The moment they uttered the phrase, the duo quickly made their separate path as they intend to fulfill their specified tasks. They are surprisingly fast because not a lot of Tower Climbers were able to reach such height at the first two days, let alone to do hidden quests at all. To say that the pair were such cheat would be an understatement.
On the route that Daegok-soo is going, the density of people commuting obviously increase due to population distribution, because after all. The town hall that he is heading toward is obviously in the town central. With how fast he is running, people's attention will obviously shifted toward him. If this could get their attention then what would Yeon be?
Seeing how fast he is, people naturally moved their way out for him. A training routine or something similar that they thought to be, they certainly don't want to collide with him at his full speed for sure. With the destination in sight, Daegok-soo changes his footing as he slows down to a screeching halt.
The town hall isn't as grand like he envisioned but still considerably large because it is a governmental building where people are in and out all the time. Thankfully, the sword instructor, Victor has left his words that the assailant capturer will come to redeem the bounty which is him. Because of it, he obtained priority queue and received his reward quickly instead of waiting.
And as fast as he has gotten here, he left as quickly as he did.
Meanwhile, Yeon is heading toward one of the closest Adventure Guild's branches as she seek to see if there's anyone who is in need of glasswork or not. When in doubt, extend a hand toward those in needs and you will get what you want later down the line. It's not a guarantee but it worked enough for her.
As she makes her stride down the road at a speed too fast for someone her stature. Most of the townsfolks living here hardly can detect the mana flow circulates around her body which is strengthening her physique. This scene that is unfolding intrigues the people around as they couldn't believe someone like Yeon is running around at a speed and pace that would leave them breathless.
Soon, her destination is in sight. With maneuver that she tried to imitate, she slows down at the door to the Guild as she enters as if she didn't create a dust storm behind her when she run here.
"Welcome to the Adventure Guild. What can I help you with?" One of the Guild's receptionist greeted her upon entrance behind the counter.
"Can I check the requests for glassworks or similar?" Yeon asked as although she isn't yet registered as an Adventurer, the Guild is perfectly willing to let outsiders do some requests assuming the proper procedures and contracts.
Adventurers of the Adventure Guild ranks from F to S. There are untold extensions above it but most people will be able to reach A-Rank if they keep doing their works consistently and not committing any crime that would damage the Guild.
However, early Adventurers that just start are more of freelancers who do people's requests that are posted here. A lot of them aren't paid well in comparison to the efforts it takes thus many members would try to get promoted as fast as possible so that they can get to do the 'real jobs'. These requests often have to be relied on people's good will to be done and often just expire without resolution.
Because of it, people would just post their basic want with given fee for the off-chance that it might be done by someone else. Usually posted by people who are too busy to do the deed themselves. This is her perfect opportunity to advertise the glasswares to those that needed them, like oasis in the desert.
"There are 4 requests in total, make sure that you signed these documents to verify that it is you who did the work". The Guild receptionist said as she hands her the information documents in regard of them.
'Needing high-quality glasswares to contain acidic concoctions. Location at: Vitae Apothecary of 3rd West Street'
'Needing glass bottles to store distilled alcohol. Location: Higan Brewery of 5th West Street'
'Glass panes to replace damaged windows due to recent brawl. Location: The Rock Tavern of 1st West Street'
'Utensils and drinking vessels wanted. Location: West Manor by riverside'
If there's any grace for her, these locations are actually relatively close to this branch building since it would be a hassle to just send this toward the Adventure Guild's headquarter in town central.
"Thanks, and don't mind if I do". Yeon said with gratefulness before departing once more.
One aspect often overlooked in fantasy medieval settings is the lack of a formal address system. That only come about during the industrial revolution when direct address location come about and until then, they have to rely on local knowledge and landmarks.
When the entire scope is strictly within a town, it become harder to discern the location if it weren't for the Guild branch's map of this side of the town that is hang for everyone to see along side the request board. Otherwise, this entire town may have been a maze for Tower Climbers like her and that navigation can only be done in like weeks of adaptation later on.
She wonders if she should make contact with Daegok-soo first before proceeding toward the next step.
