Challenged by Silva, Liam made his way through the rows of clothing racks. A shop assistant came to offer her help, but Liam only hesitated for a moment before declining. He didn't want to cheat. No, he wanted to find something Silva would actually like. However, he was not entirely without support. He looked around the shop at the other female costumers, taking their outfits as inspiration.
Soon, Liam decided on a certain piece. He returned to the changing rooms and waited for Silva to come out. The latter handed a pile of discarded clothes to a shop assistant before addressing Liam with a smile:
"Ok then. Let me see what you got for me!"
"Hehe, here. I'm sure you will like it!"
"Oh? So confident?"
Silva raised her brows as she took a bundle of clothes from Liam. However, she was somewhat confused looking between her friend and the clothes. Why did he bring so many? Noticing Liam's expectant expression, she didn't question him and instead entered the changing room again. She separated the clothes and tried the first outfit. A blouse and a long skirt. Grey, boring, looking like something her grandma would wear.
Leaving the changing room Silva looked at Liam and instantly saw the mirth in his eyes.
"So, do you like it?", asked a smiling Liam.
"You can't be serious…"
Watching Silva roll her eyes, Liam couldn't help but laugh, replying:
"Ok, I take it outfit number one didn't convince you. Don't worry, there is more."
Silva stopped for a moment before a smile formed on her face, and she responded:
"Quick rule change. If I don't like any of your outfits you need to buy me something to eat!"
"Hey, what? You can't change the rule mid-challenge."
"Of course. My challenge, my rules."
With that Silva didn't wait for more complaints from Liam. She raised her head, turned around and went back into the changing room. Going along with Liam's joke, Silva switched into the second outfit. It resembled what Liam wore in the morning, black trousers with a black long-neck hiding her figure. Silva looked at herself in the mirror, shook her head lightly, and left the changing room again.
"Are you satisfied with this outfit?", asked Silva.
"Yes. I think you look very respectable, Teacher Silva!"
The two bantered for a short while before Silva changed into the final outfit. Outside the changing room Liam was waiting, somehow feeling a little nervous. The first two outfits were only meant as a joke, but this third outfit was the one he had high hopes for. Would it suit Silva's taste?
Liam was sitting on pins and needles, the wait seeming like an eternity. Finally, he saw the curtain move. Silva came out and Liam froze.
Long brown hair framing a fair face. A crop top in dark red and with white and yellow highlights in leather optic with some metal reinforcing the edges, revealing a toned midriff. Below, a dark red skirt with some white tribals fell towards her knees. Long legs, somewhat pale, showing powerful, athletic muscles with each move. Rather heavy boots in the same colours stopping shortly above her ankles.
Noticing Liam's intense gaze, Silva felt slightly self-conscious. She coughed lightly and asked with a subdued voice:
"What… do you think?"
"Amazing…", replied Liam with a genuine tone. Unconsciously a bright smile formed on Silva's face. She twirled left and right, observing herself in a nearby mirror, saying:
"I agree. Good job, Liam. You won the challenge."
"Yes…"
At this moment a group of three women was heading for the changing rooms. They witnessed the scene and couldn't help but giggle as they passed the friends. Silva felt slightly embarrassed for some reason and returned to the changing room, changing back into her original clothes. Afterwards the two friends were ready to leave. On the way out, there was a subtle atmosphere between them and no one really knew what to say.
Eventually Liam was the first to break the ice:
"Soo, are you ready to pay for launch?"
"Mhm…"
"Good. Since you are paying, you get to decide. What do you want?"
At that point the two returned to normal. Silva only contemplated for a second before stating her desire for some fatty, unhealthy fast food. Liam was surprised but Silva explained that her parents only allowed the children to eat fast food once every two or three months and therefore it became something special for them. Liam wasn't too keen on it, but he wouldn't go back on his word.
Thus, the decision was made, and the friends left the store. Yet plans couldn't keep up with the changes sometimes. As soon as Silva and Liam stepped out, they noticed a group of three children nearby, probably around the age of ten. A young boy took a deep breath, mustered his courage and took a step forward.
"So… sorry. Are you… are you Bleary Mirage and Silver Blade? I'm a big fan! We, we saw you in there but didn't want to disturb you. Can we please get a picture together?"
Liam felt his stomach sink. One of the four bodyguard immediately appeared, shielding Silva and Liam with his body, trying to stop the boy from drawing attention to this place. But he couldn't be too heavy handed with little children. The bodyguard was just about to gently asked the little fans to leave when Silva behind him let out a sigh.
"It's alright. Let them come… We will take a picture."
Silva knew that this could be troublesome but looking at the cute children with stars in their eyes she just couldn't refuse.
"Yeah! Thank you, Silver Blade, you're the best!"
"Yes, yes! You're my hero! I also want to become a tank because of you!"
"I like Bleary Mirage more! Number one in the entire federation!"
The bodyguard reluctantly stepped aside, allowing the children to approach, prompting them to chatter excitedly like little birds. Silva and Liam couldn't help but smile warmly seeing this scene. They talked with the young fans for a few seconds, took some pictures together, and sent them on their way… asked them to leave.
However, as expected this finally drew too much attention to Silva and Liam. When the three children left, a small crowd had already formed, and it was rapidly growing. The two friends smiled wryly as the people raised their hands, excitedly asking for pictures or a signature. Having already anticipated this when accepting the three little fans, Silva and Liam were prepared to comply with the wishes of their fans.
But at that moment Leroy received a message. The news had spread quickly and people from all over the mall gathered at this place.
"Liam, Silva! I am sorry but we can't stay here! Such an uncoordinated crowd is a massive security risk for everyone. Please follow me!"
Hearing the man's words, the fans instantly became anxious.
"No, wait! Please, only a single signature! Please!"
"Bleary Mirage, don't go! I only want a picture!"
"Silver Blade, I don't even ask for a picture, just give me some tricks to become as good of a tank as you!"
"Bleary Mirage!"
"Silver Blade!"
Liam drew a sharp breath as the crowd got heated up. He understood that Leroy was right and swiftly signalled the bodyguard to get them out of here.
Leroy moved decisively. He and the other bodyguards surrounded Silva and Liam, and they pushed into still growing crowd of fans. Each of the bodyguards was a martial arts master of at least the third stage and their clients were quite strong themselves. However, they still advanced slower than expected. Ever since the launch of Fate of Crunaboul even ordinary people had some strength. Someone who reached level 40 in the game couldn't be pushed aside easily. Especially if they played a tank.
Silva's face was grim as she made a decision. She apologized loudly as a murky, grey aura spread from her, creeping along the ground. It was [Aura of the Sloth]. Despite targeting so many people its strength was not diminished at all. Even a real starlight master would find their strength reduced after dispersing their energy so much, but the skills powered by the console would always unfold their effect.
As the aura spread, everyone but Liam and the bodyguards suddenly found their movements drastically slowing down. After five seconds they were even held in place. Leroy's eyes lit up as he took the opportunity to break through the crowd.
Silva felt somewhat guilty, but the expected curses didn't come. Instead, excited voices could be heard from behind.
"Silver Blade is so awesome!"
"Yes, she managed to bind so many of us!"
"As expected of my hero!"
"Haha, I was stunned by Silver Blade. I need to take a picture. My friends won't believe me!"
Silva almost lost control of her expression. With a though a message was sent to Liam through the console.
[Silver Blade: Are they crazy?!]
[Bleary Mirage: Well, a little bit…]