Emerging from the foreboding cave, Ryou was met with the chilling winds of Icy Peak. Rather than retracing his steps, he opted to kill some Mountain Trolls to boost his EXP and gather prized ingredients for the lesser potions—Mountain flowers, Yellow Spot Mushrooms, yellow Bell roots.

As time unfolded, four hours passed in a flurry of gathering and Troll-slaying. Ryou's collection swelled into the hundreds, yet one crucial ingredient for crafting the lesser potion eluded him—crystallized honey. This rare drop lay hidden in the territory of level 5 Bees downhill. Despite initially avoiding these formidable foes, Ryou's newfound Agility and sharpened skills, earned through the four-hour venture, stoked his confidence.

Character: Rem (Human)

Title: Explorer

Job: Swordsman

Rank: Beginner

Level: 2 (Next level +1935 Exp)

HP: 210/210

MP: 72/72

Strength 3

Agility 15

Defense 4

Intelligence 3

Vitality 4

Physical Attack: 7

Magical Attack: 6

Attack Speed: 8

Movement Speed: 7

Endurance: 8

Physical Resistance: 23

Free Attribute Points: 0

Weapon Mastery:

One-handed Sword Mastery: 5

One-handed Sword Damage by 5%

Two-handed Sword Mastery: 3

Two-handed Sword Damage by 3%

Free Mastery Points: 0

Sub job: None

Sub class: None

Skills:

[Chop] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)

Skill Level: 2 (Proficiency 25%)

[Shadow Flash] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)

Skill Level: 2 (Proficiency 9%)

[Snowy Field] (Rank 2 Basic Spell)

Skill Level: 1 (Proficiency 4%)

Equipment:

[Novice sword] (uncommon)

[Snow Shirt] (uncommon)

[Blood Orb] (Uncommon)

[Elsa’s Engagement Ring] (Iron)

Frankly, Ryou still harbored a desire to grind a few more levels, but with his gameplay time rapidly ticking away, he had to expedite his plan to amass money quickly.

Returning to the Blue Burn Forest, Ryou immersed himself in the lush green surroundings adorned with maple leaves. His attention was drawn to a verdant tree, where three enormous, yellow-hued Bees, each the size of a one-year-old baby, captivated his gaze. The air pulsated with their energetic humming as they circled their nest.

[Golden Bees] (common)

Level 5

HP 260

With a resounding noise, Ryou lured the giant Bees towards him, initiating a pursuit through the varied terrain. Employing deft maneuvers among the trees and rocks, he attempted to evade their swift attacks but despite his best efforts, a sting found its mark, prompting him to use [Lesser Heal].

The frustration of [Explore]'s limitation against battle scenerio gnawed at Ryou.

‘If only [Explore] could be employed outside of combat, dodging the Bees' attacks would have been a much simpler task’

Persisting despite accruing damages, Ryou led the relentless pursuit into a bamboo forest. The confined space impeded the Bees' flight, and the dynamics of the fight were on the verge of shifting in his favor.

“My turn, Bitch.” A wicked smile adorned Ryou's face as he deftly sheathed his sword.

[Shadow Flash].

-10, -10, -9

Three black lights streaked through the air, honing in on one of the Bees. The confined space of the bamboo forest played to Ryou's advantage, impeding the Bees' nimble evasion and facilitating a seamless connection of the attack.

Swiftly sidestepping a clumsy bee sting, Ryou countered with [Chop], dealing a decisive blow with a damage output of -12. Enraged, the Bees intensified their assault, attempting a targeted sting at Ryou's neck. Yet, the strategic use of three bamboo shoots as a shield thwarted the attack, preventing it from reaching him. Despite Ryou's agility of 15, which still lagged behind the Bees, he adeptly leveraged his surroundings.

Engaging in a strategic dance around bamboo obstacles, Ryou deftly sustains the assault, seamlessly blending [Shadow Flash] and [Chop] into a relentless sequence, cleverly leveraging the environment. The confrontation unfolds as a tactical ballet, with Ryou orchestrating precise strikes amidst the bamboo-laden battlefield.

