Chapter 521 (2/2)

But he had also cast his vote to focus the Zone towards technology, rather than developing the “magic” of the System. Humans had been on top of the food chain for thousands of years, and Gary Firefly had firmly believed that if they continued relying on the technology they possessed, they would continue to be so. Initial results, before the borderlands opened up, seemed to prove Gary right.

But now, watching this artist work…

It took all of 10 minutes, with Gary standing transfixed as he watched the man work. First the shape, then the face and posture, and then the details. A very long minute spent elaborating Gary’s right hand, and the spatial watch he had there, held at the ready for any ambushes. Also, a long time on Gary’s tie and collar, accentuating his distinguished state of dress.

When the man finished, he didn’t say anything, but his face brightened. Then he grinned at Gary. “Randidly Ghosthound. I just moved here.”

“I…” Gary blinked, gazing at Randidly’s outstretched hand. Ghosthound…? That name sounded familiar. But then the reality of the situation and the memory of the destroyed orchard came back with a vengeance. Gary took the man’s hand but coughed lightly when the man’s shake was almost limp.

It was like he had never shaken a hand before. Gary made sure to make his own grip vigorous. From what he understood, those who focused on magic would oftentimes leave their physical Stats low. Any edge now would be useful.

“Indeed? My name is Gary Firefly, as I’m sure you know. I own this land. I am just wondering who put you up to this stunt of destroying my orchard?” Gary’s tone was dry.

“I didn’t know. You grew apples? Sad.” The young man said, shaking his head.

Forcing to keep his rising blood pressure even, Gary said. “Those orchards meant a lot to me. Do you have any idea who I am?”

“No. I’m from the other Zone,” The young man said, matter of factly.

This stalled Gary’s next comment, leaving him somewhat confused. This was… not how he had expected the conversation to go. But before he could gather his reaction, the young man continued speaking.

“But taking something is bad. I owe you a favor. What would you like me to do?”

Again, not what Gary had expected. He had expected to walk into a strange political meeting of some sort, where someone got his attention with the orchard but had a larger plot backing them up so that Senator Firefly would be kept from seeking vengeance. Instead, he found a young man that claimed to have no knowledge of who he was, and offered him… a very open favor…?

Was it possible the young man was telling the truth? He definitely had some capabilities, based on how quickly he had made the statue. But crossing over from the other Zone…? So quickly….? Not only would one need to be strong, but they would also need to be strong enough to travel quickly.

But if this strange character was truly that strong…

Gary Firefly wasn’t usually a person who went off of gut feelings or went out on a limb, but the combination of the strange castle, the sculptures, and this man’s attitude had put him on his back foot. So he smiled and said.

“If you replant my orchards and bring me the body of a Level 60 monster, we can call it even.”

What he did not expect was for the man to smile and ask, “Maybe we can be friends as well?”