MMORPG: REBORN MARK ADVENTURE IN ONLINE GAME

As Mist Low stepped inside The Velvet Fang, the warm scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and exotic spices filled the air. The restaurant was lavishly decorated, with candle-lit chandeliers casting a soft glow over finely polished wooden tables. Velvet drapes hung near the windows, giving the entire place an elegant, almost secretive atmosphere.

Unlike the rowdy taverns filled with adventurers bragging about their exploits, The Velvet Fang catered to wealthy players and high-ranking NPCs. Conversations here were hushed, and the clientele consisted of guild leaders, merchants, and elite players—people who valued privacy.

Mist Low walked up to the receptionist, a well-dressed NPC with slicked-back hair and sharp eyes.

"I'd like a private room," Mist Low said smoothly, sliding a gold coin across the counter.

The receptionist took the coin, examined it briefly, then nodded. "Of course, sir. Right this way."

As the group followed, Daniel frowned. "Why do we need a private room? Are you planning something?"

Mist Low grinned. "Would you rather discuss important matters with every greedy ear in the room listening in?"

Daniel didn't have a comeback for that.

The NPC led them through a hallway, past velvet curtains that separated public dining from the more exclusive areas. At the end of the corridor, he opened a mahogany door and gestured inside.

"This room is soundproof," the NPC said. "No one will hear anything from outside. Your meal will be served shortly."

Mist Low gave a satisfied nod. "Perfect."

As they stepped inside, the difference was immediate. The private room was luxurious— a round table with cushioned seats, a chandelier overhead, and even a window with a view of the town square below.

Ana ran a hand along the table. "This is way fancier than I expected."

Liz sat down, stretching. "I'm not complaining. Let's see what's so important that you had to be dramatic about it."

Daniel, still suspicious, remained standing. "Get to the point, Mist."

Mist Low chuckled as he took his seat, gesturing for the others to do the same.

Raven finally sat, his gaze sharp.

"Alright," he said. "What do you really want to talk about?"

Mist Low's playful smirk faded slightly, replaced by something more serious.

He leaned forward, fingers tapping the table.

"It's about the guild you want to create," he said. "And the forbidden pages we just found."

Silence fell over the room.

Raven's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

Mist Low leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His usual playful smirk was gone, replaced by something more intense—a rare moment of seriousness. His golden eyes locked onto Raven's, sharp and unreadable.

"Before we talk about anything else," Mist Low said, his voice steady, "I have a question for you, Raven."

Raven didn't react immediately. He simply waited.

Mist Low tapped his fingers against the table, then finally asked,

"If one of your guild members was being hunted by not just one, but ten super-rate guilds—"

His eyes gleamed in the dim light.

"—and the Demon King himself wanted them dead… would you still rescue them?"

The room fell into silence.

Daniel stiffened, his instincts screaming that this wasn't just a hypothetical. Ana and Liz exchanged glances, sensing the weight behind Mist Low's words.

Raven, however, didn't flinch.

He leaned back slightly, arms crossed, his expression calm as he met Mist Low's gaze.

"Are they my guild member?" Raven asked.

Mist Low nodded.

"Then," Raven said without hesitation, "I'll save them."

Mist Low's lips curled into a slow smirk, but his eyes remained sharp. "Even if it means going against the entire world?"

Raven's response was immediate. "Yes."

Daniel let out a quiet breath, watching Mist Low carefully.

Ana and Liz? They just smiled.

Mist Low stared at Raven for a moment longer. Then, suddenly—

He laughed.

Not his usual playful chuckle, but something deeper, something genuine.

"Well," he said, leaning back in his chair, "you really are an interesting guy, Raven."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "That's all you wanted to ask?"

Mist Low's grin returned, but there was something else behind it now—respect.

"For now," he said. "But your answer… it means more than you think."

Mist Low leaned back in his chair, spinning a small silver coin between his fingers. His usual smirk returned, but it wasn't the playful, carefree one he usually wore—it was something more unreadable.

"You really are an interesting guy, Raven," he said, his golden eyes gleaming under the dim light. "And I respect your answer. Truly, I do."

Raven narrowed his eyes slightly. He could sense a 'but' coming.

Mist Low flipped the coin one last time, caught it mid-air, then let it vanish between his fingers. He sighed, tilting his head. "But… I'll have to refuse."

The air in the room shifted.

Daniel tensed slightly, Ana and Liz exchanged glances, and Raven remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Joining a guild?" Mist Low chuckled. "That's just not my style."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his fingers laced together. "I've seen too many guilds fall apart. Too many betrayals, too many power struggles. Even the strongest ones eventually collapse under their own weight." His eyes flickered. "And me? I don't do well with chains."

Raven studied him carefully. "You think I'd chain you?"

Mist Low grinned. "No. But the idea of belonging to something? It's just not for me."

Daniel scoffed. "So, what? You'd rather stay a wandering ghost?"

Mist Low turned to him, amused. "A ghost is free, Daniel. No one to answer to, no obligations, no one waiting to stab you in the back. I go where I want, take what I want, and leave when I want. Why would I give that up?"

Ana crossed her arms. "Sounds lonely."

Mist Low's smirk didn't waver, but there was a flicker—just for a second—of something deeper in his gaze. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. "Maybe. But it's better than being trapped."

Raven was quiet for a moment. Then he simply nodded.

"I get it."

Mist Low raised an eyebrow. "Oh? No arguments? No grand speech to change my mind?"

Raven shook his head. "Everyone has their own path. If that's yours, I won't force you."

Mist Low chuckled. "Well, aren't you understanding."

"But," Raven added, his voice firm, "that doesn't mean we won't cross paths again. And when we do…" His eyes sharpened. "I expect you to keep up."

Mist Low's grin widened.

"Raven," he said, standing up and stretching, "you'll have to try very hard to keep up with me."

With that, he turned, walking toward the exit. But just before he left, he glanced back over his shoulder.

"And who knows?" he mused. "Maybe one day, I'll change my mind."

Then, just like that—he was gone