Chapter 10
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Teacher
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A temporary buff has been granted within the cathedral.
This is an incredible achievement!
You are the first user to grant a buff without using a skill!
As the performance ended, a series of notifications and messages appeared.
What in the world
Hah
The eyes of everyone in the hall turned to Yuhyeon.
The first to regain his senses was Pengkun.
N-no way He gave a buff without a skill?
As a mere party member, Pengkun couldn't see as many notifications as Yuhyeon.
Even so, the few that appeared were more than enough to startle him.
First Achievement Unlocked
Title Acquired
First User to Grant a Buff Without a Skill
Every notification that popped up was extraordinary.
To be precise, they were beyond extraordinary; they were things he had never seen before in his life.
Hamdin has donated 500,000 won.
- What is this? He got two first achievements, and the synergy triggered a buff?
Enun has donated 200,000 won.
- Holy crap, isn't this a hidden piece? There was still a 'first user' title left in the beginner town?
HodadakMedadak has donated 100,000 won.
- Wow lol, is this viewer count for real? LMAO
KimJaemin has donated 5,000 won.
- I'm donating my entire allowance..
Donations flooded in at the sight of a spectacle one might witness only once in a lifetime.
The viewer count temporarily surged by nearly 1,000, and soon the chat was spammed with messages like ? and !?.
The word first was synonymous with a hidden piece.
BardBoomIsComing has donated 100,000 won.
- But what's the buff?? Show us what it is, I'm dying of curiosity.
Ah, just a moment First, it has an all-stats increase. All stats 10 and 15 percent additional damage? This is insane!
Pengkun, his eyes wide, shared the notification window on his screen.
All Stats 10, Additional Damage 15 (Duration: 30 minutes)
- Wow
- ?!
- Holy crap lol
- Amazing
- That's freaking insane
- wtf
In an instant, the chat exploded with so many messages that the window turned black.
- All stats 10 and 15 additional damage? Are you kidding me?
- That's better than the 100-gold buff potion that gives 10 additional damage lol wow
- And the duration is 30 minutes, plus the 10 to all stats.
- Isn't this game-breaking?
The buffs from the royal court musicians provided roughly a 20 increase in additional damage.
Yuhyeons buff was slightly less potent, but it came with an additional 10 to all stats.
Assuming one distributed one point to each stat evenly, it was equivalent to gaining 10 levels.
This is an absurd effect What on earth is happening?
Was it because this was a buff created through a hidden piece? The effect was incomprehensible by any normal standard.
As Pengkun dazedly assessed the situation, Charles was experiencing a similar level of shock and emotion.
That prickly Geyes expression changed in a single instant
Charles thought to himself as he watched Geye. When it came to performance, no one was more critical and strict than him.
The only person he acknowledged was Saint Paolo, and when Charles had suggested bringing in an outside musician, it was Geye who had insisted on someone on par with or greater than Saint Paolo, like a royal court musician.
Geye was second only to Paolo in skill, so persuading him wasn't easy.
Having dedicated his entire life to the violin and possessing the skill to match, it was only natural that most performers failed to impress him.
And yet, there he was, with the look of a girl who had just fallen in love.
If even Geye is like this, what hope do I have?
That was why Charles, too, had become a devout follower of Yuhyeon.
To move even Geye so instantlyif this wasn't the god of music, what else could it be?
Charles was now prepared to do anything for Yuhyeon.
Performances, minor requests, anything at all.
Is this really the same violin playing I know?
The same was true for Geye.
After hearing Yuhyeons performance, a fundamental question about his own playing began to form in his mind.
Perhaps all he had been doing until now was not performance, but merely the honing of a technique.
I dont have the confidence to play like that.
No matter how great his technique, Geye was not confident he could show the listener a musical vision like a raging inferno.
In the first place, for a performer to reveal their intended imagery to the audience
Was such a thing even realistically possible?
But that person did the impossible.
In Geyes mind, his term for Yuhyeon had long since changed from that good-for-nothing to that person.
It seems I have no choice but to acknowledge him.
Musicians communicated through music, and when encountering a great performer, it was necessary to show them due respect.
Geye shot up from his seat and shouted toward Yuhyeon, casting aside all pride and stubbornness.
I look forward to working with you until the rite! Please, teach me much during our time together!
Yuhyeon smiled faintly and replied.
Of course. I look forward to it as well.
And so, with the acknowledgment of all present
Shall we begin our rehearsal, then?
Yuhyeons first step was taken.
The true first step toward the ceremonial rite.
Dont lose your focus until the very end, and hold the notes. Excellent! Youve all worked hard.
Hah, its over
Hoo, haa
The first rehearsal concluded with great success.
While everyone else was so exhausted their clothes were soaked with sweat, only Yuhyeon seemed unaffected as he spoke calmly.
So, what time should we rehearse tomorrow?
Haha.
He was already scheduling the next rehearsal right after finishing one. Should they be happy about this or not?
Charles wiped away beads of sweat and barely managed to reply.
