Enhancement Struggles and a Duel

[‘Valhalla’s Plate Mail’ successfully enhanced to +1.]

[‘Valhalla’s Plate Mail’ successfully enhanced to +2.]

[‘Valhalla’s Plate Mail’ failed to enhance to +3.]

[‘Valhalla’s Plate Mail’ failed to enhance to +3.]

[‘Valhalla’s Plate Mail’ failed to enhance to +3.]

“Damn it…”

Biting my lip at the string of failures, I kept enhancing and finally hit +10 on the plate mail.

The dazzling effect on the glowing gear brought a satisfied smile.

Now I need to slot sockets, but will I have enough gold? Should I grind for cash?

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: Got time after enhancing?]

[Whisper/DontOrderMe > CameToDie: Nope.]

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: Why? ㅠ]

[Whisper/DontOrderMe > CameToDie: Need to slot sockets.]

As if he had nothing better to do, CameToDie showed up, sat next to my character, and waited for me to finish enhancing.

Does this guy have no life? Not my problem, I thought, resuming enhancements. After two pieces, I had about 200 stones left.

The failure rate was higher than expected, leaving me short for the remaining three pieces.

This is driving me nuts.

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: Could you stand up for a sec?]

[Whisper/DontOrderMe > CameToDie: Can’t you just say it?]

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: That’s no fun lol]

“Is he trying to ruin my day? Finding fun in this?”

Isn’t it an unwritten rule not to mess with someone enhancing? Annoyed but holding it in, I stood my character up, and a trade request came from CameToDie.

I hadn’t expected him to trade, so I glanced at his character, puzzled. Did he make me stand because trades don’t work during enhancement? What’s with him, piling more debt on me?

“Whoa.”

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: It’s my heart for you.]

[CameToDie expresses affection toward DontOrderMe.]

Sorry for acting annoyed. No, sorry for getting mad. The trade window held a Berserker-exclusive weapon, +15 Awakened Valhalla’s Obsession, and a bundle of enhancement stones. A +15 awakened weapon with sockets? An item you can’t even buy—and he’s just giving it to me?

“Awakened Obsession…? How much did he spend…”

I couldn’t hit accept.

Even selling everything I own wouldn’t cover this.

Desire clashed with guilt, turning into a heavy burden. After a brief hesitation, I rejected the trade and watched CameToDie’s character collapse in a despair emote as I typed.

[Whisper/DontOrderMe > CameToDie: I can’t take this.]

[Whisper/CameToDie > DontOrderMe: I got it for you ㅠ]

[Whisper/DontOrderMe > CameToDie: How can I take something so expensive? Sell it and gear yourself up.]

What have I done to deserve this? Even the Valhalla set made my heart skip. I’ve got a conscience, you know.

He kept sending trade requests, and I rejected them all, diving back into enhancements. When trades became impossible again, CameToDie unleashed a flurry of emotes, throwing a tantrum.

Honestly… it’s too good to pass up. When would I ever use a +15 weapon? The market price is insane.

He offered it unprompted, so I could just take it. But after the Valhalla set, I’m already half-owned—taking this would chain me forever.

Ignoring his whining, I kept enhancing, burning through stones to get two pieces to +10 and three to +7.

Now for weapons and accessories.

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Anyone up for accessory farming?]

[Guild/CameToDie: I can help.]

[Guild/CameToDie: If you take this, I’ll farm with you till you get accessories.]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Do you owe me something?]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Why’re you giving so much?]

If anyone’s in debt, it’s me—why’s he offering carries? Gamer’s heart be still.

His persistence made me curious about his intentions.

First, a full endgame set, now a rare Berserker weapon, and offering to farm raids with me? People might think it’s a gamer’s love confession.

[Guild/CameToDie: Because I like you!]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Whatever.]

[Guild/CameToDie: ㅠㅠ]

Snorting at his response, I checked the party recruitment window.

My specs should get me into most raids, so I’ll pick one without trolls. Then PotteryMaster and Beta chimed in excitedly.

[Guild/PotteryMaster: What’s this? A couple forming?]

[Guild/Beta: I’m single, and a couple in our guild?!]

[Guild/Beta: I approve this couple ㅎ]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Couple system doesn’t exist in this game.]

They mentioned a couple system in a past stream, but it’s still not out or detailed. No couple mechanics in-game, period.

[Guild/CameToDie: Lolol]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: ?]

[Guild/QuitMyJob: Ohhh lolol it’s real? Lololol]

[Guild/DontOrderMe: Who are you? Do I know you?]

[Guild/Beta: Too much lolol]

Skimming chat, I searched for parties. I don’t remember people unless we’re close, so I don’t know who’s a troll. Checking forums one by one is too much work. Guess I’ll ask guildmates to join.

[Guild/DontOrderMe: So, anyone for farming?]

[Guild/CameToDie: Me!]

“Sigh…”

Is he the only one? Glancing at the chat with a reluctant look, I invited CameToDie to the party. If I weren’t so indebted… Saying no is hard with this guilt.

[Party/CameToDie: Just the two of us now.]

[Party/DontOrderMe: Why talk like that?]

Another trade request came.

Frustration at his persistence mixed with regret over the item. Is this how Zhuge Liang felt when Liu Bei visited thrice? He’d probably say no, but to me, it’s the same.

Sighing heavily, I was about to reject again when a thought hit me.

I accepted the trade. Equipping the weapon instantly, I watched CameToDie bounce around, spamming emotes. He loves those dramatic gestures.

[Party/DontOrderMe: Thanks, I’ll take it.]

[Party/CameToDie: I’m thrilled my heart reached you.]

[Party/DontOrderMe: Now to the arena.]

[Party/CameToDie: Huh?]

He questioned, but I was faster, sending a duel request.

[Party/DontOrderMe: You came to die, right?]

PK raises infamy, so the arena’s the safest place to kill. He must’ve hit accept instantly, as we warped to the arena. Staring at the screen, I rolled my wrists.

Can I beat him? No matter how good my gear is, some things are impossible.

His control suggests I’ll lose unless he goes easy. Class performance, melee vs. ranged, and above all, control—those are the gaps.

[Party/DontOrderMe: No holding back, let’s go.]

[Party/CameToDie: How could I hold back against SoonToDie?]

[Party/CameToDie: I’ll go all out.]

Gripping my fist at his words, I checked my gear, hit ready, and the battle began.

He was already prepped. Charging to close the distance, I unleashed my main skill combo.

Tap-tap-tap! The keyboard echoed in my quiet room.