Overgeared: Saharan Successor

Chapter 59: The Marquis's Invitation

After the long night out, Odin groaned softly as the morning light filtered into his bedroom, hitting him squarely in the eyes. He rolled over, clutching his forehead. 

His head throbbed, a clear reminder that he maybe shouldn't drink that much. Stumbling out of bed, he ran a hand over his face, muttering, "First things first… paracetamol."

Making his way to the bathroom cabinet, he found the little white pills and quickly popped one with a glass of water, sighing with relief as he let it settle in. But he knew he needed more than a pill to shake the haze. 

A solid workout, followed by the shock of a cold plunge, would do the trick.

He changed into his workout gear, wearing a fitted black tank and athletic shorts. In the penthouse's private gym, he started with some light stretches, loosening his muscles before ramping up with a series of high-intensity circuits—sprints, kettlebell swings, and pull-ups. 

Sweat began to bead on his skin as he pushed through, focusing on each rep until he felt a renewed sense of clarity.

Finally, he walked to his cold plunge pool, took a deep breath, and lowered himself, the chill shocking his body awake. He closed his eyes, feeling the lingering fog lift from his mind, leaving only a sharp, focused clarity.

"Now, that's better," he muttered, stepping out and grabbing a towel. After a quick, brisk shower to rinse off, he felt refreshed, the hangover remnants fading away.

***

Fully reinvigorated, Odin moved to his VR setup in the living room—a state-of-the-art rig that occupied a prominent space in his penthouse. Adjusting himself in the VR Capsule, he took a deep breath and entered Satisfy World. 

As the world loaded, he was instantly transported back into his private room at the Serpent's Fang Tavern.

The familiar ambiance of the tavern room wrapped around him. The faint flicker of candlelight, the worn wood floors, and the lingering aroma of alcohol and food were hitting his keen senses. 

He looked around the room, noting the remnants of last night's encounter with Eve. The bathtub was almost half its capacity, while the wooden floor and some carpets were damp in water. The bedding of the 'luxurious' bed was also ravaged.

Then, a couple of bottles of wine were on the table, and a few empty glasses lay scattered across the room. 

He smirked, a trace of satisfaction crossing his face as he remembered the evening.

He'd have to make it up to the innkeeper with some extra gold coins for all the cleaning the maids would do.

As Odin stood in his room, a faint, familiar presence stirred in the back of his mind. Braham's voice, dripping with impatience and irritation, echoed into his consciousness.

[What took you so long to return?] Braham's voice sounded almost like a reprimand but with a touch of the timeless boredom he was notorious for. [You can't imagine how tedious it is to be confined to this… blank space, with nothing but my thoughts.]

Odin rolled his eyes, running a hand through his hair as he glanced around the room, letting Braham vent a little before he replied. 

'Time passes faster here, remember? Hours for you feel like minutes for me back in my world.' 

He shot back, giving a half-hearted apology. 'Besides, it's not like I keep track of every single time you're on 'pause.'

'You're in my Mental World, so… I'd say that's your problem, not mine.'

Braham scoffed, and Odin could feel the displeasure ripple through his mind like a slight static shock. [My problem? Do you even understand what it's like to be locked away in this mind-numbing limbo, deprived of any stimulation beyond your occasional, sloppy thoughts? Just when I thought I had escaped that stasis, I'm brought back into a silent rest.]

[For a great magician such as myself, it's maddening.]

Odin grinned as he took a seat, leaning back and enjoying the frustrated grumblings of his passenger. 'So figure out a way to entertain yourself, then,' he replied casually, lifting a bottle of wine left from last night's indulgence and inspecting it with a raised brow. 

'Think up some new spells or something. Study alchemy. Meditate.' 

He waved a hand dismissively as though he was suggesting Braham pick up a hobby while he was away enjoying life.

Braham growled, clearly unsatisfied. [You oversimplify what I am capable of. My genius isn't something you simply… 'amuse' for the sake of boredom.]

Odin shrugged, smirking as he took a sip from the bottle. 

'Well, how about this… Why don't you try... well, let's call it 'self-reflection'?'

