Closed Beta That Only I Played

Chapter 57

Chapter 57: New Quest

I was not sure if I needed anything else now because I suddenly recalled their earlier conversation today. Players were farming monsters and collecting golden rings, just like a mother bird feeding worms into her babies’ mouths. They got more than ten healers and supporters for just one player. That was not all. They also received the full support from their companies, including the best equipment tailored to their levels.

Of course, I didn’t envy them because I had too many items to even envy them, nor did I need such support. I wanted to mention it to my father for some reason, but I didn’t after all.

After swallowing once, I replied to my father’s question, “Not yet.”

“Got it. Just keep up the good work. If there is something you need, tell your brother or sister immediately.”

“Yeah.”

I wasn’t certain, but I knew I had one clear goal. I wanted to appear before my dad, mom, brother, and sister as a formidable player just like a triumphant battle general.

Anyway, I went out of the basement study and headed for my room still on the second floor, which was kept clean all the time. Then I lay on my bed and wore the 3G VR adapter because it was too early to sleep.

***

“Access!”

[Accessing Revival Legend.]

Shortly afterwards, the Safety Zone of the muddy swamp came into my view, which was quite empty when I logged out during the day.

Tap, tap.

At that moment, I could feel somebody gently tapping my shoulder. Obviously I logged out in one corner of the Safety Zone here. So, I quickly turned back after discovering that there was someone behind me as soon as I logged in because it felt off, no matter how difficult it was to attack another player in the Safety Zone.

“Huh?”

Of course I thought it would be a user. I thought I knew who it was, namely that guy who sometimes pretended to know me, and sold me the shabby boots that cost me 70,000 golden rings. But it was not him. This was a totally unexpected situation. However, as if she didn’t care about my embarrassment, the NPC bowed to me and said, “Hello. I’m Kihanna, a resident of the muddy, swampy Pioneers’ City.”

“…Oh I see. Hello.”

It was a so-called NPC. Of course, it was familiar to me because the NPC role was essential for the smooth procession of the game, MMORPGs in particular.

Of course, NPCs existed in Revival Legend in the form of shop owners or the serving staff at the Lazy Afternoon café in Kotum Castle Square that I stopped by several times. But I never expected that an NPC would come to see me first, pretending to know me.

“Do you know the origin of Pioneers’ City?”

Kihanna asked about the origin of Pioneers’ City out of the blue.

Of course, I didn’t know because I didn’t have enough time to hunt and I didn’t come here after confirming it in advance. As if she expected my reaction, she continued, “Then would be kind enough to talk with me for a minute?”

When she said that, the word ‘quest’ came to my mind. Like all other games, the quest was already released to everyone. Moreover, it was common for other games to have quests that everyone would clear and proceed with in other games.

But the Revival Legend game was different. There was no information about how to proceed, earn and clear the quests. In fact, I found it out by checking with my sister about the regular quest that I participated in the other day. I heard from her that if there was a guest, I should absolutely participate in it, and if there was not, I needed to find one.

“Sure, no problem,” I replied with a nod, for I gained more than I thought from the Level 100 enhancement quest or the Level 400 Scorpion King quest. Besides, I was eager to participate in any quest right away if it was available even now.

“Thank you. By the way, I wonder how I should address you…”

Kihanna asked for my name. At that moment, I almost mentioned my ID lumen, but changed it. “Asirante.” It was the name of Ice Emperor, the owner of the Guardian Sword.

[It is the sword of the final determination of Asirante, the master of ice and the emperor of ice, who fought against the Sun God Morot who burned and evaporated everything in the world.]

Although it was brief, it was the description inscribed on the sword.

“Asirante… That’s a really good name, like Him in mythology.”

I was not sure if she was referring to the Ice Emperor, Asirante in mythology.

But I didn’t care much because the name came to my mind instead of lumen.

She gave me a brief explanation about the origin of Pioneers’ City.

To sum it up, those who built Pioneers’ City, including Kihanna, were slaves. She said they were ordered to build a pioneers’ place on the condition of them being freed from slavery. So they built Pioneers’ City. She said they also played a role in developing the muddy swamp area.

She said sadly, “But after they landed here, they started to control the city freely. So, Pioneers’ City that we built with the hope of being freed from slavery began to turn into a bleak city that nobody visited.”

Her face looked gloomy. With regrets and despair on her face, she continued, “We want lots of people to come visit Pioneers’ City, so we hope to remove the name ‘Pioneers’ City’ and give it some other great name. If that happens, my family and my friends will be freed from slavery.”

Taking off the original name from Pioneers’ City and turning it into another city with a great name was the only way for her and her people to be freed from slavery, based on the king’s promise to them.

“But there are people blocking our efforts. They are none other than the Kahwa Guild people who took the liberty of stepping into this place and settling down. We don’t have power now. That’s why I am asking you for help because you, Asirante, are strong. Of course, we’re willing to pay you for your help.”

“…”

Honestly, I was a little surprised because this quest was not simple. What she wanted was an actual battle between users. I felt as if the quest was alive now.

‘That’s why they say the quest itself is rare?’

I didn’t give her a firm reply for now. I asked about other things instead.

“Why do you think I am strong?”

I’m currently only Level 200 officially. Besides, I don’t wear good items. Of course, the Scorpion King’s ring and earrings are definitely good, but she couldn’t possibly have a clue that I’m strong, based on my appearance. Of course, there must be some among those who have used this city, even though there are only a few. I mean, there must be some famed strong men.

“Oh, aren’t you strong, Asirante? Well, you look strong in my eyes.”

“…”

I could not answer her question. Was it because of my pride or self-esteem? No, that was not the reason.

But I felt like I was ruining myself if I denied her statement. Besides, I wanted to get even with the Kahwa Guild guys someday for humiliating me.

“Huhhhhhhh.”

At that moment, I burst into a smile before I knew it.

“Good. But not right now. Give me three days. Let me answer your question in three days.”

If she had asked me to get rid of common monsters or if it had been a quest asking me to bring her something, I would have easily accepted it.

But this time the quest itself was quite meaningful. Three days was enough for me to achieve Level 200. And I needed time to find out a little about the Kahwa Guild. Moreover, I had strong support like Myongjin Group that could check it out.

“Okay. As long as I can ask a strong person like Asirante for help, three days is not long. I’ll see you in three days.”

After saying that, she bowed and left like a local NPC who wandered from one house to another.