Leaving the house, I saw the village properly for the first time... well, not really.
There was nothing special about it. A muddy path led to the village entrance, with several small houses lining both sides. Their roofs, like ours, were made of straw and crushed stones, hardened to protect the people from the harsh winds.
How laughable. Until a few hours ago, I had lived in one of the most expensive houses in the world. I had everything a man needed to live in utter luxury, and now... here I was.
I had barely eaten this morning, and now I was supposed to find a way to earn.
Well, at least I wasn’t suffering from any life threatening disease anymore. And I had a blessing that would help me overcome this trial.
System, you were about to tell me about the other features.
[Indeed, host.]
[To level up and earn more Gamma, the system assigns quests. These can vary in time limits and rewards. Some quests may take weeks to complete, but their rewards are generous.]
[Just like now, you have two quests pending.]
I hummed before asking, Show me.
[Quest: Find a quick way to earn.]
[Reward: 20G]
[Quest: Hunt an Alpha Wolf]
[Reward: ???]
[Rewards for larger quests are generated based on the host’s performance. The host can rest assured about the uncertainty, as the system will always reward the host generously.]
I nodded in understanding, my feet already carrying me toward the place where I could complete the first quest.
[Next is the <Shop> feature.]
[Using Gamma points, the host can purchase items from the shop. Some items can be replenished, while others are one time use.]
Without me asking, the system displayed the shop categories.
[Combat]
[Healing]
[Supplies]
[Gifts]
[Others]
I’m very curious about the Gift tab.
[The host will find items that can be given to others. Aside from that, any item purchased from the Shop cannot be used by anyone except the Host.]
That made sense. Not that I was particularly keen on sharing, either.
To start with, I opened the Combat tab.
Inside were four subcategories: armor, weapons, throwables, and technique scrolls.
The armor set consisted of a vest, helmet, and leg guards that covered all vital areas.
A short description beneath it stated that armor bought from the system would not be visible to others and would not hinder the host’s movement. It functioned like an invisible force field.
I read the details of the only armor set available to me.
[Grade F: Red Verrum]
[Def: +20]
[Effect: None]
[Price: 100G]
I huffed. Quite pricey, but it would drastically improve my defense.
Even so, I decided to leave it for now and look at weapons instead.
[Grade F: Mantis Claws]
[Effect: Burning Cuts. Whenever the blades cut an opponent, the wound burns and partially prevents recovery.]
[Price: 100G]
Again. Too expensive.
I heard from the system that the Gamma submitted to Pod ascension wouldn’t be reduced even if he spent it, but the points to leveling up would be deducted. So I need to be careful.
I decided to check the other items later since I was already close to the place I intended to visit.
The chief’s house.
The protector, judge, and government of the village.
The house stood taller than the others, built from solid bricks. It was a clear sign that someone wealthy lived there.
I had no intention of disturbing the chief. My business was with the small hut beside the house, which served as a barter hub.
I approached the hut and knocked twice beside the small window.
The paper thin curtains slid aside, revealing a black haired man with large, curious eyes. "What do you need?"
"A job," I said. "What’s the best and fastest way to earn?"
To him, I was a stranger, since I barely ever stepped out of the house. In truth, I really was new to all of this.
He scoffed. "Looking at those fragile hands, I’d say trim grass or something."
I rolled my eyes. "Does that pay the most?"
He snarled. "Of course not."
"Then tell me what does. Does it cost you anything to answer without spouting nonsense?"
He clicked his tongue. "Go hunt a hare if you want quick money. The chief is craving some tender meat tonight."
"How much?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Ten tora easily, if it’s a grown hare."
I nodded. "Any time limit?"
"Be back before sunset, or I’ll send someone who can do it much quicker than you ever could." With that, he drew the curtains shut again.
A hare, then.
[Quest achieved!]
[Reward: 20G]
I checked the reward before deciding to focus on the task.
I didn’t have any weapon with me except the one my father had given me a few years ago.
It was a small knife, its handle bound to the blade with thick, sturdy fabric. The blade was sharp enough to stab, but not ideal for slashing.
As a form of self defense, I had learned how to handle a knife, but would that be enough for hunting?
Well, we’d find out.
There were two perimeters around the village. One enclosed the houses, while the area between the two served as a habitat for small animals.
Soldiers under the chief patrolled this zone, actively eliminating any dangerous beasts. That was the chief’s role, after all, to ensure public safety.
If I wanted my first taste of hunting, this safe zone seemed like the best place to start.
Still, the moment I left the village, all I saw was dense forest.
System... you forgot about the last feature.
I was a little terrified by the sounds echoing around me, so I asked the system to distract myself.
[The Inventory feature allows the host to store items in a spatial pocket, currently the size of a small 2.5 by 2.5 room.]
[Only non living or dead objects can be stored. Any attempt to store a living being will be rejected.]
I clicked my tongue, my strategy to put a dangerous creature inside and get done with it...failed already.
Just then,
*Rustle*
I heard the bush behind me moving.
I instantly turned, blade raised.
From behind...something stepped forward.
It was not a hare...definitely not it.
Silver white fur, sharp fangs and pale yellow eyes.
It was a...
[Run, host! That’s an Alpha Wolf!]