'You've got centuries of magical prowess, right? So, who knows? Maybe you'll finally come up with that unbeatable spell while I'm out. I know, let's call it God-Slayer Magic.'

'Or, if you're really desperate, I don't know—masturbate?' 

He laughed, half-joking, but knowing that a suggestion like that would get under Braham's skin.

Braham's silence lasted only a second, simmering with barely restrained indignation. 

[Masturbate?] 

His tone was utter disbelief, as though he was appalled to his core. 

[The very idea is beneath me. Do you truly have no idea of the depths of your ignorance? A great soul like mine is hardly meant to wallow in… base desires.]

Odin's smirk widened, relishing in his reaction. 'I'm not the one complaining about boredom here. Just thought you could use a… distraction.'

Braham's voice was frosty with disdain. [Distract yourself, perverted fool. I will find a way to use this confinement, even if it's just tolerating your insolence until I regain my freedom.]

"Glad to hear you're finally finding your stride, old man."

Making his way out, Odin closed the door behind him and walked to the bar, where the innkeeper was busy polishing a set of tankards.

The innkeeper glanced up and gave him a quick nod. "Morning, Sir Odin. Late night, I take it?"

Odin chuckled, placing a few gold coins on the bar. "Yes, a bit of one. Consider this extra for the cleanup. I'm sure the room's seen better days."

The innkeeper's eyes twinkled as he scooped up the coins. "Much appreciated, m'lord. Discretion is my specialty, as you well know. I'll have it sorted by the time you return."

"Good man," Odin replied, glancing at the patrons waiting for their morning meals. "While you're at it, I could use a breakfast to accompany my return. Make it hearty."

The innkeeper nodded and called out to the kitchen, "Hearty morning platter, comin' right up!"

A few moments later, Odin was seated at the bar, enjoying the hot plate set before him. The System Window appeared as he tore into a warm loaf of bread, detailing his current stats.

[Hunger Meter: 60/100]

[New meal detected: Tavern's Morning Platter. Satisfyin restores 40 hunger points.]

[You have 104 unread messages from your 'friends.' You have (+999) unread messages from strangers.]

While eating, he made sure to check the unread messages from his guildmates and friends, but focusing more on the important news.

They were from the Aesir members, giving him feedback on what had happened since he entrusted them with the task of turning Braham's Labyrinth #1 into one of the Guild's Strongholds inside the Saharan Empire.

⤷ Ellyssaria: I've arrived at the central chamber with a few of our mages, and we've secured a stable base. Preparations for the Portal Array are well underway.

⤷ Xoroth: Set up an undead patrol near the labyrinth entrance. If any rival guilds try to enter, they'll have a hard time getting past us. Also, we could use some reinforcements if things heat up.

⤷ Baldur: I will not move from Talima until I get Anders' report on the quality of the ore in this Labyrinth. Also, send me the crafting materials and enhancement stones; I need them for a new project.

⤷ LunchBox: I'll settle my business inside Dewars and get the first portal to Fullbaz. It might take 2 more days until I get to explore the chambers.

Another window flashed before him, recapping key guild developments since his absence. Lines of neatly arranged updates on his guild members' activities, resource status, and mission objectives scrolled past. Each one is color-coded for priority. 

His eyes narrowed in focus as he scanned the data.

[Portal Array Status: 45% CompletionDefensive Measures: 70% PreparedOperational Staff Status: Active and Engaged]

As Odin tore into his breakfast, savoring the hearty flavors, a subtle chime echoed in his ears, and a System Notification appeared in the corner of his vision.

[You have been invited to join Ellyssaria's Party.]

[Accept? Yes | No]

Since the last party he was leading was disbanded because, eventually, everyone logged out, he could see that some of the newbies he took under his wing were online, including Purphoros and Malfurion. 

With a slight grin, Odin tapped "Yes," watching the System Window flicker as his interface shifted to display his party members' names, levels, and general locations. 

Immediately, his chat lit up with enthusiastic greetings.

