The wind blew gently, carrying the scent of fresh earth and damp leaves. Seun-mi Ho walked with a calm but determined stride, his thoughts already turning north toward Naraheim, a modern city nestled in the heart of the mountainous region. Naraheim wasn’t like the villages he had passed through so far; it was more developed, with grander buildings, paved roads, and a larger population. However, despite its advanced infrastructure, the city remained a hub for adventurers and mercenaries, drawn by the dangerous quests available nearby.

"The dragon...," Seun-mi Ho murmured, recalling his new mission. The Dragon’s Heart was an A-rank quest that promised a battle against a mythical creature. But before embarking on such a perilous hunt, he needed to make some preparations.

His first stop: the blacksmith in Naraheim.

It had been several days since Seun-mi Ho had left his dagger with the city's blacksmith for an upgrade. He still remembered the weapon as he last saw it: a simple but effective blade that had served him well in many battles. However, with the challenges ahead, he needed something more powerful and precise.

Arriving at the forge, he was immediately greeted by the familiar heat of the fire and the rhythmic clinking of a hammer striking metal. The blacksmith, a burly man with massive arms and a soot-stained apron, looked up as Seun-mi Ho entered.

"Ah, you’re back, adventurer," the blacksmith said with a grin. "Your dagger is ready. I’ve enhanced it as requested. It should serve you far better now."

With a skilled motion, the blacksmith grabbed the newly transformed dagger and handed it to Seun-mi Ho. The blade gleamed with a new, almost eerie shine, and Seun-mi Ho could feel a subtle but potent energy radiating from the weapon.

[Enhanced Shadow Dagger]

Type: Light Weapon

Rank: Rare

Effects:

+25 Accuracy

+20 Critical Damage

Passive Effect: "Spectral Blade" — The dagger becomes intangible for a brief moment after each strike, increasing the chance to bypass light armor.

Active Effect: "Silent Blade" — Silences the dagger for 30 seconds, allowing for perfect stealth attacks.

Activation Cost: 50 mana points

"A fine piece," Seun-mi Ho murmured as he analyzed the weapon using his interface. The dagger was now far more than a simple weapon. It had become a tool of precision, perfect for close-quarters combat and swift assassinations.

"I’m impressed," he told the blacksmith, sliding the dagger into its sheath at his belt. "I owe you one."

The blacksmith nodded with satisfaction. "I’m sure you’ll find plenty of opportunities to test it. Be careful in the mountains, though. I’ve heard some dangerous creatures are lurking out there."

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Seun-mi Ho smirked slightly. Dangerous creatures, indeed. But he wasn’t worried—he knew he was ready.

[The Second Tutorial: High-Rank Creatures]

As he left the forge, a new notification popped up in his field of vision. Seun-mi Ho’s interface suddenly lit up, triggering a second tutorial. He paused for a moment to read the information scrolling before his eyes.

[Tutorial 2: High-Rank Creatures]

Some creatures, known as Bosses, are exceptionally powerful enemies that often require multiple adventurers working together to defeat. These creatures possess unique skills and high resistances, making them extremely difficult to take down solo. Final bosses are often protected by guardians or minions and can inflict permanent debuffs if their attacks aren’t avoided.

[Recommended participants: 1–2 parties (5–10 people)]

Examples of creatures:

Ancient Dragon

Mountain Devourer

Abyss Lord

Tips: Use special items or group abilities to ensure victory. Team strategies are essential for surviving these encounters.

Seun-mi Ho frowned slightly as he read the warning. One or two parties? That wasn’t how he operated. He had always preferred working alone, relying solely on his skills and instincts to overcome challenges. But the interface’s warning couldn’t be ignored. The dragon he was meant to face was likely a final boss, and he might need help to succeed in the quest.

"I’ll have to think about it," he muttered, closing the tutorial.

As he made his way toward the city’s exit, another memory surfaced: the map of Naraheim’s Guild that Caelum had given him. Caelum, a former comrade-in-arms, had entrusted him with the map before setting off on his own mission. The Naraheim Guild was known for gathering the most talented and experienced adventurers, capable of handling the most dangerous quests.

"Maybe I should pay it a visit," Seun-mi Ho thought.

The guild could be a valuable source of information. Perhaps he could find other adventurers interested in hunting the dragon or at least gather intelligence on the ancient dragon’s territory.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the map Caelum had given him. North of Naraheim was clearly marked, with the guild’s location indicated by a small crossed-swords emblem. Seun-mi Ho traced the path he would take: a winding road cutting through dense forest before leading to the guild’s grand building, perched on a hilltop.

"It shouldn’t take too long," he murmured, tucking the map away.

Seun-mi Ho left Naraheim behind, heading north toward the guild. The road was quiet, lined with towering trees whose branches stretched skyward, forming a natural tunnel. The sound of his boots against the cobblestones was the only noise echoing in the air.

The forest was tranquil, but despite its apparent serenity, Seun-mi Ho remained alert. With his recent power increase, he could sense presences around him, detecting life forms even from a distance. Nothing would escape him.

After an hour of walking, the forest thinned, and he caught sight of the guild’s imposing structure in the distance. The Naraheim Guild was a monumental building, with tall towers and sturdy walls that spoke of the many battles and quests its members had undertaken. Flags bearing the guild’s emblem—two crossed swords on a red background—waved above the battlements.

"Finally," Seun-mi Ho murmured as he approached the entrance.

He stopped before the guild’s large gates, where a heavily armored guard stood watch, monitoring the comings and goings of adventurers. The guard glanced at Seun-mi Ho and gave a slight nod of recognition. Seasoned adventurers were always welcome here.

"Welcome to Naraheim’s Guild," the guard said in a deep voice.

Seun-mi Ho didn’t respond, merely stepping through the guild’s grand threshold. Inside, the atmosphere was both lively and tense. Adventurers of all ranks gathered around the quest boards, discussing upcoming missions. Some prepared their gear, while others exchanged information about creatures they had encountered.

Seun-mi Ho made his way toward the main counter, where a man dressed in mage’s robes—likely a guild receptionist—was organizing the quests. It was time to prepare for the next step.

End of Chapter 23.