The number of players was increasing day by day, and it was no joke—it had already begun to affect the real world. Streets that were once lively had grown quiet, reminiscent of the atmosphere during the 2020 virus outbreak.
At the same time, investors were actively seeking out players with strong potential, knowing that skilled individuals could make a significant impact within the game.
They were taking the game seriously—like creatures at the bottom of the food chain, struggling to survive against their predators.
Many had begun submitting applications to major companies, drawn by the benefits and opportunities they offered.
At the same time, new guilds were beginning to emerge, each eager to recruit players into their ranks. After all, joining a guild came with clear advantages: access to weapons, items, quests, and most importantly, information.
Information. In this game, it was a priceless resource. The right intel could give players, or entire guilds—a decisive edge.
-
Arsen was about to log back into the game when a notification popped up on his phone. It was from Cain, checking in on his current progress. Arsen casually mentioned what had happened during his recent quest, only for Cain to immediately call him.
"What did you just say? Did you encounter a member of the Serpent Guild?!" Cain's voice was raised, clearly shaken.
"Can you stop overreacting, Brother Cain? Just tell me, what's so special about this Serpent Guild?" Arsen replied nonchalantly. At the same time, Gordon's cryptic words from earlier echoed in his mind, sparking his curiosity.
The Serpent Guild couldn't yet claim to be the strongest. After all, the game was still in its early stages, and anything could happen. Still, they were already building a solid reputation, with their presence felt in nearly every town. The guild had grown rapidly, now boasting over eight thousand members—and that number continued to rise daily. Many of their members were nearing level 2 and were already equipped with valuable items, a sign of their growing power and potential.
Arsen rubbed his chin, finally understanding why Cain had been acting that way. If his assumption was correct, Gordon was likely planning revenge, and he'd probably use his guild members to carry it out.
Arsen sighed. Dealing with them would be a serious problem, especially since he didn't have the strength to stand against their numbers.
"What are you planning now, Brother Arsen?" Cain asked, curiosity and concern in his voice. He wanted to help, of course, but with his current level it was simply impossible.
Arsen simply shrugged. "I don't have a plan right now. And even if I did, I doubt I could pull it off."
Cain shook his head. A part of him wanted to suggest that Arsen join a guild—any guild. With backup, it would be harder for the Serpent Guild to target him. But he dismissed the thought almost immediately. He knew Arsen would turn down the offer without a second thought.
After exchanging farewells, they ended the call. Without wasting time, Arsen logged back into the game to finish the quest.
Cain, meanwhile, reached out to his friends stationed in Grook's Town. He hoped their presence could help Arsen survive the Serpent Guild's attack.
-
"Serpent Guild, huh?" Arsen muttered to himself, surprised he'd come across something like them. But he quickly pushed the thought aside; he needed to focus on strengthening himself first.
Quest Completed!
Transferring Rewards…
When Arsen returned to the farm, a flood of windows appeared before him, displaying his achievements and the rewards he'd earned from the quest.
+1 skill profiency
+2 to all attributes
+300 EXP
Name: Velnar Level: 1 at 87%
He raised an eyebrow, now on the brink of reaching Level 2, curious about what would happen next.
The elders, farmers, and children expressed their gratitude after Arsen had saved them from the monster's attack. Thanks to him, they could resume their lives and businesses without further trouble.
"Thank you so much, Adventurer Velnar!
Because of you, we can start anew."
"Despite our deception, you didn't hesitate to help us... Please accept my sincerest apologies, Sir Velnar!"
It was Samel who knelt on the ground, filled with regret for lying to the adventurer from the start.
"Please, stand up, Sir Samel. What's done is done, and the problem has been resolved," Arsen said, gently tapping his shoulder. "I understand why you did it, so let's put it behind us. And if you ever need help again, don't hesitate to seek me out."
Tears welled up in the corners of Samel's eyes, overwhelmed by the kindness of an adventurer like him. "Yes, Sir Velnar. I won't forget your kindness. If you ever need help, just come to us."
Not only Samel, but all the other NPCs were touched by Arsen's words. They bowed their heads as he prepared to leave their farm.
+35 Popularity
Soon after completing his quest, Arsen arrived at the farm's entrance, where he saw Glen waiting for him.
"Thank you for waiting, Sir Glen," Arsen said, giving a slight bow before stepping into the wooden carriage.
Glen gave a small nod and then glanced at Arsen from the corner of his eye. "It seems you've finished your business."
"Yes, let's head back to town."
As soon as Arsen gave the order, the carriage began to move, heading back toward the town.
"How did your business with the Elder go?"
Arsen was taken aback; it was the first time Glen had initiated a conversation between them. "Fortunately, I managed to fulfill their request."
Glen nodded in satisfaction when Arsen showed him the token in his hand—a bronze badge from Samel, signifying that he had completed the quest. He would need to present it at the town hall to claim his reward.
Why did he suddenly initiate a conversation, only to stop? What's his deal?
Soon, they arrived at Grook's Town. Arsen was about to give Glen two more bronze coins—not because Glen had asked, but simply as an extra payment.
Glen glanced at him, then took the coins without hesitation. "I never turn down a blessing. And thanks, by the way."
Arsen exited the carriage, pulling his robe over his face to avoid being recognized by any members of the Serpent Guild. Grook's Town was a safe zone, protected by high-level soldiers ranging from Level 3 to 5. While players could still die in this area, there were severe consequences for anyone caught breaking the rules.
He entered the town hall, a two-story building in front of him. Inside, adventurers filled the space, some searching for new quests, while others lined up to collect rewards for the ones they had completed.
Arsen took his place in line. As he neared the front, he noticed a woman with silver hair standing at the desk. Her yellow eyes made her strikingly attractive.
"Good day, sir adventurer. My name is Charmi. How can I assist you today?"
Arsen presented the bronze badge in his hand. "Yes, I'd like to claim the reward for the quest I completed."
Charmi took the bronze badge, and suddenly her hand emitted a yellow light. It was magic, likely used to identify which quest this man had completed. After a couple of seconds, she was done.
"I see. Please wait a moment while I retrieve your reward."
Quest has been completed!
+2 to all attributes
+1 skill profiency
+300 EXP
Name: Velnar Level 1 at 92.27%
Charmi arrived and handed over the 50 bronze coins.
"Thank you for your service, sir adventurer. Feel free to come back anytime."
"Thanks."
Arsen tucked the coins into his inventory and exited the town hall. He had planned to head back to the forest to hunt monsters and reach Level 2. But before he could do so, a voice echoed in his mind.
"Hello—"
Arsen didn't sense the woman approaching from behind, causing him to instinctively raise his guard and point his blade at her.
"Who are you?"
A woman with blue hair, dressed in a white robe with golden accents, raised her hand in the air. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Blue Smoke, and I approached you to recruit you for a dungeon raid."
"A dungeon raid?"