[Members/Class: Ellyssaria (Frost Mage), Xoroth (Death Knight), Rogue (Hex Witch), Veradin (Necromancer), LunchBox (Reaper), Baldur (Forger), Kebab4Life (Magic Spearman)]

⤷ Ellyssaria: Welcome back, Odin! Hope your morning's off to a decent start.

⤷ Xoroth: My lord, it's about time you returned! The undead legion near the labyrinth entrance is coming along smoothly. I had slayed most of the Goblins, Trolls, and Hobgoblins roaming around the Wyrnwoods, turning them into Ghouls.

⤷ Odin: Good to be back, everyone. Sounds like progress is moving in the right direction. How's the Portal Array, Elly?

⤷ Ellyssaria: Almost halfway there! I've got a group of elite mages working on it. You'll have instant access to every Leviathan outpost once we're done. The Headquarters in Titan will be linked to this Stronghold.

⤷ Baldur: So you know, I will not move from Talima. Also, if the reports are worth my time, I want the best tools before I begin mass extraction.

Baldur was still holing himself inside Talima, the Capital City of the Dwarven Kingdom, but he sent his trusted aides to assess the worth of the Labyrinth's Mines before he made a move himself since he was a busy blacksmith.

Meanwhile, with Xoroth, he opened the news feed for Satisfy World and saw articles related to him, as he was spotted stepping out from a Magic Portal that belonged to the Necromancer Guild while raiding his undead warhorse.

[A Dark Ommen: Xoroth, Leviathan's Death Knight, Spotted Entering Fullbaz]

Locals describe the scene as "straight out of a horror story," as Xoroth emerged on his undead warhorse, a spectral apparition that left Fullbaz citizens in awe and panic. Rumors are already spreading. What could Leviathan's Death Knight want in Fullbaz?

Has he arrived in Fullbaz at Odin's Summons for the Monster Wave Event?

Curious, Odin clicked the article, where the description grew more colorful. 

It detailed how Xoroth, clad in dark, gleaming armor with eerie purple hues, had emerged from the portal on a skeletal warhorse surrounded by an unnatural fog. His arrival had drawn the attention of both players and NPCs, with some players who didn't know much about this New World whispering that Leviathan was hellbent on conquering Fullbaz Marquisate.

The news feed continued with an embedded comment section from players who had witnessed or heard about Xoroth's arrival. 

Odin read through the reactions, chuckling to himself.

⤷ Bloodreaver89: Bro, I saw him. Thought it was a special event or something, but then I realized it was Xoroth himself. Freakin' terrifying!

⤷ Duskblade: No wonder Leviathan keeps climbing the ranks. They make entrances like no one else. Respect to Xoroth. That dude's committed to his aesthetic.

⤷ IronPick22: Lmao! Heard some of the dumb NPCs in Fullbaz freaked out, thinking a Death Knight would sack the whole town. Wonder what they're planning next…

⤷ GhostlyArcher: Imagine the power flex! If Xoroth's there, it's only a matter of time before more Leviathan members appear. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of the guild.

⤷ Alchemist_Mara: I'm a merchant, and let me tell you, sales in Fullbaz spiked because everyone was buying up weapons and defensive items for the Monster Wave Event. Xoroth showing up is practically free marketing!

Back in the party chat, Xoroth was casual. He didn't put much thought into how he arrived since he was a punctual individual. If his Lord was telling him to jump, he would ask how high; this is how much Xoroth respected Odin.

⤷ Odin: A small nitpick. You could at least unsummon 'Pluton' when you took the portal, but it's not affecting us so much.

⤷ Xoroth: Guess I'm famous now. I just wanted to reach the labyrinth in style. Can't a guy travel on his undead steed without causing a fuss?

⤷ Ellyssaria: You have a flair for dramatic entrances, Xoroth. You'll give my PR team a run for their money.

⤷ Rogue: Oh, please. They're probably grateful. That's one way to keep rival guilds wary.

Taking his time eating, he scrolled down the comments and noticed a familiar user name belonging to a top player inside Satisfy who had a history with his teammate. 