In roughly few minutes of sprinting later, the pair made their return toward the glasswork shop once more. And as the townsfolks who are continuing their day can't help but noticed the pair seemingly run as if there was something important going on their day. Before they know it, words of them running around starts to circulate as they make the day quite livelier to those who seen them.
"Hey, nice to see you again. Did you get some clients so that we can show them the wares?" Daegok-soo said as he clutches the bag of gold carefully so that it doesn't suddenly disappear from his hand.
"Yup, I got the list of requests that could be making use of this place's glasswares". Yeon said with a cunning smile on her face.
"Still, if we want our clients to know where this place is, should we done something to make this place a bit more recognizable? When we first came here, it was only thanks to my Eyes of Secret that I even recognized this is a glassware shop". Daegok-soo said as he recollects everything he knows about.
"Hmm... So how about installing a sign? I mean it would be the least minimum required to get people's attention right? What did he expect when not even something to point the direction outside?" Yeon suggests as she understands how bare the shop's external appearance is.
"Another one on the checklist, I guess". Daegok-soo said as he obtains the necessary wares for one of the requests.
First, would be glass jars for the apothecary shop. That Yeon will handle since her enhanced physique using Mana Circulation will help with the carrying. Daegok-soo will handle the making of the sign since it was Yeon that obtained the permit to do the Adventure Guild's requests.
The two departed again from the shop, and considering that it is going straight out of Daegok-soo's purse, the shop owner has no right to complain since it is his charity to begin with.
The two burst out of the shop again as if tomorrow will not come if they fail to complete this quest by that time. Daegok-soo heads toward the carpenter's shop and Yeon is carrying a crate of jars behind her.
The sight of a girl carrying a heavy crate the size of her upper body would have been an odd and comical sight that caught people's attention. And her running seemingly without being hindered by it only enforce the situation further.
Daegok-soo can only pray that she has a safe journey ahead before making his mad dash.
Sharp turns and corners. He was quite thankful that he took his time to learn urban traversing from Harold instead of being just a track runner because navigating the alleyways at such speed while not having the necessary reflex or maneuvers would just send him crashing into the walls.
And now that he is alone, he could properly make his next step in the Thousand March Footwork. To make a sharp U-turn at high speed without slowing down.
He has seen how Harold uses it and it required that he has full control over his own finesse or he would just injure himself doing it. Seeing how his mentor, Harold lived as if every second that he isn't doing anything optimally gets on his nerves, Daegok-soo felt like he understands him somewhat with how hectic the daily life of someone in modern time like him can be.
First step, turn your body around while making sure your footing is stable so even if you only have one foot on the ground while doing so, you won't fall to your back or face planting.
Second, is select the right moment to overcome the original inertia. Too slow, he would end up wasting time or hit the obstacles in front. Too early and he would just face planting into the ground due to unable to inertia being too great for what he intended. In general, the timing is entirely dependent on the practitioner's physique. But thankfully for Daegok-soo, nobody understands his body better than himself right now.
With few seconds into the turning motion, Daegok-soo burst forward against the original inertia as he felt all of his muscles being tear apart against the tide of force that they originally ride upon. Unless that the few seconds that he is intending to save is significantly precious, this move is entirely detrimental until his body could withstand its own overcoming of inertia.
But needless to say, he succeeded.
Thousand March Footwork Motion Form - Turning the Tide
In a quaint carpentry shop, Daegok-soo slammed the door open while gasping for air while his own legs are quivering as if in great untold pain.
"Hey uh... Can you make a wooden hanging sign or not?". Daegok-soo leans himself on the doorway while looking like his leg is about to give out on its own, much to the owner's disbelief.
Meanwhile, back to Yeon. She is striding down the main East Street as the people around are surprised at the strength that she has to carry such a heavy create on her back like nothing. Having above 2-digit Physical Attributes did wonder for her.
Humming some tunes with her lip while moving about, she come to recognized someone in the crowd that is seemingly converse with another. With fast recognition, she come to notice that it was Hoe Gwi-jaum and a certain unfamiliar girl with him. And the two seems to converse with one another rather confidently which is unlike what Daegok-soo told about.
"Huh? Did he... actually make an extended conversation? A miracle has occurred!" Yeon yelled in her mind as the group's enthusiasm whenever Gwi-jaum makes an advance in social conversation no matter how miniscule rubbed on her.
