Cooperation?

A dozen or so seconds later, the tavern door swung open.

"Good afternoon, everyone!"

Zor the Registrant stepped into the Harvest Tavern.

He greeted the veteran players with impeccable courtesy. The system obscured his face, but anyone who heard him speak could tell he was smiling.

At the Secret Market auction, he had seemed stern and meticulous.

Now Zor was far more pleasant to deal with.

"It's an honor to visit your tavern, Lady Rachel!"

"And I'm even happier to see you both, Lord Lawless and Mr. 2567!"

Zor spoke with unfailing politeness.

But the way he addressed Rachel, Lawless, and him surprised Qin Ran.

Lord? Lady?

Mister?

Such forms of address belonged more to the dungeon worlds than to conversations between players.

Players might follow local customs inside a dungeon world to complete their missions more easily.

Once they left, though, they addressed one another casually.

What caught Qin Ran's attention most was the distinction Zor made between him and the other two.

"Lord" and "Lady" conveyed respect. "Mister" was mere courtesy.

Qin Ran wasn't jealous of the difference.

But it gave him plenty to think about.

Was it their strength?

Qin Ran could only guess.

Zor was one of the Broker's trusted subordinates. Apart from strength, Qin Ran couldn't imagine what else would inspire such respect for Lawless and Rachel.

"Could we speak in detail over there?"

Zor looked at Qin Ran and Lawless, then pointed to a table in the corner.

Qin Ran glanced at Lawless, who nodded.

The two of them had discussed this briefly when Rachel told them Zor was coming.

Lawless would take the lead.

Qin Ran knew his own limits.

He was still half a newcomer. Making a deal without knowing all the circumstances was an easy way to get cheated, so he