Nightbane92: Xoroth, if you're reading this, get ready to duel me. I'm coming for you in Fullbaz.

'This guy is persistent for a Death Knight. If it wasn't for the fact Xoroth doesn't like him, I would have extended an invitation to him. Maybe if they settle their scores, they might warm up to each other.'

'Eventually, it might happen, but it is not as if I can force them like they are children to be nice to one another.'

As Odin finished his meal, savoring the last bites of the hearty breakfast while tinkering with his own Status Window, he heard the distinctive clanking of armor and the steady, rhythmic march of heavy boots. 

[Status Window]

[Name: Odin / Class: Saharan Successor]

[Level: 101 (138,650/257,700) / Title: One who Became a Legend, Sovereign of Red Energy, Black Knight, Knight Slayer, Battle-Tested Soldier]

***

[Health: 20,476/20,476 | Mana: 11,160/11,160]

-----------------------------------

[Strength: 1038 | Stamina: 534 | Agility: 1038 | Intelligence: 1340

Composure: 125 | Charm: 125 | Dignity:174 | Insight: 225

Persistence: 180 | Indomitable: 200 | Diplomacy: 50 | Political Power: 50

Persuasion: 125 | Willpower: 25 | Red Energy: 10 ]

-----------------------------------

Available Stat Points: 0

***

Weight: 13,540/22,940

* If the weight limit exceeds 200%, movement speed is reduced by 100%.

The body will be heavy and incapable of exerting any power properly.

The probability of receiving the 'weakened' state will become really high.

★ Stats with the golden ratio will give the User a greater boost to their power based on their synergy. While Strength and Agility are in a golden ratio, the user's physical damage will increase by 20%, attack speed will increase by 15%. critical chance hit will increase by 10%, evasion rate will increase by 5%.

***

'With this weight, I could wear the Armor of Despair without being slowed down, and only being penalized with halved stats on the item piece.'

' — Search Inventory. Armor of Despair.'

[Armor of Despair (+7)]

Rating: Unique

Durability: 465/624 | Defense: 672

* Attack Power will increase by 10%

* Stamina will rise by +300

* Darkness Attack and Spell Resistance: +25%

* Physical Damage Reduction: 30%

★ Enemies within 15 meters have their attack speed reduced by 10% and critical hit chance reduced by 5%.

★ The skill 'Aegis Ward(S+)' will be generated. Active - 650 MP (Cooldown: 5 minutes.): Forms an indomitable barrier that nullifies incoming damage up to 50,000/50,000 damage from all incoming attacks while the shield's duration is 60 seconds.

★ The Passive 'Despair's Aura (S+)' will be generated. Emits an oppressive aura that weakens the resolve of nearby enemies, reducing the attack power and magic power of enemies within 10 meters by 10%.

★ The Passive 'Weight of the Abyss(SS)' will be generated. The armor grows heavier with each kill, empowering the wearer but reducing mobility. For each enemy defeated, gain +1% strength (capped at 20%) but reduce movement speed by 1% per stack (stacks reset after leaving combat).

Forged with the soul shard of an abyss demon, it radiates an oppressive aura that saps the courage of enemies and fortifies the resolve of its wearer. Its dark plating, veined with crimson energy, seems to pulse like a heartbeat, feeding on the despair of battle. 

This armor is a prized heirloom of any Knight who raises to the ranks of Black Knight, embodying the tenacity and dread of its wielder.

``The greatest despair is to see hope crumble before your eyes. The Black Knight knows this well, for despair is their shield, and vengeance is their blade.``

User Restriction: Level 180 or higher and having the Title 'Black Knight'

Weight: 5,450

***

Shifting his attention away from the system interface and his main armor piece, which he could finally wield after his level reset, where he meticulously added each of his stat points, maintaining his golden ratio, he then turned slightly toward the newcomers.

He saw a middle-aged man with a full beard, holding onto a Halberd full of Magic Runes at its handle, enter the Tavern. This caused some players to stop what they were doing and look at the newcomer as he was flanked by a retinue of knights in full plate armor.

Each knight bore the Fullbaz Marquisate's crest on their tabards, a fierce serpent coiling around a shield.

