Lily stared at the staff for a few seconds, then looked back at Mike.
"You're really full of secrets," she said.
Mike shrugged.
"Everyone who survives has a few."
She held the Black Mithril Staff properly now, testing its weight.
"It feels… good. Way better than my old one."
"Epic gear usually does," Mike replied. "It should boost your mana control too."
Lily nodded.
"Yeah, I can feel it already."
She paused, then looked at him seriously.
"Thanks, Mike. Really."
Mike waved it off.
"You gave me an Epic skill book first. This just makes it fair."
Lily smiled.
"Then don't complain when I start leveling even faster."
Mike chuckled.
"I'll just have to work harder."
They sat quietly for a moment, eating and resting.
After a while, Lily spoke again.
"So what's your plan now?"
Mike shrugged.
"Me? No real plan, actually. I'll just drift wherever Origin World takes me."
She looked at him seriously.
"I'm serious."