He was so socially inept that his close friends have to make that joke whenever he managed to return a reply that isn't lesser than 4 words. A Regressor holding an actual conversation? Not possible if usual Manhwa logic applies.
The girl that Gwi-jaum is talking with has short blonde hair, and a modest outfit that is mostly just shirt and pant but didn't hide the girly physique beneath well at all.
"Hey! Are you on a date or something?" Yeon spoke from Gwi-jaum's behind which actually spooked him a bit since he didn't expect her at all.
"Wuh? No!? I'm not!" Gwi-jaum made his denying statement as if to uphold his appearance as a stoic and upstanding person.
And the girl whom he was talking with starts to chuckle, indicating that the two are actually closer than what he denied to be.
"Whatever, just what are you doing with that crate on the back?" Gwi-jaum steered the conversation away from the embarrassing route before.
"Delivering glassware to a certain place. Basically Adventure Guild's freelancing requests". Yeon replied calmly as if what she is doing is very normal to see.
"Not a wrong path to take, I see. There are better alternatives but it's the obvious one so I won't judge you". Gwi-jaum returned his reply with a stern expression.
"But still, what is your relationship to that girl? You aren't exactly the type to start a conversation, aren't you? Or is there something you want from her?" Yeon made her question as she partially aware of Gwi-jaum's modus operandi.
"Don't make me sound like I'm a bad guy!" Gwi-jaum immediately broke his composure the moment he heard of Yeon's slandering. The girl that was conversing with him started to chuckle before she just laughed out loud at Gwi-jaum's plight.
"But still, who is she?" Yeon said as she guides the conversation away much as Gwi-jaum wanted to. No matter how stoic he is, he just gets easily flustered whenever he gets unexpected reply in a conversation.
"Her name is Mel, a greatsword trainee that I intend to be partnering with during our training for Instructor's Exam. I see that from the way we are developing, it would do us good to train with one another". Gwi-jaum gave his excuse as to why he should be partnering with a girl he just met.
"Uh huh. I see that you just lying that you got yourself a girl. Whatever though, hope your date goes smoothly". Yeon said before she continues on with her quest as her image slowly melts with the townsfolks commuting the street.
When Yeon is gone from their sight. Mel proceed to asked Gwi-jaum about the girl in pink that struck a conversation with him since the two know about each other. Gwi-jaum can only explain his situation.
"Basically my friend's girlfriend. I have no idea how they meet each other let alone how they become intimate with one another. All I just know that her personality is a bomb awaiting to explode and I have no idea of when or what will ignite it". Gwi-jaum said as the experience he has with her in his previous life is just too traumatic to discard lightly. Of course not showing in his expression or body but he remains unnerved regardless
"I see, shall we continue our routine then?" Mel said as she held onto Gwi-jaum's hand. Some couples took years just to reach this stage if Romance Novels are any example.
"Yeah... As you wish". Gwi-jaum said as the two moves away from the place.
Meanwhile, back at Daegok-soo. He is basically carrying the materials to build the hanging sign for the carpenter. Normally, said carpenter would be the one to make his trip but Daegok-soo willingly volunteered just to save the time.
Of course, Daegok-soo knew that he injured himself internally in his training but as long as he keeps his adrenaline going, he won't notice the pain until he truly rested.
"Hey, what are you doing here!? What did I say about not meddling with my business? I told that you can advertise whatever you want but you ain't touching my shop!" The old glassware shop owner, Kristen White, stepped out of his shop upon hearing the sound of something.
"This is advertising your ware, isn't it? How do you expect that people could come for you when you have nothing to show your brand?" Daegok-soo explained as he knew some basic economy and business per the mandatory business class in his university period.
"What makes you act as if this is going to bring any more customer. Even without a signage, I have always stay afloat and I will continue to do so". The old man Kristen spoke to Daegok-soo, understandably angry when he did something like this without consulting.
"Kristen... You said that your shop was basically in a geologically disadvantage place but you have nowhere to move to, am I right? Well, I am too. You wouldn't believe me that I am an aspiring chef, would you? My tavern is basically in the same position as you". Daegok-soo rebutted, he was aware that he could come off into an argument if he made such sudden change like this at all.