Around them, players and NPC patrons alike exchanged glances, the tension thickening as Kebab's entourage, clad in gleaming plate armor emblazoned with the Fullbaz serpent crest, stood by in rigid formation. 

The knights exuded the quiet confidence of experienced soldiers. Still, there was an unmistakable edge in their demeanor, their nervous yet prideful anticipation at escorting such a guest to the Marquis himself. 

A few murmurs drifted through the tavern, players speculating on whether this was another event or storyline in the making and NPCs whispering with wide-eyed apprehension.

Odin looked at Kebab, a faint smirk crossing his face as he noted the faint grin tugging at his friend's lips.

"Got a special delivery, boss," Kebab said, his voice thick with amusement as he nodded toward the knights. I spoke with the Marquis while you were offline, and I got him interested in meeting you—the legendary Red-Eyed Knight." His eyes gleamed with a familiar mischief. 

"He wants to see you because he's got a proposal for you."

"A proposal?" Odin echoed, raising an eyebrow. "And I'm guessing it's not just about the Monster Wave. This sounds like more… politics." His tone dropped, a faint edge of distaste in his voice. "You know I hate getting dragged into high-noble affairs."

Kebab shrugged, but his eyes held a spark. "Didn't say much, but he hinted that you might be… particularly interested. Said it was related to an 'enemy of yours.' Don't ask who," he added quickly, "because he kept that part nice and cryptic."

"An enemy of mine, huh?" Odin mused, fingers tapping thoughtfully on the mug. His gaze sharpened with intrigue, but a low sigh followed as he eyed his half-finished steak. "Fine, I'll meet the Marquis. But first, I'll finish my steak. Let's not have this go to waste."

One of the NPC knights, a younger man with a stern expression, took a bold step forward. His voice was clipped, authoritative. "Sir Odin," he interjected, "it would be disrespectful to make His Excellency wait." His words were laced with impatience as his gaze lingered on Odin's meal, suggesting that a swift departure was in order.

Kebab's expression darkened, and in one swift movement, he swung his halberd across the knight's path, blocking his advance. The runes along its shaft shimmered faintly, and the tavern seemed to fall even quieter, every gaze locked on the tense standoff.

"Mind your manners," Kebab said coolly, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "While the Guildmaster's eating, don't disturb him. You wouldn't want me to teach you proper manners, would you?"

The knight hesitated, face paling slightly, though his eyes narrowed with barely veiled indignation. A faint sweat broke along his brow as he held his ground, seemingly torn between rebuking Kebab's insubordination and respecting the Guildmaster's authority.

Odin gave a low chuckle, amused by Kebab's defense but sensing the knight's tension. 

Setting his fork down, he deliberated, polishing off the last of the steak, relishing the final bite. He then reached for his mug, downing the rest of his Dwarven mead, savoring its deep, earthy notes before setting the empty mug back on the bar with a light thud.

"Alright," he said, rising to his full height with a faint smile as he adjusted his coat. "No need to get riled up over a meal. Gentlemen, let's not keep the Marquis waiting."

The knight, visibly relieved, inclined his head respectfully, quickly stepping aside. He avoided Kebab's gaze, though a glimmer of resentment still lingered in his expression. Kebab stepped beside Odin, offering a subtle grin as they made their way to the tavern's exit.

"You know," Kebab said quietly as they passed through the door, "not many people get away with snapping at a Marquis's knights and living to tell the tale. Your reputation is already so high that they would rather bite their tongues than act hostile."

Odin smirked, clapping Kebab's shoulder. "And not many men would challenge a knight in full plate armor over a steak. You're either brave or foolish, my friend."

"Not really, I think I can take all of them down even if they are Elite NPCs."

"And then lose all the reputation you farmed in Fullbaz? Tsk, tsk, you're full of crap nowadays."

Kebab shrugged, his grin widening. "Guess I'll hold myself back and not farm that Legendary Achievement."

"Which one?"

"Knight Reaper, of course."

"Just settle for Knight Slayer just like I've done it."