Chapter 18

Episode 18

‘The developers must have been big fans of John Wick.’

I had a hunch about this place.

It was a hidden room, accessible only after fulfilling certain conditions.

There were a few possibilities.

First, it could be a reward for completing a mission.

Every game had quests, and completing them usually yielded rewards, both main and sub. It was highly likely that this hidden room was one such reward.

Another possibility was ‘affinity’.

Hidden rooms and skills were often unlocked by increasing your affinity with certain characters. Anyone who had played simulation games would understand.

Personally, I believed it was more likely related to affinity than mission completion.

No, it had to be affinity.

Lady Lucia’s intense gaze had to be a sign of her favor.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. What’s your name?”

“People call me the Sommelier. You may address me as such.”

The Sommelier? They really did take inspiration from John Wick.

Well, it was just a name and a concept. It wasn’t plagiarism. It was an homage.

“I have a few questions. What is the Lucius Club? I have a general idea, but…”

“The Lucius Club provides essential services. We offer tools and resources that guarantee victory and safety.”

“What’s the quality of your merchandise?”

“The best on the continent. Our products are steeped in history and tradition, imbued with a rich and complex aroma.”

He could be a poet. ‘Rich and complex aroma’, indeed.

“How many members does the Lucius Club have?”

“You are the first.”

“So it’s a new establishment?”

“Not exactly. It would be more accurate to say that we’ve been waiting for you, Aubrey.”

I understood.

The Lucius Club had existed for a long time, waiting for its first member. And Lady Lucia had given me the key.

I held up the gold coin.

“So anyone with this coin can access this place?”

“Indeed. It’s a space reserved for the chosen few.”

“In that case, I’d like some equipment recommendations.”

Thanks to ‘Automatic Combat’, I didn’t need to be discerning when it came to equipment.

But what if I used equipment chosen by an expert?

It would elevate ‘Automatic Combat’ to new heights.

“Let’s start with weapons. They are the heart of combat, a symbol of strength and power. We have a wide variety to choose from. What’s your preferred fighting style?”

I had never considered that question. I had only ever used ‘Automatic Combat’.

“Can I give you an abstract answer?”

“Of course. In fact, I prefer it. Preferences are more meaningful when they’re ambiguous.”

“Random.”

A smile spread across the Sommelier’s usually stoic face.

“An excellent choice. You seek absolute power, the ability to control chaos itself, regardless of the enemy or the situation. I have just the thing.”

Was he going to give me a giant axe?

I followed him as he walked towards a wall lined with swords, spears, axes, and other weapons.

But he selected a simple-looking sword.

“I recommend this. The ‘Sword of Chaos’.”

“Sword of Chaos?”

Weapons were given names for two reasons. Either it was a nickname, or it was an artifact.

The Sommelier drew the sword slightly from its scabbard.

*Flash!*

A blinding light filled the room.

“It’s a masterpiece, forged by the dwarves of Plantier from the finest Tyrrt steel. It took them ten years to complete. And look at this ruby. Do you see it? A true connoisseur would recognize its value.”

I saw a blood-red gemstone embedded in the hilt.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t a connoisseur.

“This ruby is said to be formed from the condensed magma of the demon realm. It’s just a legend, of course. But only the wielder can determine its truth.”

“So its power changes depending on the wielder’s potential?”

“Precisely. It adapts to its user, providing optimal power. Hence the name ‘Sword of Chaos’.”

The Sommelier was truly remarkable. He had selected a weapon based on a single word: ‘random’.

He wasn’t just a weapons expert he was a weapons artist.

I took the sword from him and held it in my hand.

*Hum*

I felt a powerful surge of energy, resonating with the aura within me.

“Do you like it?”

“It’s perfect.”

“Oh my, I’ve been terribly rude. Forgive me.”

I strapped the sword to my hip and followed him.

“A delightful appetizer is essential for a truly satisfying meal. The same goes for combat. A tool that can subdue your opponent before the battle even begins can make all the difference.”

He was really committed to this concept.

He gestured towards a glass showcase. It contained a variety of small crossbows.

“Should I tell you my preferences?”

“An appetizer should not only complement the main course but also stand on its own as a culinary masterpiece. Do you prefer something soft or something hard?”

“Hard.”

He selected a crossbow with a black body without hesitation.

It radiated a chilling aura.