"So what kiddo... I'm been in this line of work for decades. I have lived without a fancy sign and it will continue to do so" The old glassworker pretend that what Daegok-soo said went unheard. Partially out of denial that there was a better solution that he didn't know of.
"Kristen, I understand your concerns. But consider this: we're not just surviving, we're trying to thrive in a competitive world. A sign isn't just a piece of wood, it's a beacon. It tells people 'we're here, and we have something you might need." Daegok-soo continued as he knew that a so-called sob story wouldn't have convinced the old man otherwise.
Kristen looked skeptical, in which Daegok-soo continue to press on.
"You have crafted a respectable business that you took pride on, right? So... why not making it something that many more people can enjoy. Isn't that why you created this shop in the first place isn't it?" Daegok-soo continues his pressing argument on the old man.
Upon hearing Daegok-soo explaining his plight, the old glassworker stood silent for a moment then as if he looks ashamed of what he just said and his behavior before. Then, he just enters the shop without another word.
"Fine, I'll place my trust on you. Even if it works or not, I will not judge your decision". The old man said before he intents on not stepping outside for a while.
Daegok-soo took a breather before just sat on the ground and leaning on the shop's wall. He thought that he is going to have created more false experience just to convince and that he isn't that good of a persuasive person to begin with.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"So, what do you want to write on the sign?" The carpenter asked Daegok-soo's for what he wanted to call the shop as.
Daegok-soo recalls his memory for a moment before going with a name that he knew is suitable. Thanks to the System's hidden quest that guided him here to begin with.
"Kristen White's Hidden Radiance Glasswork".
Back at Yeon, who just finished delivering the crate of glass jars to the apothecary shop. She heard of how much they liked them and their quality unfound anywhere else and would like to know their production location. Well, it didn't have an official name and with how there's no formal address to even tell where, Yeon decided to tell that the name is still being decided upon and they would wait until so.
Well, she's fast and that is not without a doubt. Too bad that the freelancing quest doesn't count as the System's proper quest per say so she doesn't get to receive any reward from it.
Then she remembers about the breakfast that she supposed to be delivering to Anssa-um but the hidden quest that they are dealing with is actually a lot more time-consuming than she thought. Although she is basically still slotting it in a pouch, the wooden container that held it is still being separated from outside environment using her Mana Circulation.
"Guess that I better dropping this off right now. Where is the blacksmith that he is working in and..." Yeon said before she noticed the one single thing that make his presence obvious.
His heavy-duty motorcycle, an item that is placed outside the blacksmith which is rather jarring to look at considering the medieval fantasy setting they are in right now. Too heavy to be lift or moved by anyone in this town and its turning direction locked, no one in this town could move it either way thus it is safe to be placed outside for him.
Yeon gave the look as if someone just did something embarrassing in front of her. But getting past that state of mind in an instant, she entered the blacksmith to see Daegok-soo's friend who has been tinkering in this place in search of creating something.
Much like what she expected of a blacksmith during working hours, it is rather noisy with all the sounds of metal clashing with one another and the heated atmosphere that certainly isn't caused by the constantly-active forge.
If anything, her appearance in a workshop entirely dominated by old men is unusual to the point that they stopped briefly before just proceeding with their works. And as she looked for Anssa-um amongst all the workers here, she noticed him in blacksmithing attire looking at something on the crafting table in the corner.
Quickly approaches him with a greeting, Anssa-um was surprised to see her here. If anything, he expected that they would ignore him until he return to the tavern at night. Guess that he underestimated how much of good will she has.
"So what are you making right now?" Yeon asked as she tries to take a look at the creation that he is focusing his all at the moment.
It is a gun, more specifically a revolver. Although it looks rather unfinished right now but Yeon could tell that it is only a few more parts from being completed.
"Quite brave of you for crafting such a thing huh? I don't even know if the Tower would recognize it as a valid weapon at all". Yeon asked as she knew that a lot of the time, firearms are rendered obsolete by just how ludicrous the power ceiling can go in this type of story.
"I know already but... I have to try because I knew for sure that Gwi-jaum would tell me that it is meaningless to do so. However, is it really our strength that carried us if we just taking in the Tower's resources to advance its floors? I... screw it, I'll just discuss with him after my shift here is done." Anssa-um said as he opens the food container that Yeon brought for him.
