Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: A Common Setup?
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A common setup, huh?
If you don't eat, you die. That was an obvious fact. But people in the 21st century didn't truly feel it. If anyone wanted, they could eat plenty anytime. Even doing manual labor let you stuff yourself for days. But in The Mission's world, it was different. Getting food here was never easy.
A classic case of the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer.
People like him who pushed ahead early could pick from various quests and had the skills to clear them. They even got first-clear bonuses to grow further. But those who couldn't secure basics like food, clothing, and shelter prioritized filling their bellies first. Whether begging or teaming up for quests, once they joined a guild, they'd scrape together one meal and worry about the next day's right away.
Closing that gap was incredibly tough.
While they scrambled to eat day by day, top players would pull even further ahead. It was a dilemma with no easy way out, but what saved Sung-hoon was a voice from nearby.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
A middle-aged man bowed repeatedly, as if he'd received a huge favor. In his hand gleamed 10 guilds reflecting the lantern light. At the same time, people around surged toward the woman who'd given him the money.
"Wh-what?!"
"Oh dear, miss. Please help this old man. Just one coin, please…"
"She looks just like my daughter! Oh my, oh my!"
"Sis! Ignore these people! I'll help you, so help me too!"
"Noona! Please, just one coin!"
Before he knew it, the boy who'd knelt before Sung-hoon was now prostrating himself before the woman, hands outstretched. At this point, knives might flash, but fortunately—or unfortunately—people weren't attacking her. They just begged from a short distance, with enough pressure to block her escape.
'Thanks.'
Sung-hoon gave a light nod to the woman who'd unwittingly helped him, then followed the path Sara had taught him. Soon, he reached the plaza. What he saw there grabbed his attention for a different reason.
The plaza was huge, like two soccer fields combined. Crowds swarmed everywhere, like the heart of a flea market. As he crossed it, the shouts from around started to become distinct.
"Everyone! Don't fall for the devil's temptations! Ignore the filthy demons mocking our one true Lord and gather to pray! We must pray!"
"Damn it! So we should just starve?! Huh?! You might've eaten your fill in that Starting Room and have a guild, but I've been starving all day!"
"Let's think realistically. We only have two lives. You know tons of people challenged Rat Extermination and haven't come back? That quest's difficulty is no joke!"
"Listen to me, folks! Now's the time to band together. If we group up, we can clear it. Fair shares for all! Surviving is what matters now! We can't do anything if we're dead!"
Listening to voices from all sides, Sung-hoon muttered without thinking.
"Total chaos."
It really was total chaos. Speakers, listeners. Beggars, people slumped motionless. Sightseers wandering about. The odd part was no fights breaking out. In this heated atmosphere, you'd expect brawls. Plus, everyone was on edge mentally, and most carried weapons.
Anyway, he didn't want fights. If the madness escalated to mass combat, he'd get swept up too. He exited the plaza and walked a bit more until he found the inn Sara mentioned.
Gurgle!
His stomach growled at the food scent wafting from somewhere. He'd nibbled combat rations while hunting, but that was just a snack. He had plenty of money—no need to skimp on food. The aroma came from a restaurant right by the inn.
As he moved to open the door without hesitation, two spears crossed to block him.
"What?"
"Got money?"
"Pardon?"
"I asked if you have money."
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because some try to dine and dash."
Ting!
Crowds peeked around the restaurant. He pulled a 100-guild coin from his inventory and shook it lightly. The guarding soldiers nodded and withdrew their spears.
The inside was fairly empty. But those seated devoured their food like someone might snatch it, noses practically buried in plates.
"What can I order here?"
"Anything you like."
"Then bulgogi and rice?"
"Certainly. So…"
"Hold on. Just checking—what's the price?"
"Bulgogi's 20 guilds, rice is 5."
"Good."
He'd asked in case of rip-offs, but no worries there. Leaning back in his chair while waiting, he zoned out. After swinging his sword and moving all day, he felt he could sleep for a full day.
His stats had changed a lot.
All had broken past 10. Objectively, Sung-hoon now had above-average physical abilities. Each mission completion gave random +1 or +2 to stats.
The first-clear bonus stats went first to stamina and agility, then to magic power. Magic power wouldn't budge no matter what. Shock might raise it with use, but one cast drained it dry. He needed to boost total magic capacity first for any growth chance.
Ting!
Someone entered, but Sung-hoon didn't look. He was deep in checking his skill window.
'Lowest Poison Technique, Lowest Martial Arts, and Three Materials Sword Technique already hit C proficiency. Do skills grow fast early on? Or because these are low-rank?'
Comparing, he realized low ranks grew faster. Well-used Low Trap Installation and Low Swordsmanship were just nearing D.
"Oppa, that guy."
"Huh?"
'Come to think of it, they call it a game but no HP or MP bars. No levels either. Only mission rewards and loot?'
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
Lifting his head, Sung-hoon saw familiar faces. He didn't frown thanks to the Betrayer title. Looking at the pair from the mission office, he said,
"What a coincidence. Didn't expect to meet here again."
"Glad we did. Mind if we join?"
Sung-hoon started to refuse but gave a slight nod. They sat, ordered simply, and spoke.
"If it's not rude, may we ask your name?"
"…Yoo Sung-hoon."
"Ah, Sung-hoon! Nice name. I'm Lee Young-gi, and this is my girlfriend, Park Hye-na. Thank you so much!"
Young-gi bowed naturally to Sung-hoon. Hye-na, glancing, followed suit.
"If not for your advice on Pest Removal, we'd have jumped into Rat Extermination without thinking. And suffered badly."
"You did Pest Removal, then. What do you mean 'suffered'?"
"Pardon? You haven't heard?"
He hadn't left the mission office all day, so no news. Meanwhile, Young-gi and Hye-na had quested, rested outside, toured, and quested more.
"Yeah, we were busy with tough quests…"
"How about a deal, then?"
"A deal?"
"Yes. I'll share my info if you buy us a meal."
Sung-hoon eyed Young-gi's bold demeanor anew. Info for food wasn't bad. How else to get info?
Ask outside? Who'd answer? A meal for tens of guilds worth of info was fair.
"Deal. I'll cover 100 guilds' worth for both."
Their faces lit up instantly.
They'd earned 600 guilds questing today. Herbs and an inn room left just 200. Half their savings on a meal? Ecstatic.
Of course, knowing Sung-hoon's wealth would dim that gratitude quick.