[The Next Day]
"If I didn't have any important issues, I would've just kept on staying in Gul's Abode. Who knew that the Retired Knight would have such a good meal and comfortable place to rest at night? I slept almost like a baby, and this morning, his daughter also woke up and thanked me profusely."
"She even made breakfast for me, and after eating my fill and waving the family goodbye, I continued my journey."
"God's Realm Online has truly changed... The NPCs are very much intelligent, and their way of doing things doesn't seem programmed at all."
"I don't even know if I'm an NPC or a Player. I can't log out of the game even if I want to, so I should start treating this game as my reality."
"The next step to getting stronger is to challenge the Beginning Tower, but before that, I need to repair my armor."
"The durability of my equipment and weapon is almost gone as they've been corroded by the poison of the Nurturers, which led me to the Blacksmith."
"Thank God. Blacksmiths aren't big shots, or I would've been stuck here for a while," Malik mused as he stepped closer.
"Young Adventurer. What do you seek?" asked the Blacksmith without removing his gaze from the weapon he was hammering.
"I wish to increase the quality of my weapons and equipment," Malik said to the Blacksmith, who looked at him in shock.
"You mean repairing your weapons and equipment, Young Adventurer? It'll cost you a lot of money," the Blacksmith replied as he resumed his work, and Malik shook his head.
"No. I want you to improve its quality. I've asked around and I know it's possible. That's why I brought them to you." Malik replied, and the Blacksmith left whatever he was doing and focused his attention on him.
"While it's possible, Young Adventurer, I don't have the main item to improve your armor, and I don't think you can get it. But considering the fact that you're so adamant, I'll tell you how to get this item."
"Go to the mountain side and bring back 100 Kobolds' Runic Stones. That's the only stone that could improve the quality of your gear, and I can only wait for you for 2 hours."
[Do you want to accept the Blacksmith mission?]
"Okay, Sir. I'll make sure I bring the 100 Runic Stones within that time frame." Malik gave a short bow before heading towards the mountain side.
"Finally... A worthy Adventurer," the Blacksmith muttered as he watched Malik's back before continuing with his work.
[You've accepted the mission — 'Collect 100 Runic Stones from defeated Kobolds']
[Time Limit — 2 hrs]
[Mission Reward — The Blacksmith will improve the quality of your gear.]
"Time limit: 2 hours... How am I supposed to look for the Runic Stones in two hours when it's not even certain that every single Kobold will drop one?"
"Kobolds are very slow creatures, but they make up for that by staying in groups. I've been formulating a plan to kite them one by one... Never knew the damn system saw through my thoughts and gave me such a time limit."
"I'll only try my best... 100 is just too far out of my reach."
[Player Luna sent you a message]
"Now this is strange. Is there anyone that knows my new ID?" Malik pulled up his private chat and clicked on the message.
Hi CrimsonFlame, do you have a moment? I'm currently behind you.
Malik clicked the thumbs-up button and turned around, just to see a Level 14 Player walking towards him.
"Eyes of Insight."
[Luna - Tier 1 Summoner]
Level - 13
HP: 900
"She's a Summoner, huh? I've never met her before."
"I knew you might be busy, but I have something important to discuss with you," she said after walking closer to Malik.
"Go on," Malik replied, not wanting to sound rude. His 2-hour time limit had already started counting down.
"I saw you come out of the Old Healer's house and you also appraised some potions. I happen to be in need of one of those potions."
"You're in need of potions? Why don't you go straight to the Old Hag?"
"Old Hag?" Luna gritted her teeth. "Of course he's a big shot or he wouldn't dare call such an important person an Old Hag."
"The thing is, if she doesn't call for you personally, there's no way you'll be granted audience with her. And I'm really in need of the Enhancement Potion — that's why I came to you." Luna explained.
"The Enhancement Potion... Isn't that the potion that gives you a 200% buff on spiritual energy? It naturally won't be something easy to obtain."
"Why do you think I'll give you such a valuable item? We hardly know each other from Adam." Malik replied as he turned back to leave, and the lady quickly stepped forward.
"Please. I'll do whatever you want. The Enhancement Potion is really important to me," Luna said to Malik, staring at the black-robed dude with her green eyes. Malik licked his lips as he surveyed her body. She was wearing a blue robe which ended below her knees, showing her perfect figure and slender legs. There was a staff in her hand, and Malik's gaze seemed to undress her.
"I'm sorry, I can't do th—"
"I want you to join me in a quest for 2 hours," Malik said, turning forward, and Luna quickly swallowed back her words. She was thanking her stars she didn't speak out loud.
"Are you going to give me the Enhancement Potion after the mission?"
"It depends on your effort," Malik replied, taking another glance at Luna, who twisted her hair with her free hand.
"I've to endure. I must endure for the sake of the Enhancement Potion." She gritted her teeth as Malik's gaze kept burning into her soul. No man had ever dared to stare at her this way.
"She's damn hot... Like pretty fucking hot... I wonder what country server this is in the real world. The top-tier beauties in the Western Region don't even stand a chance."
"You're truly beautiful..." Malik suddenly blurted out, and Luna's cheeks reddened. She had been having weird thoughts about Malik's gaze. Never would she have thought he would be so brazen to say it to her face.
"Hahaha. We're there," Malik laughed out loud as he reached a clearing occupied by small hills.
[You've discovered the Kobolds Abode]
"This is the Kobolds Abode. A Level 10–20 monster site. What's a noob like him doing here?"