"This bastard... really does pushing his limit with onion alone, isn't he?" Anssa-um said as he stared at the breakfast he made before.
Yeon glanced at what he is making once more before she left. "Firearms, huh..." She thought before heading back toward the glassware shop that she left off. Hoping to finish the hidden quest as soon as possible.
"Hey, tell Daegok-soo that the next day, we're going to the town's library to learn if there's anything that we could learn of this world that we come to. Tell him that I gave my words". Anssa-um said before Yeon departs the place.
Yeon raised her hand up to signal that she heard him before she left the place. At least the reason why they came out here is done already.
As she made her fast approaches back to the glassware shop, she noticed the simple yet ornate sign hung above nearby the entrance. 'Hidden Radiance', a suitable name for a nameless yet somehow prestigious quality that the old man is making with his wares. Then noticing Daegok-soo waiting around the entrance as if he ripped a literal muscle of his.
"Hey, Daegok-soo, you alright?" Yeon asked as she approaches him.
"Yeah... I think I ripped my muscle apart while making that tight turn. Of course, it will heal eventually so don't worry too much about me." Daegok-soo said as if whatever happens to him doesn't matter.
Yeon looked at his expression which is trying to show how carefree he is but her gaze pierced into how much he is hiding his pain from her. She sighed, it always like this since that...
"Daegok-soo, just stop trying to act as if you're fine. It isn't the first time you tried injured yourself while training. I mean, who else but you can keep themselves going so that they can commit to a sub 2-hour marathon? From what I even know, the amount of people accomplished that feat isn't even counted on one hand and yet you did it." Yeon said while she is grateful to have been his girlfriend, seeing him trying act lonely makes her spur into action immediately.
Daegok-soo looked at Yeon for a moment before he chuckled at himself.
"Sorry, I guess that I was just trying to act cool even when I'm not. I apologize for making you worry about me like that". Daegok-soo said as he tried to stand up but the aftereffect is still lingering like a female dog gnawing on his thigh.
"Here, just use this healing ointment that I got from the local apothecary as an additional reward for delivering the glasswares they needed. I'm pretty sure you needing it more than I would be right now. Just stay safe, okay?" Yeon said with concern before she enters the shop to fulfill the next freelancing quest.
Holding the vial of ointment in his hand, Daegok-soo has a sneering laugh at himself. Many Tower Novels have their main characters already self-sufficient right after the start that they have no need to rely on anyone. And they knew for sure that they will continue to punch upward their weight classes with no qualm of consequences. And he is nothing like that, he is just a person at the end of the day.
Few minutes later, Daegok-soo stands waiting for Yeon at the door. Carrying another crate this time full of glass panes on her back. It felt irresponsible of him to let her do such heavy-lifting like this at all but stat-wise, Yeon is no doubt doing fine.
"I'm going to a printing press to print out pamphlets of this place and post them on the marketplace. Quality glassworks are actually rare in this period and that old man is just not remotely aware of how good his works really are." Daegok-soo said as per the hidden quest really said about him.
Yeon gave an agreeing nod before following Daegok-soo.
Once again, it is past-afternoon already and as the unfiltered sun shone brightly upon them. Yeon couldn't exactly run fast like Daegok-soo while carrying such a weight on her back and the sun isn't doing them comfortable with how hot it can be.
"So... about the food container that we supposed to be bringing to Anssa-um, you did the job already?" Daegok-soo said as he recalled the previous thing that they were supposed to be do until they come across the hidden quest.
"Yeah... It seems that he is trying to craft a firearm and test if it could withstood against the challenge that the Tower could throw at us. What do you think about it?" Yeon said as she wonders how something like it could go. Interesting? Maybe. But she bet that Anssa-um is about to hear a lot of protests from many, probably including Gwi-jaum even.
Daegok-soo thought about it for a moment before giving his answer. This time, not with bias of everything else that has told him otherwise. Because he already lived enough with that kind of disapproval either way.
"Yeon, if you were enlisted like me and my friends were. You would come to understand just how powerful firearms are in the hands of a person who never knew power. It makes the differences where our own body alone isn't enough". Daegok-soo said as he gave his idea about what she asked.
