315/41550] [AP: +130]

[DING! Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the Custom Skill Feature]

Ethan felt satisfied. It hadn’t even been a full month since he entered the game, but his level growth was exactly how he expected it.

Today’s events had helped him a lot, of course. 2000 EXP gained without a real fight—just from betting against players who stood no chance against him.

Even so, Ethan believed his strength was still far from its peak. No player in this game still used leather-based equipment—it was completely useless now.

Jill quietly observed Ethan. It had been two weeks since players got trapped in the game.

Seeing how fast Ethan’s level had risen in under a month, she realized he had the potential to become one of the most dangerous players in the entire region.

For Ethan, level 46 was extremely high for a starter city. But once he stepped into the central region, he’d find many players at a similar level.

“What should we do about him? His power’s increasing way faster than we expected,” one of Jill’s aides said.

“Don’t mess with Ethan. And don’t show any hostility toward him,” Jill warned. “He’ll be a key factor in deciding which guild dominates the central region.”

“Should we try recruiting him?” another aide whispered.

“If we approach him now, it’ll look like we’re begging for attention,” Jill replied coolly.

“Send our guild assassins to keep an eye on him. I want to know where he goes, who he fights, and which guild he joins.”

The aide nodded, fully understanding Jill’s instructions. Jill remained standing, watching Ethan as he left the city arena for another destination.

Though the team battles had ended, many beginner players were still shaken by what had happened.

Ethan didn’t seem to care at all; he ignored everyone, which only made them more scared to go near him.

His next stop was an Equipment Shop—a place that sold all kinds of gear he needed. Still, Ethan wasn’t sure if he could find what he was looking for.

Despite the PK status floating above his head, the NPC shopkeeper didn’t seem to mind. They approached him politely and offered their services as usual.

“Do you sell any Rare-rank equipment sets?” Ethan asked.

“There’s only one, and it’s currently being auctioned,” the shopkeeper replied.

“The highest bid so far is 50,000 gold.”

Ethan turned toward the holographic panel showing the auction details. It displayed the time limit, maximum price, and the item’s name—Fire Phoenix Set.

“The max price is 100,000 gold?”

“Yes. If you bid that much right now, the set will be yours instantly,” the shopkeeper confirmed.

Ethan had around 350,000 gold in his inventory, most of it earned from hunting monsters in the forest. Buying a Rare-ranked set like that in a beginner city was definitely worth it.

Before heading to the central region, he needed to prepare properly—better gear, crystals, accessories, and a soul servant.

“Alright. I’ll take it,” Ethan said.

“Understood, sir.”

[Transaction Successful]

[Item: Fire Phoenix Equipment Set (Rare) || 100,000 Gold]

Once the transaction was complete, his gold decreased, replaced by a floating item panel showing the Fire Phoenix Set. A use button appeared, and of course, Ethan tapped it right away without hesitation.

[Equipment Equipped]

[ATK: 1379 || DEF: 1275]

The boost was massive. His base ATK and DEF had increased sharply after equipping the new set.

Still, Ethan wasn’t completely satisfied—he needed another 3700 ATK to reach the 5000 base requirement to join a major guild.

“Anything else you’d like to buy?” the shopkeeper asked.

Ethan shook his head. His gear was more than enough for now. His next stop would be a big city in the central region to find stronger equipment.

But before that, he still needed a Soul Servant and Crystals. To get those, he had to visit the Crystal Enhance Shop.

It wasn’t far from the equipment store. Some players nearby didn’t even pay attention to Ethan anymore—they just minded their own business.

As for his Red Notice status? Nobody cared. None of them could even dream of challenging him at his current level.

When he arrived at the Crystal Enhance Shop, it was packed with players. The moment Ethan stepped inside, several turned to look, their faces going pale in shock.

“Mr. Ethan, welcome!” one of them stammered.

“Why so tense? It’s fine. I can wait in line,” Ethan said casually.

Some players hesitated but eventually nodded and cleared their throats awkwardly, returning to their spots in line—though they clearly looked uneasy with Ethan standing right behind them.

It didn’t take long before it was Ethan’s turn to buy Crystal Spirits and a Soul Servant.

He now had five open slots for Crystal Spirits, which worked much like equipment ranks.

“How can I help you today?” the shopkeeper asked.

“I’d like to buy five Rare-rank spirit crystals,” Ethan replied.

“We only have three left,” said the shopkeeper

He showed Ethan the items: Gleaming Soulstone, Moonlight Gem, and Crimson Vein Crystal. Each had different effects, but all were suitable for Ethan’s warrior class.

“That’s fine. Give me two more from the Uncommon rank,” Ethan said.

“Of course, sir. What element?”

“Fire.”

The shopkeeper nodded, taking out five crystals and handing them over. The total came to 105,000 gold—25,000 for the Rare ones and 15,000 for the Uncommon.

Ethan accepted the items and equipped them immediately. His base ATK and DEF rose again, boosted by the crystals’ effects.

[Crystal Spirit Equipped]

[ATK: 2454 || DEF: 2350]

The stat increase was impressive. Ethan felt satisfied—but not completely. He still needed a Soul Servant, and he was hoping for a lucky draw to get the best one possible.

“Alright then,” he said quietly.

Time for a gacha roll.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep