Chapter 70
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: The Highlight of the Journey
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Y-You absolutely have to accept, Yuhyeon!
Kain said, his eyes gleaming.
Absolutely?
Its a quest with incredibly attractive rewards. You must, must accept it!
At his rather desperate tone, Yuhyeons eyes narrowed.
Hmm.
What he was more curious about was why Kain didnt accept the quest himself.
If it was such an important quest, he, as the party leader, could have readily accepted it.
It must be a system where the person who first receives the offer has to be the one to accept the quest.
This was happening due to a Wonderland system Yuhyeon was not yet aware of.
A system where any quest is progressed by the person who first discovers it or receives the offer.
Yuhyeon soon turned his gaze to Willis, the head of the merchant caravan.
P-Please, travel with us.
This mans expression was just as desperate as Kains.
Were heading the same way anyway, is there any reason to refuse?
Whatever the case, their final destination was still the Eirn Mountains.
If so, it was more beneficial to undertake a quest and receive rewards than to just sit in the wagon.
Moreover, this was the appearance of a Sudden Quest, rumored to be the most efficient type.
With that thought, Yuhyeon looked at Willis and said simply.
Very well, lets go together.
Th-Thank you!
Tiring!
You have accepted a Sudden Quest.
Then, Ill be in your care.
That is what I should be saying. Ill be in your care until we reach the Eirn Mountains!
Yuhyeon said, clasping Williss hands.
Of course.
And so, their journey with the Golden Apple Caravan began.
Swaaaa.
Golden sunbeams poured down upon the wide-open plains.
The sky was clear, and a cool breeze blew gently, as if swimming through the wild grass.
Each time a heavy hoof trod on the earth, a clean thud echoed across the plains.
Whew.
Sitting in the wagon, Yuhyeon whistled while tending to his instrument.
Haaa, the weather is great.
Yunaring was perched on the edge of the wagon, enjoying nature.
Breathing in the cool breeze in the middle of the tranquil plains, it felt like paradise.
At this speed, Id say well reach the Eirn Mountains in about two days.
At that moment, Kain, who had been watching ahead with a relaxed expression, muttered to himself.
He was on guard, wondering if bandits would launch another surprise attack.
His fingers constantly fiddled with the hilt of his sword.
I apologize. I hope we are not causing a disturbance to your journey.
Ah, not at all. I was just doing my due diligence as the party leader.
Kain snapped to attention at Williss murmur.
He was worried that his careless words might have made the man feel pressured.
Thanks to your escort, we can now travel the rest of the way with peace of mind. I am sincerely grateful.
Haha, dont mention it.
Kain replied in a friendly tone.
But dont you usually hire an escort party when you set out on a trade journey?
W-We usually do, but.
Ah, I was just curious.
Feeling like he had pressured him again, Kain quickly gestured with his hands.
This is the time when competition for escorts is at its fiercest. There are so many caravans that set out around this time every year.
Willis, the caravan leader, continued.
Besides, I heard news that bandits havent been appearing lately. Of course, to be safe, it would have been right to wait until an escort party was available.
I see.
Kains eyes narrowed for a moment at Williss words.
Whats the reason?
As Wonderland aimed for a realistic world, the daily lives of NPCs were meant to flow organically, just like in reality.
Whether there are users nearby or not, bandits are supposed to respawn in Rutetia. Did something change without me knowing?
This meant that the world of Wonderland was changing little by little, in ways even Kain was unaware of.
The thought brought a pang of disappointment.
Dont tell me there wont be a single quest on the way, right?
Since they had accepted an escort quest, he was hoping something would show up.
Something with low difficulty but decent rewards.
Well, even if not, the escort quest reward is guaranteed.
Kain, who knew the nature of the clear reward he would receive later, smirked.
The sun is starting to set. A little further from here, theres a pine forest. The ground is flat and the view is wide open, making it a very suitable place for a campsite.
Are you suggesting we stay there for the night?
Yes, its a place I often use. Do you have a particular spot youd prefer?
No, no, that sounds good.
Kain agreed to Williss suggestion to make camp.
And so, they arrived at the pine forest.
Ive set up hammocks, so you can rest here for a bit. Ill let you know when dinner is ready.
Is there anything we can help with?
No, resting comfortably is the best way you can help us.
At Williss words, Yuhyeon, Kain, and Yunaring lay down in the hammocks.
It was a gesture that conveyed his sincerity, that they should leave all lodging and meals to the caravan.
Haaa, Im getting drowsy just lying here.
I know, right?
Yuhyeon and his party members spent a comfortable time in their hammocks.
A few minutes passed.
Suddenly recalling the battle from the afternoon, Kain shot up and spoke.
By the way, Yuhyeon. Are you really not going to tell me?
Pardon? Tell you what.
The buff, the buff! I saw with my own two eyes that it had an attack power increase effect.
Kain sat up straight, his eyes sparkling.
Could it be that you have a special class like me? Perhaps youre not actually a bard, or maybe your rank is incredibly high.
His words piqued Yunarings curiosity, and she too sat up abruptly.
Suddenly, both of their gazes were fixed on Yuhyeon.
