NOVPUB"Take your time," Luka said, stepping back from the counter.
He turned his attention toward his personal maid.
Today, she was drawing a few stares from the surrounding adventurers.
On her shoulder, Snow, the baby dragon, was nestled in a peaceful sleep.
Luka gently scratched the little creature under the chin, watching as its small, shimmering wings twitched slightly in its dream-filled slumber.
As he absentmindedly stroked Snow—
The receptionist paused for a moment.
She left her post and disappeared into the back room.
A few minutes later, the receptionist reappeared, holding a small card in her hand.
She placed it on the counter. "Here you go, sir. Congratulations on becoming an adventurer."
Luka stepped forward, picking up the card, noting the neat engraving of his name and rank.
He ran a finger along the edge of the card—
The receptionist continued talking.
"If you'd like, I can explain the basic rankings and how things work here, but I sense you're ready to jump in. Am I right?"
Luka let a slight chuckle escape his lips. "You would be right."
The receptionist giggled lightly. "Well, how about we start you off easy, then?"
She reached down under the counter and retrieved a small sheet of paper, sliding it across to him.
Luka raised an eyebrow but took it.
The receptionist then said, "the job's perfectly suited for your rank. It's an easy one to get you started, and if all goes well, it'll give you some coins."
Luka glanced down at the paper, scanning the details.
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Lost Cat
Rank: Steel or Higher
Reward: 5 bronze coins
Details: A cat, Princess Fluffypaws, has gone missing. Last seen at The Crock & Bowl. Return unharmed.
Client: Alara Riverfall
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A grin tugged at Luka's lips. "Princess Fluffypaws, huh?" he muttered under his breath, amused by the name.
However, he didn't come here for a simple task like finding a cat.
He had a particular job in mind.
With a smooth motion, he placed the paper with the lost cat job back on the counter, his gaze returning to the receptionist.
"By chance," Luka began, his voice polite yet insistent, "do you have any jobs related to the Knights' Graveyard?"
The receptionist pondered such a request. "The Knights' Graveyard?"
She tapped her finger thoughtfully on her cheek.
"Let me think... Well, I think we do have something. You could always check the board, if you're interested."
Luka gave a small shake of his head. "No, no. Not to sound rude, but I know it's not on the board. It should be below the counter."
At this, the receptionist raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm, I see. If you're certain…" She didn't question him further, instead dipping down behind the counter and rummaging through a stack of dusty papers that hadn't been picked up in months. 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝖕𝖚𝖇.𝖈𝔬𝔪
The jobs on the board were current and fresh, but the ones under the counter were often the forgotten jobs—those that had lingered too long without a taker.
Luka couldn't help but feel a small thrill.
The very sword that the main character would take later on for himself was there.
Minutes passed, and the receptionist finally emerged from the pile of neglected papers, holding a single sheet.
She placed it down, her expression of curiosity.
"Is this what you're looking for?"
Luka glanced down at the paper.
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Zombie Clean-Up
Rank: Steel or Higher
Reward: 3 Silver Coins
Details: A small outbreak of zombies has been spotted in the Knights' Graveyard. They are causing disturbances in the area, and the local villagers are frightened. Clear the graveyard of these undead monsters.
Client: Eldric Thorne, Village Elder
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"This is it!"
It was exactly what Luka was looking for.
"If you're sure, then I'll mark you down for this one," the receptionist said.
"But be careful. The Knights' Graveyard is no ordinary place. The undead there aren't just mindless zombies. They're often fallen knights, bound to the graveyard by some curse."
Luka's smirk deepened, his hand slipping the paper into his pocket as he gave the receptionist a knowing nod.
"I've dealt with worse."
Before the receptionist could respond—
Luka turned to his personal maid, who had been quietly observing the exchange.
"Let's go, Serene. We've got a graveyard to cleanse."
"Understood, Young Master."
▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
In a carriage.
The rhythmic sound of the wheels against the cobblestone road filled the air.
"Um, Young Master…" Serene began, her voice quiet but curious as she sat across from him.
"Are you really in such a hurry that you can't even take a moment to listen to important information, like the guild ranks and such?"
Luka, without bothering to glance her way, continued to look out of the window, his expression thoughtful but distant as the buildings of the city passed by in a blur.
"Nah," he replied casually.
"I already know about all that. No point wasting time on something I don't need to hear."
"…" Serene raised an eyebrow at his response, her curiosity piqued.
She hadn't seen him do any research at the Academy or at the fortified settlement, yet he seemed to possess an uncanny amount of knowledge about things most people would need to be briefed on.
"The ranks, for example," Luka continued, seemingly to himself.
"Steel, Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Simple stuff."
"Woah!" Serene blinked. "You're really knowledgeable, Young Master." Her voice was tinged with admiration.
"I've never seen you do any kind of research, not even in the Academy or during our time at the fortified settlement…"
"Sometimes, it's better to know what's coming before it even happens. That way, you don't waste time on the details," Luka responded.
It really helped that he knew everything about the game.
'It's a nice little cheat,' Luka thought to himself.
Serene didn't press him further. She leaned back in her seat, her eyes glancing at Snow on her shoulder.
"Young Master, I suppose it's no surprise you're ready for whatever comes your way."
Luka looked at her.
"You could say that. But even the most prepared can be caught off guard. I wouldn't get too comfortable."