However, facing the trio of highly agile Bees, Ryou senses the mounting pressure in this unequal battle. A successful sting inflicts a staggering 86 damage, halving his HP. Their remarkable agility occasionally allows them to evade his attempts at [Chop] or [Shadow Flash], with Ryou managing to net only 96 damage on one Bee

Exercising caution, Ryou refrains from immediately using [Lesser Heal], choosing to endure another attack before initiating the healing skill. The +15 Physical resistance from the [Snow Shirt] proves crucial, allowing him to withstand three hits instead of succumbing to a potential two-hit defeat as in previous encounters. The intense struggle unfolds as Ryou carefully navigates the delicate balance between offense and survival.

[Shadow Flash]

-10, -11, -10.

As the first Bee dwindled to a mere 27 HP, Ryou seized the opportunity, delivering a final [Chop] and three precise slashes to claim victory.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

**System:** [common] Golden Bee killed. Level difference of 3. EXP obtained increased by 3 times. Obtained 48 EXP.

As the first Bee falls, Ryou methodically dispatches the remaining foes with increased ease, taking only a minute to deal with the second Bee. With his guard diminished, he lazily attacks the last Bee. When the lone Bee dwindles to 37 HP, Ryou's guard momentarily lowers.

However, just as he prepares for the final strike, an ominous shiver races down his spine. Instinctively leaping forward, he narrowly avoids a lethal black dagger slash targeting his initial position.

System: Player Silent Wind has attacked you and entered a Yellow Name state. If you attack the Yellow Name players you will not receive any penalty.

As the figure materializes behind Ryou, a scrawny middle-aged Assassin reveals himself, surprise etched across his face, betraying his unexpected failure at ambushing Ryou. Despite his mastery in staying concealed and an Agility stat of 13, Ryou's ability to dodge the sneak attack, even with his guard lowered, leaves the Assassin somewhat surprised. Rather than being discouraged, the revelation seems to fuel his determination to face a formidable opponent.

Ryou fixes a cold gaze on the Assassin and questions, "And who are you?"

"Silent Wind," the middle-aged Assassin reveals his name, excitement palpable in his face. Holding his dagger in a reverse grip, he observes Ryou's every move with keen attention.

Silent Wind had been trailing Ryou since Ryou lured the Bees into the bamboo forest. Initially he was reluctant to follow just anyone but he recognized Ryou's face, having been among the spectators when Ryou received his Hidden Quest rewards. He couldn't believe his luck at this sweet chance to steal the Orb.

His primary objective was to steal the quest reward, viewing the Bees targeting Ryou and their potential drops as enticing bonuses. Confident in his skills after studying Ryou's every move, Silent Wind believed the current scenario provided an opportune moment to sever the last strands of Ryou's life.

The Bee surged towards Ryou, oblivious to the silent turmoil between the two players.

Advancing aggressively, Silent Wind challenges Ryou, "How about you beg for your life? Maybe then, I may consider sparing you." With lethal intent, Silent Wind rushes towards Ryou, poised to strike the moment he evades the Bees.

Caught between the dual threats of the aggressive Bee and the determined Assassin, Ryou finds himself in a perilous situation with a mere 34 HP remaining,

BUT

Closing in, Silent Wind faces Ryou, who responds with a subtle smile. Ryou deftly dodges both attacks and activated [Lesser Heal],replenishing his health. In a swift motion, he also unleashes [Snowy Field], which produces a chilling wind which encompassed a 3-meter radius that deals 13 damage to the Bee and 10 damage to Silent Wind. The Assassin, clad in black leather doublet gear, was visibly shocked by the unexpected impact.

Silent Wind exclaims, "How?" His defensive gear should have mitigated the damage. Undeterred, Ryou executes [Shadow Flash], and three lights strike the Bee, causing its body to vanish and turn into loot.

Silent Wind activated [Gale Step] in a desperate attempt to escape, but his efforts were in vain as a powerful force collided with his legs, sending him sprawling face-first to the ground. As he tried to rise, Ryou seized the opportunity, clinging to Silent Wind's legs. Swiftly ascending, Ryou strategically settled on Silent Wind's stomach, immobilizing him with a firm leg clasping his hand behind his back. The weight made any attempt to stand futile.

The onset of an inexorable outcome became evident as a series of sword stabs followed, sealing the fate of this encounter.

"How about you beg for your life?" Ryou's voice echoed, punctuating a brief pause in the sword swings, his grin evident.

