Chapter 176
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 176
Chapter Title: The Key from the Hidden Quest
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A key obtained from a hidden quest, no less.
In the past, when he first saw this key, Jeong Hoon thought it was a terribly disappointing reward. But the box that only this key could open contained items so impressive even traitors would gasp in admiration.
'Whoa... Reas had rewards like this?'
'Jackpot...'
'If I'd found this while playing the game, my specs would've skyrocketed.'
Even at high levels, these were incredibly good items. If he'd gotten them between levels 201 and 250, they would've been a massive help.
Knowing the future, Jeong Hoon was determined to claim these items this time.
'Altair doesn't know how to use the key.'
There was a depression on the key. When Jeong Hoon placed his hand there, a hologram appeared above it.
The key is being restored.
Tracking the box's location.
Altair had no way of knowing. This key only revealed its true value in a user's hands.
Even the worn-out key, which had seemed unusable, was restored to pristine condition.
Hold the key to reveal the box's location.
As he gripped the key, another hologram appeared.
It was a map.
There was an X mark on the map, indicating the box's hiding spot.
'As expected...'
The X pointed to the Thieves' Sanctuary.
The ruler's chambers, no less.
To get the box, he'd have to infiltrate the ruler's chambers.
'The problem is that the ruler of the Thieves' City despises outsiders.'
He could've somehow broken through with Verd or Altair, but not with the Thieves' City ruler, Marx. That's why he planned to seize the box during the war.
"Son!"
Just then, his mother arrived in the City of Peace.
He'd canceled the disguise potion's buff, so Jeong Hoon's face was back to normal.
Player Information
-Nickname: Yeona
-Level: 202
-Job: Genesis Sniper (3rd Class)
His mother hadn't hidden her hidden class with the blind system.
"Whoa... what is that?"
"Is there a job like that?"
"Hidden class!"
Users passing through the City of Peace all turned to stare at her.
There was hardly any chance to see a hidden class up close while playing the game, so it was only natural they'd be amazed.
But his mother paid no attention to the stares.
"You made it?"
"Yeah. So this is Reas. It's fascinating."
His mother was busy sightseeing in the City of Peace.
"Yes. This area's free of dungeons or monsters."
"I see. So we're heading straight to the Archers' City?"
"No. The war will take a little time to start, so I'm handling some other business first."
"Other business?"
Jeong Hoon nodded.
Soon after, Yeo Min-ji arrived in the City of Peace.
"Ma'am, hello!"
"Min-ji! How have you been?"
Yeo Min-ji lit up at the sight of his mother, who welcomed her warmly in return.
"Yes! I heard the news. You're set to be the next Tower Master?"
"It just sort of happened."
The two started chatting, leaving Jeong Hoon sidelined.
'I guess I'm invisible.'
Jeong Hoon chuckled.
"Oh, Jeong Hoon. Long time no see."
Only after finishing with his mother did Yeo Min-ji approach him.
"Yes. How have you been?"
"Yes. May I ask why you called me to the City of Peace?"
She had come at his summons.
Curious about the reason, but Jeong Hoon hadn't told her, leaving her very intrigued.
"Do you remember what I said last time?"
"Last time?"
She pondered, recalling the past.
What had Jeong Hoon said?
Nothing came to mind, no matter how hard she thought.
"When I asked you to keep two spots open in the guild."
"Oh, yes!"
His hint jogged her memory.
'Oh, and have two spots open in the guild?'
'Spots?'
'Yes. Some good people might join.'
She had kept two spots open since then, and they were still vacant.
"It's time to bring those two on board."
"Really? Who could they be...?"
"You'll be shocked when you see them."
Jeong Hoon waited for Ha-jin and Kim Bong-gu.
'I finished my 3rd class!'
'Completed! Upgraded to unique grade!'
Both Ha-jin and Kim Bong-gu had successfully completed their 3rd class advancements.
Especially Kim Bong-guhe'd been instructed to go unique grade with Dark Shade. If he'd gone Shadow instead, Jeong Hoon wouldn't have let it slide.
Fortunately, Kim Bong-gu had proudly upgraded to unique grade.
"Hoon!"
Ha-jin arrived first of the two.
It had been a while since the Lord Wyvern raid, so he was thrilled to reunite.
"You made it?"
"Yeah. Hello, ma'am!"
Ha-jin bowed politely to his mother.
"Yes. It's been ages, Ha-jin."
"Yes! How have you been? Whoa! You're higher level than me...?"
Ha-jin's level was 201.
His mother was 202.
Not only had she caught up, but surpassed him by one. How could he not be shocked?
"That's not all. She's been nominated as the next Tower Master."
Jeong Hoon boasted proudly, and Ha-jin gaped in shock.
"Is that true?!"
"Lucky, I guess."
"Whoa... Ma'am, you're incredible."
Ha-jin gave her a thumbs-up.
"No need to hype me up that much."
His mother smiled brightly.
Meanwhile, Yeo Min-ji was fixated on Ha-jin's info.
Her face was full of shock.
"H-Hidden class...?"
Player Information
-Nickname: zl12
-Level: 201
-Job: Dark Lord (3rd Class)
Ha-jin's shoulders puffed up at her reaction.
Before coming, Jeong Hoon had told him to turn off the blind system.
To show off the hidden class title to Yeo Min-ji.
"How's the guild situation?"
"I quit, obviously. I'm unaffiliated now."
Right after his 3rd class, Jeong Hoon had contacted him.
The offer to join Hoyoung Guild.
Ha-jin had accepted without hesitation.
Joining a named guild had been his dream while playing New World.
