A City of Trade
Helios Reach truly lived up to its reputation.
Every street was overflowing with players, NPC merchants, caravans, and travelers from countless games. Shops lined both sides of the roads, displaying weapons, enchanted armor, monster materials, magic scrolls, rare ores, food, medicine, and equipment from every corner of the New World.
"This place..." I muttered.
"...is huge."
Volt smiled.
"Told you."
"If you can't find it in Helios Reach, it probably doesn't exist."
As we continued walking through the crowded streets, I noticed something unusual.
Some players carried an unmistakable presence.
Their equipment wasn't flashy because it was expensive—it was legendary.
Some wore cloaks embroidered with guild emblems I had only heard rumors about.
Others carried weapons that radiated powerful enchantments.
Even the ordinary crowd seemed to instinctively make way for them.
I quietly leaned toward Volt.
"...Those players..."
Volt followed my gaze before giving a small nod.
"National-level Pros."
"They're among the strongest players their respective games have to offer."
"They rarely stay in one place."
"They're constantly traveling between games, accepting contracts, exploring dungeons, or hunting world bosses."
I couldn't help but stare.
One player walked by wearing Raid boss Drop's black dragon-scale armor while carrying an enormous greatsword across his shoulder.
Another casually floated above the ground using some unknown magic.
Nearby, a woman in elegant silver robes had dozens of floating magic circles orbiting around her.
"...They're monsters..."
Volt chuckled.
"And that's only the ones walking around openly."
"There are stronger people hiding in this city."
I instinctively pulled my hood lower.
The last thing I wanted...
...was for someone like that to notice me.
Our first stop was the general market.
Volt purchased everything we would need for the journey north.
Preserved food.
Water purification crystals.
Medical supplies.
Fuel.
Repair kits.
Camping equipment.
Even spare ammunition.
By the time we finished shopping, the cart behind us was almost overflowing.
Eventually Volt led us into a large forge.
The sound of hammers echoed throughout the building.
Several NPC blacksmiths worked on armor while players waited nearby for repairs.
Behind the largest forge stood a muscular older player with gray hair tied behind his head.
His leather apron was stained black from years of forging.
The moment he looked up...
"...Volt?"
Volt laughed.
"...Still alive?"
The blacksmith grinned.
"Barely."
The two immediately shook hands before pulling each other into a quick shoulder bump.
I blinked.
"You know him?"
Volt nodded.
"This is Garrick."
"We've known each other since before EndGame."
"We used to run dungeon raids together."
The old blacksmith snorted.
"Before this idiot joined the Resistance."
Volt laughed.
"And before you decided to spend your retirement hitting metal all day."
Garrick crossed his arms proudly.
"I own one of the best player-operated forges in Helios Reach."
"I've earned it."
Unlike NPC shops...
Player-run workshops could create customized equipment.
That explained why so many powerful players waited inside.
Garrick's eyes eventually landed on Blaze.
"...Interesting sword."
Blaze unsheathed it slightly.
The blue blade reflected the forge's flames.
The blacksmith's expression immediately became serious.
"...I've crafted weapons for years..."
"...I've never seen a material like that."
Blaze quietly smiled.
"...Neither have I."
After repairing several damaged parts from the T-80 that Volt have taken out and supplying Volt with additional replacement components, Garrick refused to charge full price.
"Consider it a favor."
Volt sighed.
"I still owe you."
"You already do."
The blacksmith laughed.
The afternoon passed surprisingly peacefully.
Almost.
As we walked through another district, I noticed more famous players.
Some I recognized from old reports.
Others were complete strangers.
Several Empire officers walked alongside National-level players as if they were honored guests.
It reminded me just how dangerous Helios Reach truly was.
Any one of these people...
...could be stronger than me.
Far stronger.
By sunset we had finally purchased everything on Volt's list.
He looked satisfied.
"Good."
"Now all that's left is one last thing."
"What?"
"We leave."
"No mysterious meeting?"
Volt smirked.
"...Plans changed."
I frowned.
"Why?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he casually looked behind us before continuing to walk.
"...Keep moving."
Something about his tone changed.
I immediately became alert.
Blaze remained silent.
His eyes calmly scanned the crowded streets.
We continued walking.
One street.
Then another.
The market slowly became quieter.
The crowd thinned.
The noise faded.
Then Blaze quietly spoke.
"...Ryze."
I looked toward him.
"What?"
"...Don't turn around."
"...Why?"
"I said..."
"...don't."
A chill ran down my spine.
Volt quietly adjusted his cloak.
"...You noticed too?"
Blaze gave a small nod.
"They've been following us."
"...Since we left the forge."
My heart skipped.
"...What?"
Volt casually glanced at a shop window.
Its reflection showed several hooded figures walking the same route we were.
Always keeping their distance.
Never getting closer.
Never falling behind.
Professional.
Very professional.
I quietly gripped the sling of my rifle beneath my cloak.
"...Empire?"
Volt slowly shook his head.
"No."
"They would've arrested us already."
"...Then who?"
Blaze answered without taking his eyes off the street ahead.
"...Bounty hunters."
Silence.
The bustling city suddenly felt much smaller.
Much more dangerous.
Volt lowered his voice.
"They're confirming."
"They're making sure you're really the Starlinked Sniper."
"...Should we lose them?" I whispered.
"...No."
Volt continued walking naturally.
"If we run..."
"We confirm their suspicions."
Blaze calmly rested one hand near the hilt of his sword.
His expression never changed.
He didn't even look back.
"...Don't attack."
"...Not yet."
His calm voice somehow made the situation even more tense.
"They're waiting."
"So..."
"...we wait too."
Behind us...
The hooded figures continued following.
Patiently.
Quietly.
Like predators waiting for the perfect moment.