Firearms supplanted the majority of melee weapons because it was far easier to train people to aim downsight and pull the trigger than swinging a sword or thrust a spear correctly. If swords and spears didn't have clear defined limit, that the peak of human body is that clearly drawn, firearms wouldn't have been so prevalent that it replaced them.
But that isn't the case here, guns are powerful but has its predefined limit even if it's high in their world. Here, the body's development is instead far surpass of what conventional firearms should be. And with all the magical weapons for taking in later floors if that ever come, firearms would be rendered redundant for the right reasons.
However, that is if the firearms remain conventional. This is Anssa-um that he is talking about, presents him with a problem and he would be determined to overcome. That's how he even make it to the Special Force in the first place.
The limitation of firearms? Anssa-um would no doubt find an answer to that. Because placing your trust in him is almost never wrong like how main characters in romance novels will always reach their desired conclusion for there always was one for them.
"You should keep believing in him, Yeon. He would often goes against the norm when he could to prove that there was a better way. Of course if the information presents support that." Daegok-soo said about Anssa-um with some degree of healthy skepticism. Nothing was perfect and Anssa-um isn't exempted from judgment either way, a lot of times in the military even.
"I see..." Yeon said as she examines what Daegok-soo said with understanding.
Half an hour later, they obtained the pamphlets that they wanted as he gave Yeon a portion so that her clients could know where to get these glassworks themselves. While he would basically makes his routing toward the marketplace. Once more on their separate paths, the pair departure once more.
As Daegok-soo navigates his way toward the town central's marketplace. He comes across another familiar face on his way. This time, it's Jiang who looked like he has just been dealing with a rather troublesome quest based on how disheveled his look are.
"Hey, what are you doing just now?" Daegok-soo asked his fat friend who looked like he is in desperate need of a shower.
"Oh, you know... Making the mistake of volunteering for a freelancing quest that involving cleaning the sewer section? Don't worry about my clothes, there was a separate one for working there but I think that the stench is still lingering". Jiang made his lament as he sulks about his previous work.
The fate of a man working jobs he is ill-suited. Daegok-soo understood his plight a bit and commends him a bit more since he is trying to do something in his capacity.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Daegok-soo asked since it would be rude of him to cut a conversation after the first line.
"Going to a bathhouse to clear this stench, duh. By the way, what do you think about this little guy that I managed to use my Animal Communication to talk to". Jiang said as he took out a small rodent from his shirt pocket that it hid in.
A sewer rat. Of all the things, but since Jiang is his friend, Daegok-soo decided that it would be discourteous of him to say of his dislike out loud.
"A rat? Are you sure that it wouldn't contain some contagion considering it's a sewer rat?" Daegok-soo made his comment as he asked Jiang with his concern about it.
"I know, I know already. But isn't he cute?" Jiang said as he shows his pet rat for Daegok-soo.
"Yeah, yeah... Just make sure that it is clear of contagion the next time you show it to me. Beside, what weapon did you pick for yourself?" Daegok-soo proceeds the conversation as he wonders how Jiang will even make it pass the Instructor's Exam with his terrible Physical Attribute stats and distribution.
"From what I experienced and others' advices. It is rather clear that I steer clear off close quarter combat until a mentor who could somehow make use of my physique suddenly appear much like many of those Xianxias that I read about." Jiang admits what he wished to be. Since their world has suddenly become one that is akin to those novels.
"So what is it? Is it a ranged weapon or something?" Daegok-soo asked.
"It's a crossbow. Don't get me wrong though, it's not like I could use anything else. Still thanks for talking with me, I'm just having a lot in mind right now". Jiang made his confession before he left the premise.
"Hope he fares himself well in the path ahead". Daegok-soo thought to himself, wondering where his narrative will head toward now that their world really just become something like a novel.
An hour later, Yeon finished another request and the sky is approaching is evening period. Don't actually confuse evening with night, those two are entirely different by definition. Evening by definition is the last few hours before night approaches.
She sighed, even though she showed them where they can purchase these glasswares, it seems that their quality is so good that their usage can be seen to last for years on end if maintained properly. And one wouldn't need to buy excessive amount of glasswares unless reselling to other regions which that old man properly take offense to.
So... he would have a burst of customers come before it all returned to the same old empty day again. Yeon has no idea of how he would feel about it but she guessed that it is better to speak the truth immediately before he would get disappointed.