“This is a true work of art. The ‘Black Wind Bow’.”

Black Wind Bow.

The name was self-explanatory, but I was curious about its construction.

“Do you see this string? It might look like an ordinary vine, but it’s actually made from the tendons of a wyvern from Drake Valley. It will never break.”

He pointed towards the body of the crossbow.

“And this elegant arch, the body itself, is said to be crafted from the branches of the World Tree. It’s been seasoned, of course. A masterpiece created by a dark elf master craftsman over decades. It boasts unparalleled elasticity and durability.”

With a weapon like this, would I even need to use my sword?

It sounded too fantastical to be true.

“What do you think? Are you satisfied?”

“It’s perfect. I’ll take it.”

He gave me a leather strap for carrying the crossbow. I slung it over my shoulder.

It was surprisingly light, perhaps due to being made from the branches of the World Tree.

“Are there any special bolts for this crossbow?”

“A work of art should be complete in itself. The ‘Black Wind Bow’ generates its own mana, firing highly concentrated energy bolts.”

“Are there any limitations?”

“It depends on how much mana the crossbow has accumulated. It varies depending on the situation and the environment.”

It seemed I would have to learn its capabilities through experience.

The Sommelier led me to another section.

“The second main course is armor. Good food nourishes the body. Likewise, armor is essential for protection.”

I had a clear preference when it came to armor.

“I’d like something lightweight and discreet, but with high defensive capabilities.”

“An excellent choice. Comfort and protection are usually inversely proportional, but some of our more discerning clients demand both.”

He presented me with a white shirt and a transparent sheet of material.

“This is the BYC shirt. It’s said to be the finest shirt ever woven, created using ancient techniques. It’s lightweight, breathable, and even provides insulation. A truly versatile piece of armor.”

Was this product placement?

It looked different from the underwear brand I knew. It seemed they had just borrowed the name.

“What’s this transparent material?”

“It’s called the ‘Skin of Arachne’. It’s a divine artifact.”

He called it a ‘divine artifact’, not just armor. It was a treasure, an item of immense power.

“Wrap it around yourself like a cloak, and it will mold to your body, providing exceptional protection. It can deflect most attacks. And the best part is, it’s compatible with all clothing and armor. It adapts to everything. It’s truly a work of art.”

“I’m impressed.”

I immediately wrapped the ‘Skin of Arachne’ around myself.

*Swoosh!*

It felt cool and refreshing against my skin, then vanished. I punched myself in the chest, but I felt nothing.

It seemed it could withstand most ranged attacks.

“Excellent. Do you have any other recommendations?”

“Just dessert.”

He led me to a glass showcase in the corner. It was a relatively inconspicuous location, but the items on display radiated power.

“What are your preferences, Mr. Walker?”

“This time, I’d like to trust your judgment. I’m not sure I’ll even need dessert, considering the quality of the equipment I’ve already acquired.”

“People often think of dessert as a palate cleanser, but that’s a shame. It should be an extension of the main course, a way to prolong the pleasure.”

He selected a small orb. There were three of them, forming a set.

“These are Night Pearls. They provide illumination in any environment.”

Next, he presented me with a small jar, sealed with a cork.

“This is an elixir that enhances aura capacity. It’s a rare treasure from the East.”

And finally, he gave me something completely unexpected.

“This is a magical bag known as an ‘Inventory’. It can hold far more items than an ordinary bag.”

It seemed they had incorporated the concept of inventory expansion. I opened the bag and peered inside. It was surprisingly spacious.

“What do you think? Was the meal to your liking?”

“It was exceptional. I’ll be back.”

I was about to leave when I remembered Selendis.

“Do you have any handkerchiefs? I’d like to buy a gift.”

“What kind of person are you buying it for? Tell me their age and gender, and I’ll recommend something suitable.”

“She’s a woman in her twenties.”

He opened a drawer and retrieved a small wooden box.

“This is called the ‘Fairy Handkerchief’. It’s woven from fairy dust, a rare and valuable material. It never needs to be washed and remains eternally clean.”

“That’s exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.”

(TLN: damn i need one like that for my allergy)

I gathered my new acquisitions and left the Lucius Club.

I felt a surge of confidence, armed with such powerful equipment. But I couldn’t help but wonder what the Lady had in store for me.

Was she planning to send me on a quest to slay a demon lord?