Pinned and unable to move, Silent Wind's face turned red as he remained silent. Capitalizing on the moment, Ryou revealed the blood Orb, placing it atop Silent Wind's chest.

"I would find you someday and kill you the same wa—" Silent Wind's ominous vow was abruptly cut short as his HP plummeted, halving in an instant. [Snowy Field] exacted its final toll, depleting the last remnants of his life. The Assassin vanished, leaving behind a black leather armor.

Ryou, victorious, rose from his stance, casually dusting off his pants and shirt. His attention shifted to the Blood Orb in his hand, now radiating a vivid red akin to fresh blood. Suddenly, the Orb glowed brightly in the sunlight, and a subtle transformation overcame Ryou. In a brief moment, his appearance shifted to match the intimidating face of Silent Wind, even altering his stature. This change lasted only momentarily before reverting to his usual youthful countenance.

The Blood Orb held transformative power, fueled by the stored blood and limited to the appearance of the individual from whom the blood was absorbed.

Turning his attention to the loot, Ryou scrutinized the black leather armor left behind by Silent Wind.

[Black shiny Doublet] (Iron Rank)

Level 2

Equipment Requirements: Defense 3

HP +20

Defense +2

Agility + 2

Durability: 15/15

“This one is going to be on sale today.” Declaring impassively, Ryou tossed it into his space bag. He then shifted his focus to the loot from the bees, revealing an equipment drop—a pair of gloves, and two crystallized honey drops.

[Bee Gloves] (Common Rank)

Level 4

Equipment Requirements: Agility 2

Strength+3

Durability 10/10

He equipped these gloves as the added strength was welcomed by him.

In a relentless cycle of luring and battling, Ryou dedicated 3-4 hours to amassing a significant haul from the bees in the bamboo forest. His efforts bore fruit, yielding 38 crystallized honey, 15 bee stings, 6 Bee Gloves, and 2 Bee Swords. The spoils overflowed into his space bag, and additional herbs and crystallized honey found a place in his pockets. To accommodate even more, he repurposed Silent Wind's leather doublet as a makeshift cloth bundle, slinging it over his back.

‘I should remembered to buy a carry bag next time’

“...”

Cloaked in Silent Wind's appearance, Ryou leisurely strolled into the Commercial district. His journey from the forest was fraught with challenges, encountering numerous players eager to pilfer the stash of herbs slung on his back. The unconventional choice of using armor as a makeshift carry bag irked fellow players, sparking a chase by a horde of eager pursuers.

Despite the relentless pursuit, Ryou's agility and the aid of his [Explore] skill deftly thwarted every attempt to catch him. The spectacle unfolded as a cat-and-mouse game, leaving a trail of frustrated players in his wake as he skillfully navigated towards the town.

The Commercial Area teemed with activity as weary players, returning from their monster-slaying exploits, sought leisure. Taverns hosted lively conversations, spanning topics from love life discussions to shared laughter over someone's misfortune. In these establishments, untrue gossip and exaggerated rumors often swirled.

Outside, an open space metamorphosed into a makeshift flea market, where players showcased their loot for potential buyers. Mats and cloth adorned the ground, creating a colorful array of items available for grabs. Despite the absence of player-owned shops at this stage, the impromptu market served as a bustling hub for trading and interactions among the gaming community.

Choosing an empty spot, Ryou unveiled the Black Shiny Doublet, immediately capturing the attention of onlookers. A group swiftly approached, eager to make an offer.

"Hey man, can you sell me that for 20 bronze?"

"Just 20 bronze, I'll give you 30 bronze!"

"40, 45 bronze…"

Exasperated by the escalating bids, Ryou declared, "This item is not for sale," and settled on the ground.

The crowd sighed in understanding, realizing the unlikely sale of such a remarkable armor at this early stage of the game.

‘Maybe he was just showing it off for advertising’, everybody thought so,

BUT

Ryou astounded them by spreading the Leather Doublet on the ground and delicately positioning a stalk of ash-colored flowers above it. Using the doublet as an improvised cloth, he skillfully arranged his wares, creating a display that left onlookers nearly breathless, almost coughing blood at the sheer extravagance.

“This is called Mountain Flower, it can heal 20 HP upon consumption” pointing at another herb Ryou continued to summarizes their uses. “This is Blue Mushroom, it can restore 10 mana upon consumption”

“This is Snow dew, it could...

