Chapter Sixty: Thieves Never Leave Empty-Handed

[Attribute Aura]: When this aura is activated, all nearby teammates gain increased attributes. (Note: Only one aura can be activated at a time.)

[Speed Aura]: When this aura is activated, all nearby teammates’ movement speed increases by 20%, and their attack speed is also enhanced. (Note: Only one aura can be activated at a time.)

Upon seeing the attributes of these two buff skills, Ye Chen’s eyes instantly lit up. Take the Attribute Aura, for instance—it increases all attributes by 15 points. Not only does it add 15 points to attack and agility, but it also boosts HP by 150. The effect is truly impressive; it’s practically a dungeon-clearing artifact. Especially that extra 150 HP, which raises the entire team’s survivability to a new level.

The Speed Aura isn’t bad either; it improves the team’s monster-slaying efficiency. Unfortunately, only one aura can be active at a time. If they could stack, that would be truly exhilarating.

Without hesitation, Ye Chen quickly learned both offensive skills—Chaos Spell and Deadly Poison—then moved on to the buff skills. However, when he clicked to learn them, he discovered that buff skills required contribution points: 200 for Attribute Aura, 100 for Speed Aura. After cursing the “black market” under his breath, he obediently paid the contribution points and acquired both buff skills.

Leaving the Guild of Professionals, Ye Chen opened his friends list and messaged Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver: “I’m back in town. Are you ready with the gold? If so, just wait at the entrance to the Alchemist’s Guild—I’ll be there soon.”

Almost immediately, he received a reply: “Brother Chen, I’ve been waiting so long I’ve wilted like a flower. I’m on my way!”

When Ye Chen arrived at the Alchemist’s Guild, Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver was already waiting, clearly having used the city’s teleportation array again. Ye Chen shook his head in mock heartbreak. “What a waste. Truly shameful.”

Waving from a distance, Ye Chen caught Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver’s eye. The latter, brandishing his longsword, ran over in high spirits. “Brother Chen, you’re practically a high roller now. Can’t you spare a few gold coins for the teleport array? Why must you run everywhere on foot?”

Ye Chen rolled his eyes, saying gruffly, “You’ll never understand the misery of working in a studio.”

“Don’t tease me. If a big spender with thousands in gold is miserable, what hope is there for the rest of us?” Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver grinned. “This time, I didn’t come alone. I brought a friend—our guild’s top thief. He heard about your exploits and wants to meet you.”

“Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed?” Ye Chen was taken aback. That was a famous name.

“That’s right. We all call him Brother Thief,” Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver nodded.

Ye Chen looked around in puzzlement. “Where is he?”

“Right here.” A cold voice suddenly sounded behind Ye Chen, startling him. Turning, he saw a rogue wrapped head to toe in a black cloak, even his face covered with a mask, standing silently behind him.

The thief scrutinized Ye Chen, curious. “I managed to get this close without you noticing. You don’t seem as formidable as Blood Blade of the Fiery Tiger claimed. Can you really detect a thief’s stealth that accurately?”

Ye Chen’s mind raced. It seemed these guilds now believed he could easily detect a thief’s stealth. A wonderful misunderstanding—one that would deter them from sending thieves to ambush him. He mustn’t ruin it. With a showy cough, he smiled, “Of course. Otherwise, do you think Blood Blade of the Fiery Tiger was that easy to kill? He’s not much weaker than you. I just wasn’t paying attention just now. Try again if you don’t believe me.”

As he spoke, Ye Chen hurriedly called out, “2058, 2058, mark Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed on my mini-map!”

“OK, mark complete.”

Ye Chen quickly flicked his fingers to bring up the mini-map. Sure enough, a red dot marked “2” appeared for Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed, and Blood Blade of the Fiery Tiger’s dot became “1.” Personal panels like the mini-map were only visible to the player unless sharing was enabled, so Ye Chen had nothing to worry about.

“All right, I’ll try again. If you can point out my position three times in a row, I’ll concede.” With that, Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed activated Stealth again, slipping into a new position.

Ye Chen smiled faintly. With radar in hand, the world was his—there was nowhere the thief could hide. He pointed to ten o’clock, left and ahead: “There!”

Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver’s expression shifted. Being in a party, he could see Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed’s location—and it was exactly where Ye Chen had pointed. From that direction came Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed’s low voice: “Again.”

“Three o’clock to my right.” Ye Chen’s answer was calm and unhurried.

“Again!” Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed’s voice wavered, and Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver’s face grew darker.

“Is it fun running around like this? Why not take a break?” Watching the little red dot labeled “2” darting about his mini-map, Ye Chen’s lips curled in a slight smile.

With a whoosh, Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed suddenly appeared before Ye Chen, fixing him with an unblinking gaze. His formerly cold voice now trembled: “How did you do that!?”

“Sound localization,” Ye Chen lied smoothly.

Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver staggered, barely keeping his footing, clearly stunned by this absurd answer. Unexpectedly, Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed nodded solemnly. “I see. This city of Fierce Mountain truly harbors hidden dragons and crouching tigers. To think there’s a master like you here, Brother Night Chen. I’ve learned something new today. With your talent, you won’t be confined to this small city for long. I suspect the day will come when you make a name for yourself throughout the world of Divine Descent.”

Seeing Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed’s earnest expression, Ye Chen felt a twinge of guilt, but outwardly kept his composure. No doubt today’s events would soon spread through these two, and higher-level thieves would think twice before targeting him—a thoroughly positive development.

“Brother Chen, when you sold me that Bandit Hall manual I knew you were a real expert. I never expected you to be this formidable. If you ever do become famous in Divine Descent, let me tag along for the ride!” Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver said with a grin.

“With your Dragon Soars guild’s wealth and power, it’s more like I should be tagging along with you,” Ye Chen replied modestly. “Enough chatter—let’s get down to business. I have other things to do.”

Dragon Soars, Star Cleaver and Thief Never Leaves Empty-Handed both nodded without fuss. Ye Chen promptly laid out a pile of equipment for sale. “One Witch’s Secret Ring, one Gale Sword, one Blackfire Staff, two pieces of rare set gear. Name your price.”