Fantasy Realm – Infinite Worlds Adventure-Chapter 283: Offending the Rich

"Who? What? Who is Misty?" Alex responds calmly, acting as if he has no idea what the woman is talking about.

As he quickly eyes her, he notices her rather unusual appearance—she's dressed in an expensive-looking formal gown, something he wouldn't expect to see in this setting. Her long, straight blonde hair reaches down to her waist. He also can’t help but notice her rather large breasts, doing his best to avoid staring at them. Already regretting his earlier comment, he knows he's landed himself in trouble once again.

"Do you think I’m a fool? I heard you!" she snaps. "Your exact words were: ‘Really? What does she have aside from looks and fame? I think Misty is either Green or Light-Blue quality at most—not even worth recruiting, especially with her shitty personality’." Her expression is filled with annoyance as she stares at Alex.

"Yes, I do—I mean, no! You must have misheard me," Alex stammers, awkwardly focusing on her hands, trying his best to avoid both her chest and her obviously angry face.

"YOU! Now you’re insulting me as well!" she accuses Alex, her voice rising.

Rishi and Tereza, instead of helping Alex, simply watch the scene unfold. Tereza struggles to suppress her laughter, while Rishi remains as calm as ever, though his eyes glimmer with interest.

"Please, calm down," Alex says, attempting to de-escalate the situation. "You know how sometimes people say things in the heat of the moment that they don’t actually mean? It was just a casual chat about anime—you shouldn’t take it so seriously. We don’t even know your friend, so please calm down!"

"Not seriously, huh?" she scoffs. "You insulted my precious Misty! You better kneel before her and apologize!"

Alex takes a deep breath, carefully considering how to handle the situation, but before he can speak, the woman rudely jabs a finger in his face.

"You’re the worst! I hate men like you!"

This bitch…

Something inside Alex snaps. The stress from his last mission, still bottled up inside him, finally erupts. Dropping his usual pretense, he fires back:

"Shut up! Now that I think about it, it’s no surprise you like Misty so much! She’s the complete opposite of you—she dresses like a damn tomboy and is as flat as a table, while you dress like some high-strung noble, and your tits might as well belong to a cow! Opposites attract, huh? The only thing you two actually share is your nasty personality. Now fuck off!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Let’s go," Alex says, striding toward the Supporter-Hub. Tereza, now openly laughing, follows him, while Rishi silently joins them.

"I wasn’t finished!" the woman yells after them, her voice filled with fury. But all she can do is trail behind them as they step inside the Supporter-Hub.

Inside, Misty is already waiting near the counter, scanning the area for her partner.

"Melissa… where have you been?" Misty asks, her expression shifting to slight concern as she rushes toward her companion.

Now that Alex gets a better look at Misty, he realizes that she appears much older than her anime counterpart—at least 18.

That must be due to the system, apparently even the System draws the line somewhere.

"Misty, this rude man with that ugly, nasty spider on his head insulted you! I was merely scolding him," Melissa complains dramatically.

“Now that she’s insulted Jewel, I’m having some twisted thoughts. Let’s just ignore them,” Alex mutters to his friends as they make their way toward the counter.

Deciding to ignore Melissa completely, Alex approaches an older gentleman who appears to be one of the employees. He has a strict, experienced air about him—but more importantly, he looks competent.

"Excuse me," Alex says politely. "I have some business here, but that lady over there is harassing me. Is there a way we can talk privately without interruption?"

The older worker glances at Melissa, then back at Alex. "Good day to you, sir," he greets before snapping his fingers. A barrier instantly forms around Alex, Tereza, Rishi, and the butler.

"This will provide privacy. Now, player, please state your business," he continues professionally.

"My supporter, Menchi, disappeared after my level 4 mission. From my understanding, I should be able to retrieve her here?" Alex asks, his voice slightly concerned.

"Supporter Menchi has indeed arrived at our offices. Don’t worry—she is perfectly fine. She was placed under temporary house arrest, but now that you’ve come to retrieve her, she will regain her freedom and be re-registered under your ownership," the worker explains.

"Should I retrieve her now?"

"Yes, please!" Alex responds, relieved that freeing her is merely a formality.

The worker nods and steps away from the barrier. Surprisingly, he seems immune to its effects, walking through it effortlessly.

Barely two minutes pass before he returns, followed closely by Menchi, who looks slightly confused.

Her expression immediately changes to a huge grin as soon as she spots the group. Without hesitation, she leaps over the counter and throws her arms around Alex in a tight hug.

