“Excuse me?” The Adventurer Guild’s receptionist blinked as they looked quizzically at Seo Jun-Ho. “Um… As far as I know, this Quest was only accepted this morning.”

He nodded. “That’s correct. I took the Quest for the whip wolves.”

The receptionist looked even more confused. It was hard to believe that this Player had killed 50 whip wolves in a single day. Seo Jun-Ho could understand the reason why they were confused, but he didn’t say anything else because it could be verified anyway. 

‘They have a System...’

A thousand years ago in Frontier, Gates had appeared, just like they had on Earth. The current population was descended from the Players who had closed those Gates, and the System had remained all this time. However, it was slightly different from the System used by Players. 

‘It’s said that its functions are greatly limited for them.’ 

They couldn’t see status windows, use inventories, or join communities. They could only use it for two things—to see the levels of monsters and to check the status of Quests. 

‘And even if they could use all the other functions, it’s not like they can awaken unique abilities like the Players…’ 

There were only about one in ten thousand people in Frontier that could awaken Skills. 

“Huh? It’s true… How in the world did you do it?” The receptionist rubbed their eyes and double-checked the hologram window. It was said that Seo Jun-Ho had completed the Quest. 

‘The System never lies, so it must be true but…’

It seemed like the receptionist still couldn’t believe it. Eventually, Seo Jun-Ho pulled out a couple of the whip wolves’ hides from his inventory and showed them off. The receptionist’s eyes widened.

‘The quality is top-notch. He didn’t just slaughter them. He had the skill to kill them with one, clean, hit.’

The receptionist finally understood how capable this Player was and returned the hide. 

“Your skills are very impressive.”

“It’s nothing.”

“May I ask your name?”

“It’s Seo Jun-Ho.”

“Seo Jun-Ho… Seo Jun… Huh?” The receptionist clapped, their eyes widening. “Are you the one that captured the criminals behind the disappearances a couple of hours ago?”

The rumors had already spread in the time it had taken him to eat a meal. He nodded, slightly embarrassed, and the receptionist looked at him with admiration.

“You’re amazing! You have no idea how scared the people have been because of those brutes!”

“I just did what I had to.”

“Ah, that’s right. Just a second. I’ll get your rewards.” The receptionist handed him 3 silvers and 27 coppers. “I’ve confirmed that you have completed your Quest.”

“Thank you.” He put away the money and opened his status window. 

‘As I thought, I gained a lot less EXP compared to Gates.’

It wasn’t surprising. Once you entered a Gate, you couldn’t leave until you cleared it. On the other hand, you were allowed to give up on Quests in Frontier if they felt too dangerous. The difference in the EXP rewards was based on the danger.

“Starting tomorrow, we’ll give you personalized Quests if you come to the desk.”

That was thanks to his Fame, which was currently at 550. 

‘Does that mean I won’t have to fight at the bulletin for a good Quest?’

He had done all these in a day’s work. Seo Jun-Ho gave a wide smile and nodded. “I’ll see you again.”

“Yes, thank you again!”

As he left the building, Seo Jun-Ho spoke as he looked down at his shoulder. “It’s less nerve-wracking than Gates, but I think Quests are more fun because it’s similar to video games. Don’t you think so?”

“I believe that you are having fun simply because you enjoy fighting new monsters.” 

“I can’t deny that.” He had fun fighting the whip wolves. He was excited to find more new monsters in the empire. “Wanna get some snacks?”

“I wish to have decadent tea.” 

He had gotten used to talking to the Frost Queen while walking around. He had even learned how to speak quietly without moving his mouth much, almost like ventriloquism, so others wouldn’t stare at him with weird gazes. 

“Hm? Contractor, is that not the urchin?” She pointed. Seo Jun-Ho’s eyes narrowed when he saw who they were.

“Please, just this once… I’m begging you. Please help me.”

The bald Moneybug, Ply, scratched his head. “Ugh… How many times do I have to say this, mister? No, no, no!” 

He opened his mouth to add something angrily, but Seo Jun-Ho hit the back of his head before he could do so.

“Who?!” Ply jumped when he saw Seo Jun-Ho. He looked up at the latter like he was some sort of a beast. 

“H-Hyung-nim…”

“Why am I your hyung-nim?”

“Because you’re stronger than me… Wait, why did you hit me?”

“It has been less than 24 hours since I told you to live an honest life, you bastard. Why are you harassing innocent people again?”

“Harassing? Me?” Ply looked shocked. He thumped his chest with his fist. “You’re making me sad. Why do you think I’m the one bothering him? I’m the victim here.”

“Bullshit.” Seo Jun-Ho glanced at the other man. He was middle-aged, and both his hair and beard were greying. However, his body was well-built, and Seo Jun-Ho could sense that the man would be stronger than those who were younger than him.

‘He has a considerable aura. Was there someone like this in Gilleon?’ 

He might have been stronger in his youth, but currently, his strength was probably around level 40. 

“I saw you yelling at him. It’s pretty obvious who’s the victim here. 

“Hey, don’t judge a book by its cover…And the only reason I yelled was that this old man keeps nagging me with an impossible request.”

“What do you mean?” 

Ply scratched his head. He noticed the people starting to stare at the scene. “Let’s go to my office for now. This isn’t a good place to talk.” 

