MMORPG: I was BUGGED Chapter 128: The Noble Dwarf

In the ga, Xin and Victor had t up at the fortress and were patiently awaiting Rever and the others as they engaged in conversation.

"Are you still pondering your plans for the upcoming Grand Auction?" Victor inquired, genuinely interested.

Xin nodded, his thoughts drifting to the potential benefits of the auction. "Yeah," he admitted, "the prize money could really help buy back our old house and pay of so debt."

Victor was willing to support his friend, and he contemplated offering financial assistance.

However, he sensed that Xin might prefer to handle things on his own and didn’t want to accept charity.

"Don’t get your hopes up too high," Victor cautioned. "Many of these bidders are interested in artwork from well-known artists."

"Like Vivi?" Xin asked, curious about the talented classmate.

Victor affird, "Exactly. Last year, one of her paintings sold for over ten million."

Xin’s eyes widened in amazent at the staggering price. "That high?"

Victor continued, "It’s not unusual. Her canvas was massive, about five by five ters. The bidding war for that painting made history."

"I think she’ll employ the sa strategy this ti. She doesn’t care about the money and is more concerned about winning," Victor mused. "She aims for sothing grand and impactful. Most of the guests attend because of her, while our parents will likely purchase our art."

It was clear that Xin’s mother didn’t have the resources to compete with the wealthier parents.

Xin feared that he might beco a laughingstock if his mother bought his artwork for a re one hundred dollars.

Xin had modest expectations; even ten thousand dollars would be a significant sum compared to his classmates’ parents, who might spend hundreds of thousands to spare their children from embarrassnt.

He was determined to save that money for Evelyn, waiting for the right mont to provide her with the financial support, so she would buy his painting if no one bid for it.

Victor sensed Xin’s unease and decided to offer reassurance. He casually stated, "Hey, don’t worry. If no one buys your painting, I will."

A faint smile graced Xin’s face as he replied, "Thanks, but I can handle it."

As they chatted, Rever and Yuzuro arrived, drawing their attention.

"There you are. We thought you might not make it," Victor remarked. "Now that we’re all here, let’s proceed with the second quest. Xin and I have a lot on our plates due to school projects, so the sooner we finish this, the better."

Confusion flickered across Yuzuro’s face. "Huh? But Midnight Duchess isn’t here yet."

Victor rolled his eyes in response. "Who cares about her? She probably doesn’t want to join us anymore."

"Don’t talk about as if I’m not present," ca Midnight Duchess’s voice from behind Xin, her cloak still concealing her appearance.

"Whoa! You startled !" Rever exclaid, his heart racing. "Have you been here the whole ti?"

Midnight Duchess nodded. "I arrived a bit earlier."

She then turned her attention to Victor and Lord Schrodinger, wearing a knowing smile that the two couldn’t see beneath her cloak.

Victor and Xin exchanged worried glances. Had Midnight Duchess overheard their conversation? Victor hadn’t ntioned Xin’s real na, had he?

Midnight Duchess couldn’t help but chuckle at their concern. "Relax, I’m just ssing with you. I arrived just now."

"Are you sure?" Victor still seed skeptical. "You didn’t overhear our conversation, did you? Eavesdropping would be disrespectful."

Midnight Duchess rely shrugged. "Believe it or not, it’s up to you."

Victor leaned in closer to Xin and whispered, "She didn’t hear us, did she? I didn’t ntion your real na, did I?"

"I don’t think so," Xin replied quietly.

"You have an impressive skill," Yuzuro complinted Midnight Duchess, unaware of the doubts that had just arisen among the group.

"You an terrifying," Rever corrected with a shiver. "Imagine her sneaking up on you. You wouldn’t even know how you died by then. Thankfully, towns don’t allow PvP, right?"

"Let’s just get this over with. On to the second quest," Victor suggested.

As they walked through the city, Yuzuro couldn’t resist asking Xin, "How’s school? Are you getting the hang of college life?"

"It’s fine. Victor has been kind enough to show the ropes," Xin replied.

"I don’t understand why you wanted to study," Rever comnted, lazily placing his hands behind his head. "School is just a stress-filled prison if you ask . You’d be happier without all that nonsense."

"Don’t mind him," Yuzuro told Xin. "I, for one, am glad that you’re slowly getting your life back."

Xin couldn’t help but sense a hint of envy in Yuzuro’s tone, so he gently probed further. "Are you planning to go to college soday?"

Yuzuro lowered her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Soday, I hope. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, maybe even specialize in pediatrics. But for now, I need to work and ensure my brother finishes his education first."

"Don’t worry, you’ll get there too," Xin offered words of encouragent.

Rever couldn’t resist chiming in with his usual irreverence. "Yuzu, you’re doing just fine without school, believe ."

Yuzuro only batted her eyelid at Rever.

As they strolled through the bustling fortress city, engaged in conversation, Victor discreetly pointed out an interesting sight to his companions.

His finger directed their attention toward a dwarf whose attire set him apart from the rest of the crowd.

This dwarf was impeccably dressed, his garnts exuding an air of refinent and nobility that sharply contrasted with the rugged appearance of the typical city dweller.

The noble dwarf moved with a certain grace, and his dignified bearing caught the eye of those passing by. He wore a fine, tailored robe adorned with intricate embroidery, a symbol of his status within the dwarven society.

His well-maintained beard was neatly grood, and his deanor reflected a certain authority that made it evident he was soone of significance.

"That’s our dwarf," Victor remarked, nodding toward the noble-looking dwarf as the group approached him.