The gray rat with its hat and cane stared at him from the back of the elevator wall.
Arthur smiled as he saw the symbol. This was his first time coming back to his new store since the battle. Days had passed as he healed and sorted out all the new information. He’d created new heads of department, gotten Lisa fully on board, and inventoried all the things the cultists had gathered.
Now, he’d returned to hold his first ever official staff meeting. He wished he wasn’t running late.
Nyssa, Dr. Muriler, and Mike had taken the truck over earlier in the day. Carina had traveled with them, all four deciding to travel together. He’d stuck around, sorting out the last of his upgrades. It’d taken him a while to decide what he wanted to do. With two perk points and a free upgrade, it was a lot to decide.
Eventually, the obvious hit him.
Now that he was level twenty, he could finally upgrade his stock rotation perk. That got him to uncommon, with the free upgrade getting him to rare. He could now do multiple items at once, which excited him. Carly helped him set it up, and soon they had weapons, food, water, and clothing all going at once.
“We’re really getting settled,” he thought as he felt himself travel further down. “And the best part is, I don’t need to be as hands-on. We have people for it all now. Maybe I should start working on that bookstore?”
The elevator dinged—a recent addition—to let him know he’d arrived. As he stepped out, he noticed Benny and another man waiting for him. Benny waved.
“Hey boss.”
“Benny,” Arthur said. “How’s everything?”
“Good! Miss Heady has been making sure we all have work to do. I’ve been helping Leo get everyone organized. We’re really enjoying the upgrades you gave us. Those magic briefcases are really useful.”
Arthur nodded, unable to help but agree. He’d found a stash of them, and when he asked Pydes about them, he’d gotten an interesting answer.
“Those? Basically, shopkeepers bags. You should be able to use them for the same purpose.”
His own currently sat back at the shop on his desk. He didn’t think he’d need it for this.
“Are they all waiting?” Arthur asked.
This time it was Benny’s turn to nod as he opened the door to let him through. “Yes, sir.”
“Excellent.”
People scurrying about filled the halls beyond. He noticed cultists mingling with the gangsters. All stopped to nod as he passed. When he reached the door, he saw Sandy waiting for him. She carried a tray filled with coffee. Her tired eyes looked up at him, and he noticed how unkempt her hair was.
“Coffee sir?” Her tone was polite, but there was a hint of the old arrogance there.
“Thank you,” Arthur said as he took a cup. “Let me get the door for you.”
He ignored her glare as he pushed his way into the room. Inside, everyone’s attention turned to him. Carina and Nyssa sat on opposite sides of the table. Dr. Muriler and Mike sat on Nyssa’s side, while Lisa and Leo sat with Carina.
With slow steps, Arthur walked around the table to sit at his designated place in the biggest chair. He looked out across the table as Sandy delivered drinks. Once everyone was served, he leaned forward and tapped at the table.
“We have issues with the sewers. There is a need to bring this city together to make our sales more efficient. Places to explore and things to do. However, before we do all that, I’d like to say this: We’re all going to need to work together to make this happen.”
As he spoke the last line, he looked towards Carina. Her purple eyes met his as she smirked.
“Then I hope you’re up to the challenge, Arthur.”
He grinned back, enjoying her not flinching away from his new and more pointy teeth. Then he turned to Nyssa. He could see the excitement in her eyes.
“Now then. I’ve heard you’ve been in contact with The Artist. Tell me how our advertising budget is being spent.”
END OF BOOK 2
Welp. That's book 2 done! Will be going on a short break until next Monday and then onto book 3! Can't wait to see you then! 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kvpr6r2tu
