"What?! There's white equipment?!"
"Backpack? What's a backpack?"
Voices erupted as people crowded around Lucas Kane's stall. The sight of the neatly arranged equipment and Small White Bags left them stunned.
"Is this for real? So many white items… dozens of them?!"
"White equipment? That little bag actually adds ten slots to your backpack? This is… a magical artifact?!"
"No… aren't demonized rats supposed to drop only gray materials? What's going on here?!"
The crowd buzzed with astonishment, all eyes glued to Lucas Kane.
Just then, a tall, handsome middle-aged man approached. He wore a tattered gray Robe, patched in several places, yet his presence carried an undeniable aura of authority.
He scanned the equipment, his eyes widening in shock. Then he looked at Lucas Kane and smiled. "Young man, you are quite lucky to have obtained so much equipment."
Lucas Kane returned a smile. "Do you want to buy it?"
Seeing Lucas Kane unmoved by temptation, the man said no more.
A seasoned businessman, he could assess opportunities at a glance. In a game that impacted the real world, a player like this, generating so much equipment early on, promised a remarkable future.
For someone like him, it was better to ally with him than to confront him. More friends meant more paths—and more profit.
The man extended a hand and introduced himself: "I am Victor Lark, Chairman of NovaTech Holdings."
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"NovaTech Holdings?!""One of the top ten groups in the country, top thirty in the world! It's him!""No wonder he looks familiar. I've seen him on the news—Victor Lark!""Victor Lark is a beta tester?! Big news!"
Lucas Kane's grin widened. A big customer had arrived—someone unlikely to be short of funds. Some players might trade copper coins, but Victor Lark? He could handle anything.
"My name is Lucas Kane. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lark," Lucas Kane said.
Victor Lark bowed slightly. "You're welcome. I'm older, so calling me Brother Lark would be too formal. Call me Brother Victor, if you like."
Lucas Kane froze. Since when could he get a globally ranked chairman to take the initiative to build a closer connection? At work, his superiors treated him like a cog in the machine. Now life felt entirely different.
He smiled and nodded. "Brother Victor."
Victor Lark's eyes brightened. Making friends with Lucas Kane was worth more than any equipment discovery. He said, "I want all of these. Brother Kane, your price is too low. Raise it a little, or I'll feel uneasy."
The crowd froze. Never before had anyone bargained for a higher price. Even Lucas Kane blinked.
He shrugged. "Let's stick to the marked price. Honesty is key. How can we change something clearly labeled?"
Victor Lark's expression softened. "Honesty is indeed the foundation of business. Brother Kane is right."
Just then, a sharp voice interrupted: "Wait!"
Victor Lark frowned, annoyed at the interruption. A tall young man with a crew cut approached, decisive in every step.
Someone from the military? Victor Lark thought.
The young man saluted. "Hello, Mr. Lark! Mr. Kane! I am Brian Wang, Captain of the 7th Squadron of the 3rd Legion of the Blackbird Army!"
Victor Lark's brow furrowed. "Blackbird Army? I've never heard of it in the Orasia Army."
Brian Wang grinned. "That's normal, Mr. Lark. It's a new unit formed by beta testers for cosmic games. We use the Blackbird's rebirth from the ashes as a metaphor, aiming to guide Orasia into a new era of transformation and strength in the gaming age!"
Lucas Kane, Victor Lark, and nearby players exchanged looks, impressed.
Victor Lark relaxed. "Indeed… With your great talent and foresight, it's clear where this is going."
Lucas Kane nodded inwardly. Orasia was no ordinary country. Ruled by House Xia for over three thousand years, it had always been at the forefront during historical turning points like the Industrial Revolution. Today, it stood as one of the two most powerful nations alongside the Barron Empire.
Orasia's citizens were proud, its military strong, and its culture respected worldwide. The Blackbird Army's appearance in this era made perfect sense.
Yet seeing military personnel here was unexpected. Some wealthy onlookers abandoned their trade ambitions, realizing they couldn't outbid Victor Lark. The military, however, represented all of Orasia.
Whispers spread:
"Even the military is involved… things are changing.""Yes, times are changing. Reality will follow."
Victor Lark and Lucas Kane focused on Brian Wang.
"Captain Brian, what brings you here?" Victor Lark asked.
Brian Wang replied earnestly, "Mr. Lark, our Seventh Team needs equipment upgrades. Could you supply us? We'll pay fairly, of course."
Victor Lark exhaled internally. This was inevitable—these were extraordinary times, and the military truly needed equipment. Refusal could cause problems with his superiors.
Positively viewed, it was good for House Lark officials too. He quickly made a decision.
"Of course. The Orasia Army exists to protect our people. If you grow stronger, you will defend Orasia. As a citizen, I will do my duty."
Brian Wang's expression softened with relief. If Victor Lark had refused, House Lark's influence would have complicated things—but he agreed.
He bowed gratefully. "Thank you very much, Mr. Lark!"
Victor Lark waved modestly. "Final approval rests with Brother Kane."
Brian Wang turned to Lucas Kane eagerly. "Brother Kane, please…"
Lucas Kane smiled. "Of course. I am a citizen of Orasia as well. I hope our country prospers and that the spirit of the Orasia Army endures."