And under their expectant stares
I think its probably because of this instrument.
Yuhyeon said, pointing to the Cajon with his hand.
Kain and Yunarings gazes shifted to the instrument.
The instrument you mean because of that instrument called a Cajon?
Yuhyeon nodded.
Yes, I heard a rumor that it has an attack buff effect, so I tried making one.
Really? Thats the first Ive ever heard of it.
Its an instrument that was just added today.
Huh.
Kains eyes went wide as if he was hearing it for the first time in his life.
Thanks to this instrument, a path has opened up for bards to survive. Isnt that a relief?
Yuhyeon said in a vague tone.
Its not a lie.
It was the truth, without a shred of falsehood.
It was true that the Cajon had an attack buff, and it was also true that the future for bards had brightened.
He had just omitted the fact that he was the one who created it.
I-I understand that much. But for a buff from someone at your level, the effect was too outstanding, wasnt it? It had an attack buff, but also attack speed, defense, and even health regeneration.
That didnt resolve all of Kains questions.
After all, Yuhyeons buff was not something a level 25 player should be able to produce.
Well. Maybe its because I wrote the sheet music well? I guess I was lucky.
Luck Is that something that can be achieved with luck.
Kain mumbled, looking crestfallen.
It was a buff with stats so high it was almost a bug, something that couldnt be explained away with a simple answer like luck.
The moment he received the buff, the words this is broken had sprung to his lips.
No, the numbers dont lie. Wonderland is a well-structured game.
Kain was a veteran among veterans, having played for three years.
He didnt think Yuhyeons words were the whole truth.
Well, if you say so, I understand.
But Kain nodded as if he accepted it.
Prying any further would be rude.
Except in a few cases, not asking for detailed information about others was an unwritten rule.
It would be nice if he shared details about his abilities since they were in a party together, but that was ultimately Yuhyeons choice.
He must have a special skill, a special class, or a hidden piece. If not that, he could have an alt character like me!
It just meant that his perception of Yuhyeon had been elevated by several levels.
From a complete level 25 newbie to a special person who might possess incredible abilities!
Just as Kain was looking at Yuhyeon with expectant eyes.
To be honest, Im a beginner, so I dont know how amazing that buff was.
Yunaring said with a gentle smile.
But the music you played earlier was really good. How should I put it? It felt like strength was just bubbling up inside me as I listened. Whats the word for that.
Her fingers fidgeted as she searched for the right word.
Exhilaration! I felt exhilarated. You know, that kind of thing. Like the sound of a military band before a battle, or a guitarist playing on top of a tank. I think I know exactly what that feels like now, you know?
Yunaring continued, her tone full of excitement.
Unlike Kain, she was focused on the music Yuhyeon had created.
Ah, am I talking too much by myself? Its just that I love music so much I live with earphones in every day, hehe.
Then, feeling awkward, she began to glance around cautiously.
I appreciate you saying that. It was a piece I composed.
R-Really?
I was inspired by the sight of you two heading into battle.
Whoa.
Yuhyeon stated simply.
This feels good.
Honestly, the praise for his music felt even better than the compliments about the buff.
It was an acknowledgment of his inspiration and its resulting creation.
Thank you for waiting. The meal is ready, please come this way!
Just then, Williss shout came from a distance.
Alright, alright, lets go eat first. This is the grand highlight, after all.
Kain said, jumping to his feet as if he had been waiting.
Highlight? Is the food that good?
Yuhyeon tilted his head.
Whoa, amazing.
Wow, what a feast.
Yunaring and Kains eyes widened as they saw the meal Willis had prepared.
There really is a lot.
Even Yuhyeon, who usually maintained his composure, found his eyes widening.
How many dishes are there in total?
The makeshift table was spread with a sumptuous feast of all kinds of food.
There was an aperitif to wet the throat, bread and salad for a light bite, and even steak and soup.
It was a spread that could easily be compared to a noblemans dinner.
It smells so good.
Mmm, the aroma of the wine is incredible too.
Haha, please, help yourselves.
The aroma was so good it keenly stimulated their sense of smell.
It felt as if they were in a high-end restaurant.
Perhaps this was what Kain meant when he called this moment the highlight.
In that case, I approve. Eating delicious food is always approved.
Then lets see how delicious it is
Just as Yuhyeon was calmly about to take his first bite.
Whoa, holy crap, a Strength stat!
Huh? Awesome! Agility goes up too!
Kain and Yunaring exclaimed in shock as they looked at the food.
Yuhyeon, you should eat too!
?
At Kains shout, Yuhyeons gaze turned to the food.
And at the same time.
Tiring!
Golden Apple Caravan's Special Duck Soup (Rare)
Description: A special soup the caravan prides itself on, with the exquisite taste of smoked duck. Consuming this food permanently increases Agility by 1.
Huh?
He could see that the food had stats attached to it.
And it was a permanent increase of a single stat.
Wait a minute, there are more than four dishes here.
Yuhyeons gaze swept over the feast on the table.
There were already several types of food laid out.
Could this be it?
Yuhyeon finally realized.
The highlight Kain had spoken of was only just beginning.