Chapter Fifteen: Compensation and Subsequent Tasks

Zhao Nan had not expected to obtain the "Emblem of Honesty" from this place—a badge capable of raising the favorability of the natives. In fact, "natives" was simply the term players would later use for all NPCs. An increase of twenty percent in favorability meant that, under equal circumstances, Zhao Nan would find it much easier to trigger hidden storylines from the natives or receive advanced quests.

This was essentially an increase in the chance for fortune to fall into his lap.

Even several minutes after leaving the treehouse, Zhao Nan remained in a state of exhilaration and disbelief. Although the badge couldn't directly enhance his strength, its benefits for his future were beyond measure.

"By the way, Zhao Nan, where do you plan to go now?" Xu Yang asked quietly as they walked.

Zhao Nan snapped out of his joy over the badge and, after a moment's thought, replied, "I'll continue with the next quest. After all, the only way to survive better is to become stronger."

"But if the city is a safe zone, wouldn't we be fine as long as we don't leave?" Xu Yang wondered.

Zhao Nan shook his head. "I was lucky enough to hear some information. Even in a safe zone, it's not necessarily safe. Each region will periodically face monster sieges. At those times, monsters will invade the city, and if you aren't strong enough to fight them off, the city will fall and the safe zone will be lost."

"Ah... How could something like that happen?" Xu Yang asked in horror. "Do they really want to wipe out all of humanity?"

"Who knows..." Zhao Nan sighed. "The whole world turning into a game is already something out of a fantasy."

Xu Yang fell silent again.

The two walked quietly for a while, gradually leaving the area behind. Perhaps because the atmosphere had grown too heavy, Xu Yang suddenly said, "By the way, Zhao Nan... Aren't you curious about what the old woman gave me?"

"That's your opportunity. If I knew, I might become jealous. I'd rather not know."

Xu Yang couldn't help but laugh. "You're just a high school senior, so stop pretending to be such an adult. It feels awkward!"

Zhao Nan reflexively touched his face, then shook his head... Would it really be better to act childish? The thought alone was frustrating.

"Well, let me make you a little jealous, then!" Xu Yang ignored Zhao Nan's look and opened her map in front of him. "Look, it's this kind of thing!"

Map of the Lost Sage's Tower (Level 20): In the fairy forest shrouded in demonic energy, it is said that the holy mage Benedictus built his magic tower here, which contains the legacy of the saint.

Below the description, the map itself was enveloped in a swirling white mist, clearly indicating that only those who reached level 20 could see it.

Zhao Nan's expression changed, and he said in a low voice, "Xu Yang, keep that map safe and never let anyone else see it! When you're strong enough, go and find the place marked on the map. It will benefit you endlessly!"

"What exactly is it?"

"You wouldn't understand if I told you now. The map will only reveal itself when you reach level 20. By then, you'll understand on your own. Just take this as my advice—never let anyone else know."

Seeing Zhao Nan's serious demeanor, Xu Yang immediately nodded. Though Zhao Nan had treated her rather roughly, throughout this journey, he had always done things that were in her best interest.

Once they left the area around the old woman's treehouse, they entered a densely populated district. Zhao Nan was eager to turn in his completed quests and said directly, "Let's part ways here."

"Ah..." Xu Yang gasped, then hurriedly said, "Zhao Nan, why don't you come with me? Most of the teachers and students from school have already gathered together! In times like these, we should stick together!"

"Sorry, but that would slow me down," Zhao Nan refused flatly.

He and Xu Yang were, at best, two people who had met by chance and become acquainted through a twist of fate. In his view, that wasn't enough reason to undertake quests together.

"One last piece of advice... The Sage class can only be protected in the early stages. In Dongyuan City, you can find plenty of quests that can be completed without leaving the city. Take care of yourself."

With that, Zhao Nan strode forward and soon disappeared into the crowd.

...

"Ping! Player Zhao Nan has completed the Zombie Dog Collection quest, earning 20 experience points, 1 silver coin, and a pair of white novice shoes!"

"Ping! ..."

"Ping! ..."

"Ping! ..."

After submitting a string of quests, Zhao Nan had nearly completed a full set of white novice equipment, lacking only the clothing from the Cat Cleansing quest. At this moment, he wasn't in a hurry to finish that quest and instead made his way directly to Haidien's weapon shop.

...

In front of the old weapon shop, a young man emerged with a look of disappointment, shaking his staff as confusion replaced his initial despair.

Just then, a bare-chested boy walked past him, his head lowered so his face was hidden. The boy muttered to himself, but the young man caught his words.

"Let's see if there are any good quests here. Later, I'll look for the waitress at the Locke Hotel at the corner. I heard she gives out good quests, though I'm not sure if it's true."

With a creak, the boy pushed open the old wooden door and entered the weapon shop.

The young man's expression changed; after glancing around, he quickly ran toward the street corner.

The door was not fully closed. Watching the young man hurry away, Zhao Nan murmured to himself, "To think I'd run into you at this time—what a surprise... Duan Tianlang, consider this my recompense. After all, you once contributed much to the human players."

He quietly closed the door, exhaled softly, straightened his back, and walked with purpose to the weapon shop's counter.

"Haidien, here's the moonwort you wanted! I found it!"

Behind the counter, Haidien glanced at the moonwort on the table, then offered a slight smile, his initial wariness gone.

Zhao Nan knew this was the effect of the "Emblem of Honesty" at work. A twenty percent boost in favorability had instantly shifted them from strangers to something akin to friends.

"Impressive! This really is moonwort!" Haidien forced a smile and patted Zhao Nan's shoulder, speaking sincerely. "I didn't mean to make things difficult for you—it's just that I have only one daughter! I have to be careful for her sake! The fact that you brought back the moonwort proves your courage. Even more rare, you've obtained the 'Emblem of Honesty' from Lady Helena!"

So the natives could directly sense the presence of the Emblem of Honesty, Zhao Nan mused.

"You've already proven your courage and honesty," Haidien declared. "But if you wish to marry my daughter, that's still not enough. You must prove your wisdom as well! I'll give you a chance: go meet my daughter. If she is satisfied, I will grant you her hand."

"Ping! Player Zhao Nan has completed the Moonwort Collection quest. Haidien has given you a follow-up quest: Win Her Heart! Do you wish to accept?"

"Accept!"