Standing in a huge hall, Nero felt slightly bewildered. Holding a card in his hand, his rank and chosen name, Alero, were written on it.
Now he was in a state of confusion as everyone in this vast place seemed to be rushing somewhere. Some were even shouting repeatedly for an archer, which caught the attention of the guards.
It reminded him of certain games he had played before. After looking around again, he headed towards the section labeled "Quests" at the top.
Approaching one of the counters, fortunately without a queue this time, he saw a man wearing glasses who was focused on some papers. Upon noticing Nero, he paid attention to him.
"Hello, do you want to accept a quest or report completion?" the man asked.
"I'd like to see the list of quests for rank C, please," Nero replied.
"Please show me your card," the man requested.
As requested, Nero showed his newly acquired card to the man.
After examining the card for a few seconds, the man looked back at Nero.
"Based on your card, it seems you registered recently and anonymously. You were already informed that trust in you would be reduced. At the moment, I can tell you that if you're lucky, you might be able to join a team, but it's unlikely. Take a look at the list of tasks, and choose one even though the chances are very slim. If you fail, you can come back to me. In the meantime, I'll show you the dangerous missions, but they will be easy to handle," the man explained.
Saying all this, the man handed something resembling a tablet to Nero. Although there were no phones or similar devices in this world, there were devices similar to e-readers. After familiarizing himself with it, Nero realized he could view all the tasks for rank C.
There were many tasks involving surveying areas, but most of the requirements stated, "ANONYMOUS INDIVIDUALS NOT ACCEPTED."
To his disappointment, he couldn't find a suitable mission. Looking at the man, Nero asked to see the list of dangerous missions.
Taking another tool, the man showed him the missions, all of which were for reconnaissance in the lost continent.
[ Mission 23: Area inspection in the southwest of the settlement of Hiubey. Recent news reports sightings of monsters there. The last group that checked the area did not return.
Requirements: 4 individuals
Tasks:
1) Check the area for monster presence.
(If you manage to kill a monster, the reward will be increased.)
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
2) Determine the condition of the Lidee group. If you find them alive, help them. If not, at least retrieve their belongings.
Reward: 10 Silver ]
He came across a mission with a fairly good reward. In this world, gold was a valuable currency, more expensive than magical crystals. The smallest crystal was worth almost 15 gold, and money was made as follows: 1 gold was equal to 1000 silver, and 1 silver was equal to 1000 copper.
Working for several months, Nero could earn only 1-4 silver, and that was because he was a warrior. The bread he bought cost 20-25 copper.
So, he had to give up a lot just to eat properly.
Nero decided to take on this task.
"I want to accept mission number 23, and when does it start?"
The man nodded, then turned and waved to a young girl sitting far away. Upon seeing him, she jumped up and ran towards them.
The girl was short, slim, with thick long straight reddish hair and big cunning eyes. Her narrow round face was adorned with a snub nose and small lips.
"Sonia, escort him to room 23," the man instructed.
Sonia nodded, made a gesture to Nero, and walked ahead.
They didn't talk along the way, even though Nero wanted to ask a question. But the girl seemed to be intentionally keeping her distance from him.
Soon they arrived at the location, opening the door where two people were sitting, seemingly waiting. Upon seeing them, they briefly glanced at him before resuming their indifference.
The girl pointed to the couch and said, "Please, have a seat and wait. Once the fourth person arrives, you will begin your mission."
Nero sat where the girl indicated, but before he could say anything, she had already closed the door.
At that moment, he noticed the other two individuals. One was a large man, while the other was of the same height as him, making it difficult to discern their gender as both concealed their faces with masks. One was dressed as a warrior, while the other resembled him and was likely an assassin.
After waiting a few more minutes, the door finally opened, and a slightly agitated man entered. Following him was a man from the counter, speaking simultaneously.
"Sir, you know these missions are primarily dangerous, which is why a minimum of four people should be in the group..."
"I know, I know. That's why I'm here. I need them to go and find my son as soon as possible. I don't have time to wait for the fourth person."
The speaker was a stout man, and soon his gaze shifted to them.
"I'll increase the reward for this mission if you leave now and find my son."
As the stout man spoke, eagerly looking at Nero and the others, Nero glanced at the other two.
They exchanged glances and nodded, looking back at Nero. Since he had no objections, he stood up from his seat.
"Let's go..."
...
Before Nero's eyes was a portal, a means of connecting to the lost continent.
Two of them didn't wait for Nero and headed towards the portal after showing their cards. Nero followed their example and showed his card, then proceeded forward.
Passing through the portal, a momentary dizziness overwhelmed his head. Emerging from the other side of the portal was a massive base, filled with numerous adventurers.
As he followed his group, there seemed to be commotion on the side.
This made all three of them involuntarily turn their heads towards the source of the noise, where two figures were surrounded by a crowd.
One was a tall woman with a massive sword on her back, while the other was a handsome man dressed as a mage. They appeared to be arguing about something.
After observing for a few seconds, a voice calling him was heard.
"Let's go, Alero."
It was the voice of the warrior.