Lorian and Rena were walking down the hallway. There was a strange silence lingering between them. Lorian could sense that Rena wanted to say something, but her sense of aristocratic decorum was likely stopping her from speaking to her Lord without being asked.
"If you have something to share, speak up!" Lorian offered, not looking at her.
"Yes, my Lord... I mean, no... I mean..." she was startled.
"What do you think of those two girls?" Lorian asked, giving her another opening.
"Yes, my Lord," there was an undertone of cheerfulness in her voice now, "I personally liked the girl Vespera. She is confident, direct, wears her heart on her sleeve, and has a clear vision!"
Army girls, Lorian thought to himself with a smile, "I thought you would be offended by her claims- specifically her belief in Elven superiority over humans."
"Oh, not at all, my Lord," she smiled, "A good soldier should always take pride in their ability. That is the source of confidence and courage, even against overwhelming odds!"
"Fair point," Lorian nodded, "Remember to instruct Admiral Vorlag Vane to meet me before you return to your station."
"As you command, my Lord!" Rena took the order.
"What about the other girl?" Lorian asked.
"I felt bad for her. I used to believe the Elves had a more open society than ours. I didn't know their conditions were even worse! But..." she paused, searching for the right words, "I didn't like her hesitation regarding loyalty. However, she is at least honest and compassionate. I'll give her that."
"Right you are," Lorian said, "It is not always easy to discard your ties."
"So... would you?" Rena stopped in her tracks, looking directly into Lorian's eyes.
"Again? Do you too really think me a monster?" Lorian was surprised, "Do you as well truly think I would enslave a race or send them to extinction for my greed, as she suggested?"
"No, I didn't mean that..." she fumbled, then giggled before catching herself. She was likely remembering the earlier incident with Sylfia. Lorian realized that the 'creep' misunderstanding was going to be spicy news in the Spire for the next few days, and he was okay with that. He just smiled and kept walking.
That night, when he was alone in his room, he began pulling the lever. Rewards kept showering down. He received hundreds of rare, non-magical herbs, silver ore, and small pouches of high-quality trade spices. Beside these, he won several special rewards. Among them were 'Hidden Details' and 'Architect's Glimmer,' which he was already acquainted with.
However, he also pulled a bunch of new special rewards-
- Market Whisper: Provides a hunch regarding imminent price fluctuations of goods.
- Social Echo: Provides minor but authentic gossip or rumors. These wouldn't reveal grand conspiracies, but they offered actionable intel.
- Pocket Lint of Persuasion: A minor utility that makes a person just a little more receptive to a very minor request.
- Whispering Compass: Subtly vibrates and points toward the nearest unclaimed, naturally occurring valuable resource within a few miles.
- Moment of Clarity Potion: Sharpens the mind for 15 minutes of intense focus.
- Bargainer's Charm: Bolsters persuasion skills for one hour.
- Diversionary Dust: Essentially flash-bang pouches used to create an opening to run or strike.
However, more than the rewards, Lorian was more focused on the machine itself tonight. Azal'Gul had told him the Mystic Slot Machine would upgrade after enough coins were used. Lorian felt that 1,200 coins had to be enough for a tier upgrade. He kept pulling until his hands went numb. Eventually, he grew so sleepy that his hands began pulling the lever automatically.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but suddenly, a bright light forced his eyes open. The Mystic Slot Machine was glowing with a golden light so intense it looked like it might explode. He pulled the lever again. A rare herb popped out, and the glow increased. Another pull. Brighter still. Suddenly, the machine was radiating a blinding, solid light. Lorian clenched his teeth, grabbed the red-hot lever, and pulled.
The machine literally exploded.
Lorian was terrified. Did I break it? Was I supposed to let it cool down? The room went pitch black. An eerie silence loomed. Lorian could hear his own heartbeat. Suddenly, a solid string of golden light appeared, like a laser pointing from the ceiling to the floor. The point of light expanded into a circle, then into a massive cone.
A lady appeared in the light. Lorian's jaw hit the floor.
Are you kidding me? Jessica Rabbit?
She was wearing shimmering, floor-length red sequins and purple gloves that reached past her elbows. Her face was shadowed by a thick volume of crimson hair. She walked toward Lorian with an iconic, seductive femme fatale poise.
"Congratulations, Lorian!" she chirped in a seductive voice, making dramatic gestures, "You have successfully upgraded your Mystic Slot Machine! It's bigger, better, and much more... magical."
A new Slot Machine appeared out of thin air. It felt more powerful, more ancient. She walked around it, running a gloved finger along its smooth metallic body.
"New rewards have been added to your existing prize pool- luxury items, rare boons, and much more! But here's the best part, sugar; your old rewards haven't gone anywhere. They're still in the pool, but with a special 'VIP' touch. From now on, any lower-tier rewards you pull will have double the duration, efficiency, or charge."
She stopped in front of him, leaning in and playfully flicking the tip of his nose, "May the upgraded machine help you reach those big, ambitious goals of yours. You're playing in the high-roller lounge now, Prince."
She paused, leaned back, and gave him a slow, deliberate wink. Lorian noticed her eyes were glowing like fire.
"And a little disclaimer from the management," she whispered, "Slot machines are addictive, Lorian. Play with care... or don't. I personally like a man who knows how to gamble."
The spotlight vanished. The room returned to darkness, save for the new machine glowing like a giant glowstick. Lorian was wondering whether to try it when a familiar voice whispered in his ear.
"Did ya like it, man?"
Lorian jumped and turned around. 'Jessica Rabbit' was standing behind him, her face was now visible in the glow. It was Azal'Gul.
"You ugly demon!" Lorian threw a punch that passed right through the demon's holographic form.
Azal'Gul pouted, "What, am I not good-looking?" Before Lorian could shout, the demon put a finger to Lorian's lips and mocked his voice, "No, my Lord, I don't think of you as a creep or a lecher!"
"I'll kill you, crazy demon!" Lorian lunged, falling through the hologram and onto the bed. He rolled onto his back, "That's not fair, man!"
Azal'Gul vanished and reappeared, lying on the bed beside Lorian in his usual attire.
Lorian looked at him and smiled, "You are loco, man. You know that?"
"Being alone can be torturous, man," Azal'Gul replied, staring at the ceiling.
"I understand," Lorian said, locking his eyes on the roof as well, "Most people around me see me as their superior, someone far away. I'm a Lord of a small city, and even I find the loneliness a bit much. And you... you're..."
"Anyway, bro," Azal'Gul interrupted, "Sorry for the delayed congratulations on your coronation and the upgrade."
"Thanks, man. I hope there are better prizes." Lorian grinned.
"In the hands of a master swordsman, even a butter knife is deadly," Azal'Gul smirked, "I can't give you details, but you should speed up your game. Troubled times are coming. This time, your father won't be there to save you if you mess up."