Fantasy Realm – Infinite Worlds Adventure-Chapter 292: Asking for Directions, Stumbling into Hell

“Anyway, logic dictates that the place we’re looking for is pretty central,” Alex says, speaking from experience. “It seems like a very important facility. Maybe not as essential as the trading hub or skill hub, but probably on par with the pet and supporter hubs.”

“Hmmm,” Menchi hums thoughtfully. “I’m used to the wilds, but also big cities. I’d say there are three likely places where it could be. Let me take the lead for once—we don’t have that much time.” She grins confidently.

She skillfully navigates them through the crowded city streets until they stop in front of a large, polished-looking building.

Alex reads the signage and blinks. “Eternal Coffins?! A bank? We can… get a loan here?”

“Shit… I know we’re on a timeline,” he adds, “but let’s quickly head in. If we ever do need a temporary loan, we better know what it’ll cost us.”

Reluctantly, the group agrees and steps inside, curious to learn what the bank actually offers.

To Alex’s absolute shock, they’re immediately greeted by a friendly employee—and she’s a female goblin. Long black hair, emerald green eyes, a beautifully shaped, slightly puffy face, and a sweet, confident expression.

“Welcome, dear customers. I’m Glimmerwhisk. Please, allow me to assist you today,” she says, her voice soft and inviting.

“Can we… get a different employee to help us? I’ve had bad experiences with goblins,” Alex says, his expression troubled.

Glimmerwhisk’s polite smile fades—but only for a second—before she bursts out laughing.

“Haven’t we all? Unfortunately for you, I’m all you’re getting. Everyone here’s a goblin—you’d be hard-pressed to find someone else! Just don’t wet your pants and sit down. Who knows, maybe I’ll brighten your day. You look like someone who’s easily taken advantage of. Here, take my card.” She hands him a small, sleek business card, flashing a real smile this time.

Fuck. She’s cute, confident, smart, down to earth… and I can already tell she’s smart as hell. I’m probably going to get taken advantage of again. A smart man knows when to quit.

“…This isn’t gonna end well. You take over, Tereza!” Alex mutters, stepping back.

“I’ll gladly deal with both of you,” Glimmerwhisk responds, stepping directly in front of Alex. “But now I’m curious, human. You seem interesting. I’d love to hear more about your previous… experiences with goblins.”

“We’re in a hurry,” Menchi says flatly, unimpressed and completely immune to Glimmerwhisk’s banter.

“Oh, of course,” the goblin replies, unfazed, dragging Alex to a nearby counter where she sits down. “Supporter Menchi. A surprising companion—but your personality does seem to pair well with my dear customer here,” she adds, smirking at Alex.

“Anyway, may I have your names, please?” Glimmerwhisk says, her tone slipping back into professional politeness.

“We just want information. We’re not here to make any deals. Sorry, but we won’t be spending a single FC, and we’re not taking out a loan,” Alex replies firmly.

“Of course, you won’t, I’m confident in that,” she says with a wide grin. However, I still need to confirm your identities so I can inform you of the services available to you,” Glimmerwhisk responds smoothly.

“I’m… kinda shy,” Alex mutters, clearly not eager to even give his name.

“I’m Tereza Řezník, and this is Alex Kerber,” Tereza says casually. “Let’s just go with it.”

“…”

Even my name can be used as a weapon. I don’t trust these green menaces. Especially not this one—she’s hella cute and manipulative.

Dearest Soulmate, your Princess Jewel strongly urges you to keep your distance from these nasty green little people. Maybe Jewel would allow you to keep one of them as a pet, but please focus on the current task!

No need to be jealous, Jewel… You’re right. I’ll keep my distance.

“I can see why you’d say you’ve had bad experiences with goblins,” Glimmerwhisk says after checking something on her screen. “You’re blacklisted from engaging in any business with the goblin trade union. Hahaha! You killed a newbie who scammed you? How bold! And you made it through the Realm’s judgment, too? That’s impressive. If you managed to argue your case in front of an administrator, how can you be so wary of a small, young girl like me, huh?”

“So that asshole got me banned…” Alex growls, standing up. “Fuck this. I don’t want to get scammed again anyway.”

“Not so fast, Mr. Kerber—no, Alex,” Glimmerwhisk says sweetly. “I don’t like the way you were taken advantage of either. Let me fix that for you real quick.” She taps her system screen a few times. “There you go. You’re re-established as a VIP customer. You’re free to do business with us—of course.”

“I don’t want to,” Alex snaps back. “Your cute, bright, sweet goblin act switched the second you saw my file. Now you look like you want to swallow me whole. Wouldn’t surprise me if I ended up chained in your apartment, naked, cleaning your stuff while you laugh at me with a wine glass in your hands.”

“You’re kinda acting like a scared kitten, Alex,” Tereza teases, clearly amused.

“If this ‘young’ goblin can remove me from a blacklist and turn me into a VIP customer in seconds, then she’s bound to be a bigshot. Maybe she saw us coming and is aiming for revenge,” Alex says, watching Glimmerwhisk like a hawk.

“See, Alex? You do know how to be careful, also I wouldn’t be drinking wine, but a refreshing pint of ent-sap, while I watch you slave away for all eternity, living as my human pet,” Glimmerwhisk says, voice sugary-sweet. “But surely someone like you wouldn’t fall for any sort of trap. And surely—since you’re in such a hurry—you won’t buy anything, right? Now then, please allow me to explain our varied services…”

Alex stares at Glimmerwhisk in shock, something weird stirring in him as he quickly shakes his head.

“So what do you guys actually do? Loans, I assume?” Tereza asks casually.