Any time after 2 PM, once all the services are finished, is fine.
Then lets meet at 2.
Yes, Conductor.
It had been unanimously decided that Yuhyeon would conduct the piece.
From creating the musical vision to tuning the pitches and leading the simple first rehearsal, everything began and ended at Yuhyeons hands.
There were times they had to repeat sections due to minor mistakes during practice, but never did a single harsh word pass between them.
In that short time, everyone had developed a strong trust in Yuhyeon.
A flood of cascading notes My hand was so numb I almost dropped my viola.
To conduct without a single second of rest while simultaneously playing the keyboard. Truly astonishing concentration.
Ive never practiced this way in my life. Is this what it takes to deliver such a performance?
Charles, Martin, and Geye each looked at Yuhyeon with different expressions.
Then, a thought occurred to Charles.
Ah, now that the rehearsal is over, we must proceed with the contract. I almost forgot while trying to catch my breath.
Charles brought over a contract and handed it to Yuhyeon.
Here is the contract.
The elegant handwriting in fountain pen and the sealing stamp were prominent.
It was a moment of seeing a contract, like one from a fantasy movie, in person.
Yuhyeon accepted the document from Charles.
Tiring!
You have acquired Elders Contract.
Please read it carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time. It is a contract guaranteed by the cathedral, so there will be no unfair clauses. Please use this stamp.
As Charles had said, there was nothing unusual about the contract.
It emphasized that he must participate diligently in practice every day and do his best for a successful ceremonial rite.
The terms of this contract are good.
At the very least, it didn't try to swindle him like contracts in reality did, only asking him to practice diligently. It could be called the best contract ever.
Yuhyeon quickly reviewed all the clauses and nodded. Then, the section at the very end labeled Reward caught his eye.
Reward
- 50 Gold
- Honorary Followers Emblem (Upon completion of the ceremonial rite)
The moment to receive his reward had finally come.
He didn't know what an Honorary Followers Emblem was, but the first thing that stood out was, of course, the gold.
So if I stamp this now, I get 50 gold
That was a little less than a month's rent, or enough to buy over twenty whole chickens.
Yuhyeon swallowed hard and pressed the stamp.
Tiring!
The contract has been completed.
You will be rewarded with 50 Gold.
The contract glowed, and 50 gold appeared in his inventory.
Yesss, finally!
Should he have chicken for dinner tonight? And maybe indulge in an order of cheese balls on the side.
Charles took back the contract with a pleased smile and said.
Sir Yuhyeon, todays practice is over. What are your plans now?
Um
He had essentially already achieved his initial goal.
He had heard plenty of sounds and received 50 gold. He had even played the violin, so it was safe to say he had exceeded his expectations.
Is that really enough? It feels a little disappointing.
The thought suddenly occurred to Yuhyeon.
Ever since logging into Wonderland, he had been experiencing a series of novel events he had never encountered before.
A continuous stream of brilliant moments, hard to come by in his small studio apartment.
Listening to sounds, going about his day, and experiencing these strange thingsthis moment was incredibly joyful.
In such a situation, was logging out really the best option?
Sir Yuhyeon, are you not interested in hunting or exploring like the other outsiders?
Its not that Im not interested Its just that Ive never hunted before.
N-never? Forgive me for asking, but what is your level?
Charless eyes widened.
He already knew that outsiders used levels and skills to wield special abilities.
It was only natural to assume that Yuhyeon, with his extraordinary musical talent, would surely have a high level as well.
At the very least, he must be the strongest person in this village, or someone of comparable skill.
However, contrary to his expectations
Level 1.
Huh?
Haha, its only been two days since I started.
Yuhyeon said with an awkward laugh.
I-is that truly the case?!
How could his level be a mere 1? This village was a place other outsiders leveled up in and left in the blink of an eye.
W-wait a minute. Does that mean he delivered such a performance at level 1? Not just the piano, but the violin as well?
Charless eyes grew round.
If he hadn't received help from levels or skills, where did this extraordinary musical talent come from?
If someone like this were to raise their level, how much more incredible would they become
And if Yuhyeon were to level up like the other outsiders, how much more amazing would he be?
Charless eyes gleamed for a moment.
I have resolved to provide Sir Yuhyeon with every convenience. I must help him adapt to hunting and level up with ease.
He had to help him level up as comfortably and easily asno, in a way other outsiders couldn't even imagine.
Tiring!
The Fanatic trait has been activated for Charles.
I believe I have a way to help you.
Help me?
I will help you hunt and explore, just like the other outsiders. You can do so in your spare time outside of practice, and it will be more than sufficient.
R-really?
As it happens, my son is quite skilled in swordsmanship.
Charless eyes sparkled as he spoke.
He has spent his entire life honing the sword, so he should be more than qualified to teach you. If you would wait here for a moment, I will bring him.
After he finished speaking, Charles left and soon returned to the cathedral with someone else.
Sir Yuhyeon, I have returned!
The person Charles brought with him had a commanding presence, even from a distance.