***

Moneybug’s office was much larger and tidier than Seo Jun-Ho had expected. But then, he suddenly remembered that Ply owned the number one lending business in Gilleon. 

“Please, sit.” Ply took out beverages from a magic fridge that was famous for being expensive and took a seat on the sofa as he introduced the old man. “This person’s name is Hakan. He used to be a mercenary, but he has retired now.”

“Actually, I’m still active. I never retired.”

“Stop being so stubborn, will you? You’re old now. Look at yourself… Ah, whatever. Let’s not talk about it.” He shook his head. “This is Seo Jun-Ho. He’s a Player. He looks pretty delicate, but he’s slightl… no, he’s very strong.”

“Stronger than you?” Hakan seemed a little surprised. Just based on his appearance, he looked at least ten times weaker than Ply. 

“Ahem, well, when we fought in the alleyway, I lost by a hair’s breadth.”

Seo Jun-Ho smirked. They hadn’t even fought because Ply had gotten down on his knees first. 

“A hair’s breadth… You must be talking about some pretty thick hairs,” Seo Jun-Ho commented.

“That’s how it is in Gilleon,” Ply casually replied. Then, he pouted. “And hyung-nim, it makes me sad that you’d accuse me like that. I’m telling you, he’s the one that’s been chasing me around…”

“Chasing you around? You weren’t threatening him for money?” Seo Jun-Ho looked at Hakan, who cleared his throat and nodded. 

“He’s telling the truth. I’ve been following him around for a bit because I needed a favor.”

“You hear that? I’m telling you, the old man’s being unreasonable,” Ply complained. He spoke like a child telling on his friend. “He keeps insisting on going to a Dungeon with that feeble body of his and asking me to help him. Not only that, he even asked if he could borrow my precious money! Okay, fine, let’s say that I’m willing to lend him money, but why would I help him clear a Dungeon?”

“Dungeon?” Seo Jun-Ho perked up. Dungeons were similar to Gates. They were filled with monsters, and sometimes, they would even contain boss monsters. 

‘Materials from boss monsters can bring in big money.’

Of course, this applied to both Earth and Frontier. “I’m not crazy enough to risk my life to… Wait, that’s it!” Ply clapped his hands together, turning to Hakan. “Mister, how about you go with hyung-nim instead? I can attest to his skill. He’s at least five times stronger than me.”

“I thought you said you lost by a hair’s breadth.”

“People in Gilleon have thick hair.”

“I’m from Gilleon too, you know.”

“...” Ply pretended as if he didn’t hear Hakan’s mutterings and continued. “Besides, didn’t you say that there’s only one thing you need from the Dungeon?”

Hakan nodded. “The Five-Colored Goddess Statue. It’s the only thing I need.”

“Great. Hyung-nim, isn’t that a decent offer? You’ll be able to get everything in the Dungeon, and if there’s a boss monster there, you’ll get even more.”

Ply wasn’t wrong. It was more than decent, actually. But Dungeons were dangerous places. 

“Do you have any information on the Dungeon?”

Hakan nodded. “It’s called the Tomb of Shafirim the Phantom Thief. 10 years ago, my wife and I found an ancient text in a Dungeon while we were working as mercenaries. It talked about the Five-Colored Goddess Statue, which could restore anyone to health. We started to look for it that very day. We were 38 at the time, and we thought that it would be our final adventure before we retired…” All of a sudden, his face darkened. “But one year ago, my wife suddenly collapsed. The doctor told us that there was a tumor growing inside her body.”

“Oh no…”

“It had already spread to her major organs, so surgery was impossible. She told me to leave it be, saying that it was her fate… But I couldn’t.” He clenched his fists. “I’ve been digging everywhere to find information about it. It was harder with half the number of hands as before, but I couldn’t stop. The only way I can cure her illness is to find the statue.”

The Frost Queen sniffled as she listened to his story. “Contractor, let us assist him…His circumstances are very tragic…”

“How far have you gone in your research?” Seo Jun-Ho asked. 

“I’m done with it. I have even been inside the tomb. But… It’s not a normal tomb. It has become a Dungeon filled with powerful monsters.” Hakan bowed his head. “That’s why I need someone strong who can help me. They also need to be somewhat trustworthy so I know they won’t try to steal the statue. That’s why I didn’t commission the Adventurer Guild.”

“I see…” Seo Jun-Ho nodded, understanding. “I suppose you need the money for your wife, then.”

“I don’t know how long it’ll take to clear the Dungeon, so I need someone to take care of her while I’m gone.”

Seo Jun-Ho took a deep breath. Right now, he needed Fame more than Dungeons, boss monsters, treasure, or money. 

‘I’ll get a lot of EXP from clearing the Dungeon, but I don’t know about Fame…’ 

In fact, he might be able to get more Fame if he did Quests in the time it would take him to clear this Dungeon. 

But he couldn’t not help after hearing the man’s story. 

“Alright. I’ll help you.”

“...Really?”

“I don’t go back on my word,” Seo Jun-Ho coolly said. 

Hakan’s face brightened. “I-I’d prefer it if we left as soon as possible. My wife is getting worse by the day…”

“We’ll depart tomorrow at sunrise.”

“Oh, then I need to find a caretaker…”

Ply interjected. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find one for you.”

‘This guy. He looks like a shady street urchin, but he can actually be a softie.’ 

Seo Jun-Ho patted Ply’s head. It felt smooth under his hands.