No reason to refuse when he could make it reality.
"That's the case."
Jeong Hoon looked at Yeo Min-ji.
"...Please join Hoyoung. I promise fair treatment."
"Yes. Sounds good."
Ha-jin accepted readily.
Yeo Min-ji's face brightened.
She'd thought it was an epic-grade user at best, since he was "decent." But a hidden class?
'This is a huge score.'
At that moment.
Kim Bong-gu stood before the portal to Reas.
"Whoa... 3rd class Dark Shade?"
"Dark Shade is unique grade, right?"
Waiting users glanced at unique-grade Kim Bong-gu and murmured in admiration.
'Heh, you punks. First time seeing a Dark Shade?'
The corner of Kim Bong-gu's mouth twitched nonstop.
Such reactions were natural after upgrading to unique at 3rd class.
"Excuse me, are you in a guild?"
Some even pitched recruitment.
"Are you named?"
"Uh...? No, not named. It's a mid-tier guild called Space."
"What? Not even named, and you're recruiting me? I'm a Dark Shade."
"...I think you're misunderstanding. Named guilds don't recruit like this."
The man spoke in exasperation.
Kim Bong-gu grinned.
'Heh, really? That's perfect.'
'...?'
Once he learned what offer Kim Bong-gu had gotten, the guy would keel over in shock.
'Finished 3rd class? Time to join a guild then?'
'Guild? No way...?'
'Yeah. Hoyoung. A Dark Shade should qualify.'
'Bro! I love you!'
Yesterday's invitation to Hoyoung had kept him grinning all day.
'Mom, he's finally lost it.'
Normally, he'd want to poke out his sister's disgusted glare, but today even that looked cute.
'Sis, you can forgive me for anything today.'
He approached her with a benevolent smile.
'Aaah!'
But the damn girl screamed and fled to another room.
His parents exchanged serious looks, then cautiously approached and sat before him.
'What the hell did you do...? Confess, and we'll forgive you.'
'Did you do something bad...? Not assault or anything that could get you sued, right?'
'...Is it bad enough for a settlement?'
His parents treated him like a criminal, but he knew it was out of love and worry.
"Dad, Mom. I love you!"
Kim Bong-gu hugged them outright.
Along with those words.
His parents' eyes trembled wildly.
Their son had clearly gone mad.
Once they confirmed he hadn't caused trouble, they relaxed a bitbut new worries arose.
Such a 180 in behavior could mean mental issues.
'Bong-gu, if something's stressing you out mentally, tell us anytime.'
'We're always on your side.'
His father pulled two 50,000-won bills from his wallet and placed them in Kim Bong-gu's hand.
'Why are you giving me this?'
'Buy something nice to eat.'
Kim Bong-gu felt like he was flying.
Dark Shade and pocket money to boot.
WhisperHoon - Aemiyagugijjada: If you're not here in 10 minutes, you're dead.
Then came a chilling whisper.
Kim Bong-gu's beaming face froze instantly.
'You fucking bastard...? How am I supposed to get there in 10 minutes?'
He eyed the people ahead.
Only three waiting.
Hustle to Reas, and he might make it...
Kim Bong-gu jittered anxiously.
'Fuck, hurry up. Move it already.'
Cursing the NPC in his head, his turn came up.
He rushed onto the portal.
"Reas, quick!"
"Don't rush me."
"Shut up and send me!"
"Fine, watch your tone."
Kim Bong-gu's body was sucked into the portal.
Ha-jin's recruitment was settled. Only Kim Bong-gu left.
But he still hadn't shown.
"One's running a bit late?"
"Yes. Please wait a moment."
Kim Bong-gu would arrive soon.
WhisperAemiyagugijjada - Hoon: Just arrived in Reas! Running there now!
He had reached Reas.
Moments later, Kim Bong-gu arrived, completing the group.
"Vroom vroom! Your perfectly upgraded Bong-gu van has arrived! Ready to drive anywhere for my beloved bro!"
His flashy entrance made Yeo Min-ji step back uncomfortably.
His mother eyed him like, What kind of guy is this?
Only then did Kim Bong-gu spot his mother and Yeo Min-ji, his face turning beet red.
"These are them...?"
Yeo Min-ji whispered in Jeong Hoon's ear.
"Yes. That's him."
"Oh my god..."
Player Information
-Nickname: Aemiyagugijjada
-Level: 201
-Job: Dark Shade (3rd Class)
Unique grade at 3rd class was tempting, but that nickname...
Aemiyagugijjada...
"He may look weird, but he's pretty solid."
"Hmm... If you vouch for him that much."
Fine.
If Jeong Hoon recommended him, he must be decent despite appearances.
And so, Jang Ha-jin and Kim Bong-gu's induction into Hoyoung was decided.
The onboarding was quick.
Normally more complicated, but pre-arranged, so it sailed through.
Ha-jin and Kim Bong-gu were now Hoyoung members.
"Me in a named guild...? This real life?"
"Insane... Not a dream..."
They repeatedly checked their guild name, faces full of emotion.
Rubbing their eyes, "Hoyoung" didn't vanish.
"Not time to get emotional. Here's the next task."
"Task?"
"Not done just joining the guild...?"
"Yeah. Check this out first."
What Jeong Hoon pulled out was the key from Altair.
"What's that key?"
"From the Archers' City ruler. Hidden quest reward."
"Gasp...!"
Hidden quest.
A key from that? Must be something huge.
Ha-jin and Kim Bong-gu's eyes sparkled.
"So, we might need to start a war."
"What...?"
"Uh...?"