"All I can do is get as many people to come during the sale hours" Yeon said as she imagines how the old glassworker would feel if all of his effort only worth a single nighttime worth of attention.
She took out a decorative glasswork that she basically begged by Daegok-soo to purchase for her. Of course, 'beg' would be a strong word to use here since it didn't cost even more than 5 golds based on the price that the old man set. Yet its pristine quality makes it a bargain that is driven harder than an isekai truck.
She noticed how despite the old man has no aptitude for detecting mana in general, his mindset seemingly steered the production method in a way that making these glassworks exceptional mana conduits that when she channels her mana through them, the glass would refract that mana visibly into brilliant light.
And she did so without realizing that she is in the middle of the public, while the evening is closing in. The orb that she held in her hands started to shine brilliantly as it attracts people's attention toward her.
Suddenly flooded with people wanting to know where did she get such a thing. Yeon was overwhelmed for a moment but she quickly regain her composure as she knew that there are no better moment than here to advertise his ware. With pamphlets all-ready, she quickly give them the location pointer also in it as people started to move as if it was a medieval fantasy recreation of Black Friday.
She can only give a wry smile that she may have unknowingly opened a flood gate.
Back to Daegok-soo, he just basically hung the last pamphlets for people to see and know where to buy the old man's glassworks but... without a test product, it would hard to convince people to buy something that is just on literal paper right now.
"Hey, did you hear about that girl holding a magical orb of light. I heard that she purchased it from a hidden shop from somewhere!" A passerby said out loud with fear or worry.
"Sound dubious, fake even but I guess that it won't hurt to check then". The other person that said passerby conversed with said before said pair moved in the route that Daegok-soo originally came to.
"Yeon?" Daegok-soo thought about the rumor that was just circulating just now. There was only one person that could even channel mana with such proficiency in this very moment, Yeon herself.
Immediately piecing all the fragmented pieces of information together, he figured out that Yeon must have used her mana to create that spectacular lightshow using the mana to channel through the orb, just like before when they set out to do this quest from beginning.
And from his side, people also started to pick up on his hanged pamphlets to head toward so his work wasn't in vain either. With assurance that the crowd will be large when he got there, he made his departure as the eventide made its approaches slowly in the sky.
He ran fast, like everything that his legs could have carried in that frame of time. Cutting seconds with sharp turning and momentary redirection. This journey should have taken like an hour on foot but was done in 40 minutes instead, seconds saved accumulate and soon make the difference despite the small increments they combined from.
Daegok-soo reached the quaint glasswork shop now is overcrowded in customer wanting to experience that brilliance for themselves. Although many soon come to disappointment that it was just normal glasswares that are on sold, they couldn't deny the quality craftsmanship behind as they decided that even a single item on purchase wouldn't have hurt.
Although there won't be the next time again, no more of that mystical brilliance that Yeon falsely advertised. But people still come out somewhat satisfied with his works of art.
Yeon also made it back. This time fully aware of the lie that she spurned to the townsfolk. Hell, if Kristen has any reputation before, he would no doubt be looked at with scrutiny but since he is unheard of even until now, and his glassworks were decent, he is given a pass in consequence this time around. But there won't be a next time if they pushed it.
After a few hours, the twilight has transitioned into the night yet Daegok-soo and Yeon can only look and wait in anticipation. The crowd of customers both with dissatisfactions and praises to speak have said all they have. As they slowly disperse, the shop once more become silent as its one and only hayday existed in that short amount of time.
"Sorry, Daegok-soo. I shouldn't have used my power like that to create something that never existed". Yeon said as she understood that she may have effectively sabotaged their own quest.
Daegok-soo looked silently for a while at the glassware shop's door. His judgment awaits and whatever they receive, they can only be accepting it. It was their call to advertising his wares and it is their responsibility to take for their actions.
It was tense, like waiting for the result of their final exam.
The old man steps out of the shop, as if looking for the pair. But instead of a furious gaze or stern frown that they expected as the outcome, he actually smiled which was an expression that they didn't see on him before.
"Hey, it's you two again. What's wrong? Did something bad happen?" The old man said as if he doesn't remotely care of the comments he received during his one and only rush hours.