A man with a sturdy frame and tanned skin, as if he had spent his life training in martial arts.
Uh
Yuhyeon had seen this person before.
Yuhyeons and the mans eyes met.
Am I to teach that person?
The identity of the man called Charless son was none other than
C2C has donated 10,000 won.
- Uh, hyung, what are you doing here?
- ??
- ???
- LOL
Instructor?
Wait, youre?
It was Instructor Olsen, the one who had given Yuhyeon his first quest.
After the rehearsal, somewhere in the plaza.
Pengkun and Yuhyeon stood together, with Olsen behind them.
Ive sent the gold via mail. If you press the mailbox button, you should be able to confirm the 200 gold.
Upon pressing the mailbox icon, a white envelope and a stack of gold coins appeared.
It was the 200 gold sent by Pengkun.
Yuhyeon stared at the mail with a dazed expression.
200 gold Thats 2 million won
He had earned in just four hours what would have taken him a full month of non-stop work.
His plan to have chicken for dinner tonight was canceled. Canceled.
Ill have pizza. With a side of spaghetti.
A thought also crossed his mind.
It was nice to receive it, but hadnt he been paid too much for what hed done?
All I did was play the violin once and participate in one rehearsal
With that thought, Yuhyeon asked cautiously.
Ive confirmed it. But are you sure this is okay? Its a lot of money
What? No, no, its fine!
Pengkun waved his hand dismissively.
What you showed us today were sights so rare they cant be measured in gold.
Turning someone with the worst possible favorability to the highest in an instant, receiving a first achievement, having two first achievements create a synergy, and so on.
It was no exaggeration to say that miracles one might experience only once in a lifetime had all happened at once.
Is he really a newbie? It seems like he has no idea how incredible the things he just did were.
Though the man himself seemed completely unaware.
Hamdin has donated 10,000 won.
- What, does he really not know..? Is this a new kind of subtle brag?
- The big spender is mad again.
- That's the 3rd time he's gotten mad today.
- Spontaneous quest, first achievement, buff without a skill, all happening at once. It's understandable he'd be flabbergasted.
PenguinIsPenguin has donated 1,000 won.
- Anyway, upvote if you're a happy Pengkun who got plenty of content lol. I'll start.
- Just the footage from today could be split into several videos and get at least a few hundred thousand views lol.
- Pengkun: burp That was sweet.
- Ew, what's with the burp smell?
It was true.
The performance Yuhyeon had shown was already worth far more than 200 gold.
In fact, it was certain to generate even greater value.
I probably dont need to tell him.
Pengkun decided not to explain to Yuhyeon just how amazing his accomplishments were.
He would find out for himself when he watched the video. That would be more entertaining and dramatic anyway.
If he sees it himself and the reaction is good, itll be easier to ask him to be a guest again in the future.
With these thoughts, Pengkun vaguely mumbled.
You dont need to worry about that at all. So, shall we schedule the next recording for the day of the ceremonial rite?
Yes, Ill whisper you the day before the rite.
The next recording was set for a week later. Since he would be practicing like crazy anyway, there was no need to follow him around and film every single session.
Pengkun smiled brightly and said.
Well then, Ill be heading off! Ill contact you again.
- Bye, musician!
- cya cya, see you next time
- Peng-bye Peng-bye
You too, Pengkun!
Yuhyeon smiled slightly and bid farewell to Pengkun.
Olsen, who had been waiting quietly by his side, spoke in a low voice.
If youre done talking, lets get going.
Lets go, Instructor.
Yuhyeon and Instructor Olsen headed to the training grounds located outside.
A field of dry earth like a schoolyard, patches of weeds sprouting here and there, and scarecrows lined up in neat rows.
He had returned to the place where he first opened his eyes.
And it was two days after he had started the game.
Olsen looked at Yuhyeon with an indifferent tone and said.
Before we begin, lets get one thing straight. My father may speak to you with respect, but I cannot use honorifics with someone I am teaching swordsmanship to.
Of course. Youre my teacher, after all.
Good. You understand. Now, pick up a wooden sword.
Yuhyeon picked up a wooden sword.
Squeak, squeak. The smooth yet rough texture of the wood traveled up his skin.
To think Id be learning swordsmanship
He had thought that one day he would like to hunt and level up like other gamers, but he never imagined that day would be today.
He had experience with disciplines that involved the body, like dance and ballet, but this was his first time learning the sword.
What kind of swordsmanship would he learn? Since he was learning directly from Charless son, wouldn't it be something special?
Yuhyeon asked Olsen with an excited expression.
What should I do first?
First, go finish hitting that scarecrow you left half-done last time. Four more hits.
Olsen said with a look that suggested it was out of the question.
Tiring!
Quest: Strike the scarecrow 10 times with the wooden sword.
Grade: Tutorial
Requirement: Tutorial Target
Reward: Basic Swordsmanship
Remaining Hits: 4
Ah.
Yuhyeon gave an awkward smile.
Come to think of it
He hadn't even cleared the level 1 quest yet, had he?