Alex briefly closes his eyes, feeling Menchi in his arms. Her hair brushes against his face, and for a moment, he even registers her familiar scent.

Let’s… not focus on that right now. We’re in public. I’m just glad she’s back.

"I’m glad you’re back, Menchi," Alex finally says.

Before Menchi can respond, Tereza rushes over and hugs her as well.

“I’m glad to be back! I was sitting in a damn empty room with only a bed and food! This was worse than prison!”

As the group reunites, the worker behind the counter clears his throat and sternly asks, "Excuse me, Supporter Menchi, that was a luxury room, not a prison cell.” He then addresses Alex again, “would that be all, sir?"

"Sorry, we got distracted," Alex admits. "Well… I’m not sure. Can you explain your services? I’m aware that I need to buy a specific item if I want a Supporter to actually aid me in battle when I take them with me to different worlds, right? Could you give me a quick rundown?"

"Oh? It seems you already know a little about Supporters," the worker notes. "Not impossible, especially considering you managed to obtain one before entering the Main Realm.

"Here’s how it works: Combat Supporters are downgraded to match the level of the mission you enter. However, if they are weaker than the mission’s difficulty, they will not be likewise strengthened. The system ensures balance.

"Designating a Supporter as a Combat Supporter is a double-edged sword. It allows them to fight alongside you, but it also makes them vulnerable. If they remain a non-combat Supporter, they cannot assist in battle, but they also cannot be harmed."

"I see… so how much does it cost?" Alex asks. "And if a Combat Supporter dies… what happens to them?"

"The cost depends on the mission level," the worker explains. "It’s 5,000 FC per level. So for example, if you were to enter a level 5 mission, it would cost 25,000 FC to designate a Supporter as a Combat Supporter.

"As for what happens if they die—Supporters can be revived. However, the cost is steep: One Large Soul Crystal and 10,000 FC per full level of the fallen Supporter. Be advised—there’s a risk involved. Upon revival, a Supporter may suffer permanent weakening.

"This could mean a reduction in their Weapon or Armor slot effectiveness, a drop in skill levels, a decrease in their overall level, or even a downgrade in Rarity. In extreme cases, they may even lose an Innate Skill entirely, due to dropping in rarity. Losing a Supporter is an immense risk—I advise you to avoid it at all costs."

Alex swallows hard, grateful but surprised about the worker's warning.

A Large Soul Crystal? Damn! And 10,000 FC per level? The weakening is even more dangerous. I cannot afford to let any of my Supporters die…

The worker continues, "Aside from selling Combat-Supporter licenses, we also offer basic skills, of the lowest rarity for Supporters, as well as the ability to unlearn skills—something that is not possible during missions. Prices vary depending on rarity, level and the specific skills.”

"You may also leave your Supporter here while you go about your business—though most intelligent beings would find that offensive, which could lead to a loss of trust with your Supporters. Lastly, we facilitate Supporter trades. This service costs 500,000 FC, but we guarantee a smooth transaction with no complications or risks.”

"However, be aware that each player is limited to five Supporters. Of course, there may be ways to increase that number, however, I am not permitted to disclose how."

Trading Supporters? The transaction fee alone is 500,000 FC? That’s insane… but the possibilities. And a limit of five Supporters… Well, not that it matters for now.

"How am I able to recruit Supporters? It can’t be just through my [Destiny Supporter Token], right?"

[Destiny Supporter Token]

World: Fantasy Realm

Quality: Purple

Effect: While carrying this item, there is a small chance that certain NPCs may decide to follow you into the Fantasy Realm and become your permanent followers after you finish a mission. You cannot control when this effect activates. This item only works on Purple-quality NPCs and below.

Note: May Destiny choose your next comrade. Non-tradable. Can only be used once.

The worker’s expression shifts to one of curiosity and surprise.

"Sir, your [Destiny Supporter Token] is a rare treasure indeed," he remarks. "This is, of course, one method of recruiting Supporters. The other method… well, it is common knowledge among high-level players. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to explain it to you. Please, try communicating with other players to learn more."

So that’s why I was able to recruit a Supporter this early? Looks like my LUK and this rare drop were the cause… But what’s the other method?

Alex thanks the worker, and the group turns to leave the counter, only for an angry Melissa to step in their way again.

"You fiend!" she seethes. "How dare you recruit someone as wonderful as Menchi as a Supporter?! She’s too good for you!”

"I’ll buy her from you. One million FC! And I’ll cover the transaction fee!" freewebnσvel.cøm