"Mr. Kristen. I... I'm sorry for having using my power to make your glassworks look more brilliant than they should have. People had too much expectation and I only set them up for disappointment". Yeon made her sincere apology since it is her fault that will affect the outcome the most.
"That... Who cares about having that kind of expectation? Beside, you wouldn't have hooked so many customers to this place unlike me in the past few decades. And I'm sure they will come back again, even if they were disappointed this time. You have shown them the beauty of my glassworks, and that's what matters the most." Kristen said, patting Yeon's shoulder.
Daegok-soo and Yeon looked at each other, relieved. They had been worried for nothing. They had done a good job, and Kristen was proud of them. They smiled back at Kristen, feeling grateful for his kind words.
"What mattered in the end is that you two helped me. You know why I tried to dissuade you from helping me in the first place? It's because I've seen people trying to exploit good will, especially with those new folks that have been appearing lately. But you two persevere and that is what mattered to me". Kristen said as he looked at the store now looked a bit more vibrant than before even if not much.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Hidden Radiance (Secret)
Quest cleared!
You have helped the old man's glasswork store become more
well known to the people in this town. Even if the initial impression
can be left much to desire, he is still satisfied with the outcome.
Reward:
-You can now commission glassworks at chosen shape and quality
at material price at his glass workshop.
-1,500 EXP
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
You have leveled up!
You have leveled up!
The old man reentered his shop while conveniently missing out the lightshow effect that burst beneath Daegok-soo and Yeon's feet when they leveled up from clearing the hidden quest. The notification panel blocking their views while they stood in silent that it is over.
It was a lot more than they expected. Enough EXP to level 2 times which is probably needed soon if they want to overcome the Instructor's Exam.
But still, glassworks at a dirt-cheap price in 1st floor of the Tower. That's a hard-driven bargain that will quite literally save a lot of money on the long run. Like probably thousands even if asking a different workshop of same quality.
Both of them broke into tears as they hug one another. Victory has never tasted so deserving and satisfying like this. It was far better than when one read how the quest is cleared on a webnovel or similar.
"Okay... let's just distribute our obtained Attribute Points into MAG. You would only need it to enhance every other Physical Attributes." Daegok-soo said as he opened his status screen and added the point accordingly.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Name: Sung Daegok-soo
LV: 4
+Physical Attribute:
STR: 5
END: 5
AGI: 11
DEX: 10
+Non-physical Attribute:
INT: 6
MAG: 15 //updated
CHA: 4
Remaining Attribute Points: 1
+Passive Skill:
*None*
+Active Skill:
-Improvised Mana Circulation (Rank F)
-Eyes of Secret (Rank C) {Growth}
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
"Okay, I guess I could save a point that I got from Eyes of Secret for something later on. How about you, Yeon?" Daegok-soo said as he dumped all his Attribute Points that he received into MAG much like Gwi-jaum's advice.
Yeon showed him her status screen as it basically shows her capability. And to get one over him, she did it while also activating her Mana Circulation.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Name: Yeon Sanzang
LV: 3
+Physical Attribute:
STR: 6 (+8)
END: 4 (+8)
AGI: 6 (+8)
DEX: 5 (+8)
+Non-physical Attribute:
INT: 8
MAG: 15 (+3) //updated
CHA: 8
Remaining Attribute Points: 0
+Passive Skill:
*None*
+Active Skill:
-Mana Circulation (Rank D)
-Master of Magic (Rank D) {Growth}
------_____{\\\\////}_____------
It was at this moment, that Daegok-soo finally understood how monstrous her Master of Magic really is. Even if her base Physical stats is below him right now due, that gap is being bridged rapidly thanks to her much more powerful Mana Circulation.
If he doesn't improve himself soon, it would be her protecting him instead of the other way around.
Daegok-soo sighed. He could have just cursed or something but even that is too much for him at the moment.
"Being plenty competitive, aren't you? We'll have plenty of time for that later on but for now, let's grab something for eating, shall we?" Daegok-soo said as he decided to just invite her to a date, just to take their minds off the recent event.
And without hesitation, she agreed to him. Although nothing could beat Daegok-soo's culinary skill to her, the opportunity to be together aren't growing on tree as she grasped that chance.
The two walked together as they leave this alleyway.