“Yes,” Glimmerwhisk responds smoothly. “Every player receives different loan offers, depending on their equipment, status, and overall wealth. Usually, the base rate begins at 20% per mission, which is really quite generous, isn’t it?” she says with a sweet smile.

“Pffft—20% for one mission? You guys are scammers…” Alex scoffs. “But yeah, I guess if someone’s really desperate and needs a few items, it’s borderline acceptable. Let me guess—you also use compounding interest if they can’t repay after the next mission, either, huh?”

“That goes without saying, of course,” she replies with a grin. “However, we also offer various other services. For example, you can pawn your items with us if you don’t want to take out a loan.”

“Interesting… what else?” Tereza asks.

“Well, it’s not exactly unique, but we also offer validated contracts. These require a Realm-registered worker to facilitate them. Most contract prices are fixed by the system itself, which means—no room for trickery, which I’m sure is something you’ll find pleasing,” she says, her gaze briefly lingering on Alex.

Then she turns directly to him. “If you haven’t done so already, you should really sign a few contracts. I see you have a Supporter and a Pet, don’t you? What would happen to them if you were to die? You need insurance.”

“They’d die… I’ve been told,” Alex replies. “Wait, you mean I can buy insurance for myself? Like, to make sure my Supporter and Pet survive if I die? Similar to the revival insurance I got for Jewel?”

“Yes,” Glimmerwhisk confirms. “But this is about you. If you die, your followers and pets will be deleted—or rather, reintegrated into the system. Which sounds a little more hopeful, since a small piece of them may live on in the great system.”

“That’s… grim,” Alex mutters. “So I could insure my life and assign a beneficiary? Someone to receive my possessions, and even my companions?”

“Exactly. You can transfer ownership to another player and ensure a portion of your possessions persist after death. Of course, should they choose to accept them, they’ll need to pay some fairly heavy system fees. These contracts merely allow the possibility—the rest is up to the player.”

“How much?” Alex asks.

Dearest Soulmate, this is not necessary!

“You don’t need to do this, Alex,” Menchi echoes at the same time.

“Yes, I do. Both of you, give it up—I’m doing this, whether you like it or not!” Alex says firmly.

“You can only assign one beneficiary,” Glimmerwhisk explains. “If you ever want to change it, you’ll have to pay again. The costs are as follows:

Supporters: 10,000 FC

Pets: 10,000 FC

Personal Possessions: 5,000 FC

The prices are low because these contracts only enable the transfer. Your beneficiary would still need to pay a considerable sum to claim anything.”

“Give me the contracts. All three. I’ll pay the 25,000 FC,” Alex declares without hesitation.

“…”

Everyone goes quiet, staring at him. Even Jewel is unusually silent.

Jewel doesn’t want to stay alive if her Soulmate dies…

“At least avenge me, and help your friends. Maybe—someday—you could even bring me back, if I die,” Alex says, resolute.

“Fine,” Menchi sighs. “It won’t come to that. But if it gives you peace of mind.…”

“One for me as well,” Tereza adds.

“Coming right up~ Looks like you did spend some FC after all, how long will it take before you end up with chains in my bed? I really wonder, and can’t quite wait for that,” Glimmerwhisk says with a knowing grin before adding, “and let’s be honest I see it in your face, that’s something you’d actually like, huh? Wouldn’t life be so much easier? I can pull you out of this Mission-business, risking your life… all that complicated stuff. Just become my slave, what do you say human?”

“I say, you are quite delusional if you think I’d accept this. Also you are full of shit. You’d instantly lose interest in someone as pathetic as that who would just give his life away, you barely even know me,” Alex responds.

“You are right indeed. That was just a joke, of course. Please struggle to the very end, continue to impress me, and at the very end, I’ll maybe stretch out a helping hand and get a trophy worthy of myself,” Glimmerwhisk says with a crazed smile, staring into Alex’s eyes.

This bitch is sick!

Princess Jewel knew she was a lunatic. She is no Peasant, Soulmate, please avoid her! She is dangerous!

“Move on! Stop your games already! Also keep your hands off my possessions. I thought the workers here wouldn’t try to openly steal!” Tereza barks, clearly pissed.

“Oh, so you are already taken? This will be a little more complicated then, anyway please sign here,” Glimmerwhisk says as she hands them their contracts and points towards the bottom of them.

Alex and Tereza shut up, nodding at each other and sign the contracts, after reviewing them thoroughly. They’re as basic as possible—no tricks, no hidden traps.

“Can I ask you for one more small favor?” Alex says, looking at Glimmerwhisk.

“Oh? Sorry, Alex. I don’t engage in that kind of business,” she teases, giving him a playful, flirty smile. “But we can set up a proper date later. Let’s start with dinner and move on to more… interesting things, okay?”

“…Where’s the place where we can Rank-Up items?” Alex says flatly, not taking the bait.

“Boring human, aren’t you?” she sighs dramatically, before rolling her eyes and giving him the directions.

As the group prepares to leave, Glimmerwhisk escorts them to the entrance and hands Alex her card again, a slightly different one, which seems to contain her private contact details.

“Contact me anytime, Alex. I have a feeling you’ll need my help soon. And please—make some decent reservations. If the meal costs less than 100 FC, I won’t bother showing up.”

“I hope it doesn’t come down to that… but I’ll take it. Thanks for your help. Whatever your true intentions may be, you really did help me out today,” Alex says as they step out of the bank—leaving behind a creepily smiling Glimmerwhisk.

That was worth it… but damn, money’s getting tighter and tighter.

Fantasy Coins: 82,500 Soul Crystals: Small x7 Medium x9