Infinite Range: The Sniper Mage

Chapter 132 132: The Bottom Line for US Players

the next day, orson stepped out of the hospital, having successfully arranged for the kidney transplant that his sister needed. her surgery would take place in two days.

as he was about to hail a cab, a familiar face approached him—charles, with his long face.

"charles," orson greeted with a smile, feeling less hostility than before. charles had been the one visiting the hospital most often in recent days.

charles awkwardly smiled back.

"here to see sienna again?" orson asked, noticing charles chatting with a burly man nearby. the man handed orson and charles each a pack of cigarettes.

the burly man was k.d.'s security personnel stationed here, and charles had gotten acquainted with him through some past encounters. a few days ago, charles had been lurking near sienna's hospital room, which had raised suspicions among the guards. he'd gotten a black eye for his trouble, and if sienna hadn't recognized him, he might've had more than just a bruise to worry about.

"i was just passing by," charles scratched his head, giving an awkward grin.

"passing by? you've been here since this morning, waiting for me to show up," the burly man teased, knowing charles was the kind to act friendly with anyone, even a complete stranger.

"hey, don't ruin my cover. i've been here for sienna, really. i also wanted to catch up with orson," charles said with a laugh as he motioned for orson to join him in his car.

orson, however, wasn't fooled. "cut the act, charles. you're the type who doesn't do anything without a motive."

charles grinned, unbothered. "hey, don't make me sound so crass. i'm only here because i owe you one. if i still have a job, it's thanks to your wisdom."

orson shot him a side glance. charles was good at flattering people, but orson wasn't going to fall for it. instead, he pressed on, "i'm sure you've got something useful to share. let's hear it."

charles leaned in, lowering his voice. "i've got intel on ssr's next big moves. we have a reliable channel to ensure the information is genuine."

orson raised an eyebrow. "let me guess. they plan to gang up on us during the npc army assault, right?"

charles nodded enthusiastically. "exactly! or maybe they'll weaken us in the wilderness before the npcs even arrive?"

"right," orson said with a smirk, clearly unimpressed. "is that all you've got? lauren's network already told me about that. i know what ssr's up to, down to the last detail. what else?"

charles's eyes gleamed. "help us take over two mid-sized guilds, and we'll work closely with you. our intel network will be at your disposal."

orson thought for a moment. he knew charles was offering a tempting deal, but there had to be a catch. "i'll think about it."

charles grinned widely. "great! just let me know."

later that day, orson walked into his mansion, where the usual crew had gathered in the living room, eating snacks and chatting.

stewart, the little priest, turned excitedly when he saw orson. "boss, you live in a place like this and you didn't tell me? i was about to book a hostel!"

"hey, i almost couldn't hold them back anymore. ruby, get over here!" bradley said, grabbing ruby by the pigtails.

ruby bared her little tiger teeth and yelled, "you're the little spinning top! let go of me! i'm finally meeting orgod in person, and i want a picture! i want a close-up!"

"sure, but if the president's too lazy, i'll take care of her," madman interjected with a wicked grin.

"not a chance, you weirdo!" bradley said, shoving madman aside. he was about to grab ruby, but before he could, the rest of the crew leapt into action to stop him.

ruby bounced up to orson, looking up at him with big eyes. "please, orson, i'm your biggest fan. can i have a photo?"

bradley sighed, rubbing his forehead. "she's my cousin. my girlfriend insisted i bring her. she's trying to join the guild too."

orson paused, remembering something bradley had mentioned in passing before. ruby had once had the potential to awaken an s-rank warrior class, but she had given up because the task was too hard and she lacked help. right now, the guild was looking for someone suitable to wield the [giant sword], and maybe ruby could be that person.

ruby pouted and added, "my cousin keeps spreading rumors that you're bad with women, but i don't care. i don't judge!"

orson raised an eyebrow. "bad with women?"

bradley froze, realizing what was happening. he quickly muttered, "uh, well, i was just worried she'd mess things up... but i guess i was wrong. it looks like she's the one causing trouble, not you."

orson turned to him, his gaze darkening. "bradley! we need to talk."

bradley looked guilty as he stammered, "well, that's... uh... you know, i was trying to keep her from causing any chaos. she's, uh... got a bit of an energy problem."