MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist

Azazel sighed in relief as he savored a hearty meal in the bar. "You really saved us back there. I thought we were done for."

Lorelai was nursing a bottle of beer, and retorted, "And whose fault was it that we almost bit the dust?"

Apologizing with a grin that betrayed no remorse, Desira nonchalantly admitted, "My bad. Oops."

However, any semblance of sorry wasn't on her face as Desira clung to Azazel, her expression lacking the remorse her words suggested. She seemed utterly lovestruck, rubbing her cheeks against Azazel's arm like an overenthusiastic cat.

Vivi, not one to mince words, took a swig of her beer. "Hey, Desira, could you maybe not squeeze Lord Azazel as if you're trying to suffocate him?"

Completely oblivious to the comment, Desira only tightened her hold on Azazel, declaring, "Suffocate him with my love! Kya!"

Elena was observing the spectacle, and turned to Vivi and asked, "Is he always subjected to this?"

Vivi sighed, "Unfortunately, yes."

"I'm surprised Azazel didn't notice her feelings, considering how she clings to him like a bloodsucking leech," Lorelai remarked dryly.

Vivi casually shrugged. "Lord Azazel is already used to it. Like I said, he doesn't spend much time overthinking Desira's actions."

Elena flashed a suggestive smile in response to Lorelai's remark. "Well, somebody's jealous."

Lorelai's expression soured. "Huh?! Jealous? Of that guy?! If I have to choose and he were the last man on this world, I'd rather end my life," she retorted with dry disdain.

Elena smirked knowingly. "Are you sure? Look at Azazel now. He's grown taller and has a more mature appearance. The boy we first saw is long gone. I can see why Desira is in love with him."

Lorelai, Elena, and Vivi turned their gaze toward Azazel. His dark skin gleamed, white hair fluttering, and a few strands framed his defined face. His bones and muscles had filled out, and he had gained additional height.

However, the handsome sight was overshadowed by the fact that he was devouring his food like a pig, lacking any semblance of class. His handsomeness took a hit as he wiped his mouth with his hands and downed a bottle of beer until he choked.

Lorelai stuck out her tongue. "Yep. I'd rather die."

Elena and Vivi shared a chuckle.

As the others chatted, Ren and Evie delved into a discussion about the Netherworld.

"It seems our survival truly rests on Azazel's shoulders," Ren commented.

Evie nodded in agreement. "Indeed. If we want to obtain the other recipes, we need to ensure he stays safe and alive."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Azazel suddenly choked, jabbing his chest in an attempt to dislodge the food stuck in his throat.

"Lord Azazel!" Panic filled Desira and Vivi as they rushed to him, offering a glass of water to the gasping and coughing man.

"Here, my lord, drink this water!" Vivi exclaimed.

Desira forcefully pushed Vivi aside. "No, drink mine. It tastes much better and is way more nutritious."

"How can water be nutritious?" Vivi asked incredulously, adding a side comment. "Does it contain the milk from your enormous breasts? Or did you add something to it with your weird potions?"

"Shut up, midget. What I add in here is none of your business."

"So you really did add something!" Vivi was appalled. "Is it an aphrodisiac again? Or another love potion?"

While the two argued, Azazel continued to struggle for breath until Lorelai smacked his back so hard that a large chunk of bone flew out of his mouth. 

Azazel heaved a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat off his face as he recovered. 

"Phew, thanks. You saved me there," Azazel grinned and laughed before returning to his food as if nothing had happened.

Ren and Evie observed the scene with stoic expressions, and Evie reiterated her earlier point, "We have to ensure that he stays alive, if not safe, at the very least."

Ren nodded in agreement.

"By the way, how are the recipes you've obtained from Desira?" Evie inquired.

Ren's expression turned solemn. "It's mostly potions and items for romance. Nothing really useful."

"I see . . . Considering she's the Warlord of Lust, it's no wonder," Evie said.

Ren nodded. "Looks like we'll have to find another Warlord to get those recipes that are actually useful to us."

Evie gently took Ren's hand into hers. "Don't worry; we'll definitely have them by the end of the week."

Ren forced a smile. It was her way of reassuring him, a subtle message not to worry too much. 

Over time, he had learned to read the signs and hidden language she conveyed without vocalizing.

With a girlfriend who preferred actions over words and wore a stoic expression more often than not, Ren had developed the skills to understand her unspoken thoughts.

It was part of the job being her boyfriend. 

"So what are you going to do with those potions?" Evie inquired.

Ren responded, "They're still useful in auctions. Charms and love potions are popular for controlling enemies, after all."

"I see. Elena might help with the crafting too, especially since her elven race adds more traits to the finished item," Evie suggested.

Ren paused, a hint of surprise in his gaze. 

"What?" Evie asked. 

"You're okay with Elena now?" Ren inquired.

Evie nodded, smiling. "Yeah. She's a great woman. Once I got past her clinginess to you, she's fun to be with. Besides, she's helped and given me lots of items."

Ren smiled wryly. So, it was the items.

He truly didn't know what to make of their friendship. While he was relieved that they were now close and Evie had overcome her jealousy, it appeared that he was now feeling a twinge of jealousy himself over Elena getting close to Evie.

And what did Evie mean by her words? It sounded like he was being replaced by Elena's items, at least from what she had said.

However, Ren understood that Evie likely didn't mean anything by it, so he shouldn't let himself sulk over it.