The veterans who knew him from before exchanged wide-eyed glances. They knew what was coming.
"Those who've known me longest know I was famous for one thing and one thing only."
Arthur paused, letting anticipation build to a breaking point.
"Powerful. Items."
A collective intake of breath swept through the plaza.
"For every player here—every single one—I will be giving a rare item of your choice." Arthur's words fell like thunderbolts. "Items to protect you in the forest. Items to help you level faster. Items to change your life and the lives of those around you."
The crowd exploded. Players shouted, embraced, and some fell to their knees. Rare items were treasures few had ever possessed—game-changing equipment that could mean the difference between life and death.
Near the village gates, the departing sceptics froze mid-step as word reached them.
"Did he say rare items? For everyone?"
"He can't be serious. Nobody has that many—"