“This is a Yellow spot mushroom…

“This is Bell Roots….”

Before the crowds could scratch their heads about how an impressive (Iron) equipment was unfurled like a casual rag, their attention was redirected to a bunch of herbs that seemed like a life-saving one would need during their emergency.

With an exaggeratedly fervent expression, Ryou took out a pair of yellow gloves. "Behold, the ‘Bee Gloves!’ Feel free to appraise the buzzing fashion trend yourselves." Before anyone could appraise, he whipped out a plated shield and a leather armor.

Presenting the plated shield, Ryou proclaimed, "This is called the Dawn Shield," then paused for dramatic effect, "And... this is the final item. It's called a Snow Leather Shirt." With an impish grin, he continued, "If anyone can buy a total of 10 silver worth today, then you can get a discount on tomorrow's sales.”

Ryou concluded with a charming sales pitch, sporting what he assumed was a sales lady's smile and adding a playful wink for good measure. However, the juxtaposition of Silent Wind's scrawny, intimidating face attempting a friendly gesture sent a shudder down the spines of the onlookers.

Finally someone muttered, “ Did he loot a treasury”

“OMG it is a level 5 (Iron) Armor,” Someone yelled.

Slowly, a large crowd formed a tight circle around Ryou's small stall.

“How much is one stalk of herb, no, no give me all of the Mountains Flower,”

“Hey, give me 1 stalk each of the herbs”

“Shop owner, how much is the Iron Shield”

“How much is…?”

With a calm smile, Ryou interjected, "Please be quiet, or else the guards might come and close my shop."

The crowd, taking heed of the potential consequence, hushed down in response.

"Alright, let's settle this the civilized way,”," Ryou suggested. "I have a very limited number of herbs, and there are many eager folks here. Let's have an auction. The highest bidder will walk away with the prize they desire."

Amidst the lively auction setup, the sudden clamor of approaching footsteps disrupted the scene. The crowd parted hurriedly as a group of over 10 people emerged, led by a handsome man exuding an elegant demeanor.

"Make way, make way!"

"Get out of the way, the Bloom guild is here."

At the forefront, the elegant man in blue cloak addressed Ryou with a familiar warm smile. "Hey Silent Nii, why don't you sell all your items to us? Our guild would offer more than the market price. Could you please come with us for a moment?" The kind smile and inviting gesture conveyed a polite request for Ryou to join their ranks.

Ryou showed a disgusted face and said, “Nah! Go away, I am not gay, don't recruit me in your guild.”

Ryou's response left the crowd wheezing with laughter as the elegant man's smile froze into an ugly grimace. Unfazed, Ryou gestured with his palm to silence any further attempts at conversation.

Recognizing the man as the vice commander of Bloom, Ryou recalled him as an arrogant individual with a smile that concealed deadly edges. However, in the current moment, he had no time for him, and with him wearing Silent Wind's face. "Let the consequences unfold as they may."

"No time for chit-chat," Ryou declared. "Let's get back to business.,” He looks at the crowd and said, “Starting bid for this lovely stalk of Mountain Flower is 30 Bronze."

The Vice Commander from Bloom Guild gritted his teeth in anger, warning Ryou, "Silent Wind, do you think you can live your life happily after this?" His eyes turned bloodshot with rage.

Unperturbed, Ryou continued the auction, pointing to a woman in the corner. "Hmm, you, ma'am, said 35 bronze. Okay, 35 bronze going once, 35 bronze going twice."

Suddenly, a melodious voice echoed through the crowd, bidding "50 Bronze."

Ryou turned to identify the rich bidder, his smile froze as well when he saw the bidder.

In the midst of the crowd stood two exceptionally beautiful women in their early twenties, radiating an aura that was distinguishable even in the crowd, they were like two shining full moon in the dark night.

"Luna…mary.. twins," Ryou's thoughts unintentionally spilled out, but he quickly composed himself before addressing. "50 Bronze going once, 50 Bronze going twice. Sold to the beautiful bidder in the corner." Ryou's gaze lingered on them.

Ryou inwardly cursed, ‘The Fuck are they doing here?’

These two beautiful women were the only individuals that he genuinely feared in two worlds. Shinoda Sora and Shinoda Aoi, 'The Lunamary-twins'