Chapter 176

Originally, Park Minhyuk had pushed him to start playing Midgard, and back then, the place where Seojin first underwent his tutorial was none other than Moonstone Village. It was there that he started his tutorial quest by earning the favor of the innkeeper, Roosevella.

During his conversations, many questions sprang into Seojin's mind: the fact that adventurers rarely visited Moonstone Village, the fact that, despite being the largest mining site for moonstones, they were exclusively supplied to those "high above.". And finally, the necessity of using a warp portal before heading to Movelon.

'It simply doesn't make sense that there are no roads leading in and out.'

In a typical game, this would be the case. After completing the tutorial, a player would usually move to a major base town using a carriage or a ship. But at that time, Seojin, knowing almost nothing about Midgard's structure, had not questioned it. He simply dismissed it as a simple tutorial.

But now,

'That place is within the Empire, huh.'

Initially, the Camilton Empire was a nation where players' freedom of entry was restricted. NPCs outnumbered players, and there were various restrictions on player activities. It was only natural that a resource hub like Moonstone Village would prohibit access. Unlike other players who quickly finished their tutorials, Seojin had spent days in that village.

That shouldn't have been due to Seojin's lack of skill, which meant that the tutorial process must have been one of the developers' arrangements.

'Or perhaps a step most hidden classes go through.'

It was akin to being handed a weapon. It was useless immediately, but could prove beneficial as the game progressed. The same went for an elementalist. According to the information released on websites, they start their tutorials in forests brimming with the energy of elemental spirits.

Then there were the moonstones. These ores, mined in small quantities from meteors that fell from the skies, were the toughest and most valuable material on this land, aside from divine minerals. Seojin handed over Hailey's documents to Kartna.

"Read and familiarize yourself with this. Burn it once you're done."

"Are you giving this to me?" Kartna asked.

"I got it from Hailey. Aren't we working together?"

"I'm a bit taken aback by how different you are from lowly thieves. Was your behavior here all an act?"

"I'm not a thief, Kartna. But pretending to be one isn't hard."

"True. I also find it easy to play the opposite role."

"And is that what you are doing now?"

"I swear on all my achievements: absolutely not. I've decided to show my true self to you, adventurer."

"Since when?"

"Since you handed me this. You can really trust me now. I mean, by ordinary people's standards at least."

Kartna spoke while looking over Hailey's documents. Seojin knew he was sincere, but people were bound to change. Especially if they're thieves.

"Would you like to write one?" Seojin asked.

"I was wondering why you hadn't talked about that yet."

"To propose a deal, one must lay the groundwork first."

"Are you going to write one for me too? If so, then I will as well."

His attitude, despite the fact that they were talking about the Book of Truth, was remarkably calm. Kartna was already a crew member aboard Seojin's ship, placing firm trust in his captain.

"It's truly difficult for people who've just met to trust each other."

"I completely agree."

"It was the same when we met in Erzebet. But this is a valuable item that shortcuts that uncomfortable process. Do you have any specific terms you want me to add in?"

"Just what you promised. And you?"

"The same."

The Book of Truth. The contract that, once broken, brought severe penalties upon the breacher, began to be filled up with terms.

"May I ask you something?" Kartna said.

"Of course."

"Why did you choose us? With your capabilities as an adventurer, you could have found many other means to gain entrance."

"The Empire's surveillance isn't easy to evade. If I had chosen a regular route, my movements would've been…"

"Yes, I initially thought that was the case too." Kartna kept his eyes on the contract as he spoke, "But now I know it's not just that. You plan to center your activities in the Empire around us."

"You have keen insight."

"So, you put so much effort into winning Hailey over… Is it because you find her attractive?"

Seojin burst into laughter. The idea was ludicrous.

"As I thought. It's just I heard some stories of adventurers falling in love with locals."

"Sure, it might happen. But I don't."

"Then the answer is clear. I don't know about others, but the thieves have been chosen by you, the adventurer. Like the many groups in Valaran."

Kartna was accurately reading the situation. In fact, from his perspective, that was the only way to see it. If Seojin had merely intended to use them as a means to secure passage, even if it was for gathering information, there would have been no need to win everyone's name. And Seojin showing interest meant that there was something to be gained from the target.

"That's a rather bleak way of thinking. I don't treat people as tools."

"That just a manner of speaking. In reality, they're almost like tools, aren't they? Just need a bit more affection and careful handling."

"Well, I guess it's hard to refute that."

Sometimes it happened, a swordsman who cherished his sword more than himself, or an archer who spent all day honing his bow. It might be due to their affection for their weapons, but ultimately, their weapons was just tools in the broader spectrum.

"It's hard to borrow the power of adventurers in the Empire," Seojin began.

The Book of Truth, having been completed, took effect amidst a burst of light. From that moment, Kartna became a truly trustworthy comrade.

"Ultimately, I'll have to seek help from the residents of this land. But realistically, would any citizen of the Empire agree to help Valaran?"

"…Hmm."

"Thieves are unscrupulous, in both good and bad senses. They're only busy looking after their own interests, discarding things like camaraderie in the trash, without a second glance."

This resulted in a lack of a sense of belonging.

Patriotism? Expecting such from thieves would only invite ridicule. In the end, there was only one thing that mattered to them.

"If it ultimately benefits them, they will join hands with anyone."

For a thief, what mattered most was what they could gain from a deal, be it money, fame, or a simple desire to collect. A thief could become friends with anyone who could fulfill their desires.

"That's quite a straightforward reason."

"And I have the confidence to satisfy that desire. Just like how you are here with me. It's just that our needs align perfectly."

"But are we enough?"

"I never said we were."

"You mentioned there was nowhere in the Empire to seek help."

"In most cases, yes. But the key here is whether I can fulfill their desire that's bigger than patriotism."

"Like a merchant only interested in money?"

"That's an option, but they'll take far too long to verify if I can give them what they want."

There were other groups verified in that regard, not just the Guild of Thieves. Kartna frowned as if it was a difficult task, and Seojin let him know the answer.

"Religion."

Those who worship and follow a god, sharing a transnational and common purpose. They were Seojin's second target.

* * *

The exit of the Valaran-Camilton border's secret passage was hidden beneath a wall, among the dense bushes. Kartna led the way, skillfully navigating the underbrush and scanning the surroundings from atop a tree.

"It's safe to come out now."

The security was lax, as expected of a carefully prepared escape route. Once inside, it was safer than any other path.

Seojin emerged from the pit.

You have established a firm alliance with Valaran Thieves Guildmaster Kartna!

You have become allies with the Valaran-Camilton Border Branch!

Entering: The Camilton Empire.

Warning! Residents are wary of outsiders! Be careful not to expose your identity!

Warning! Guards are highly suspicious of outsiders! Be careful not to get caught!

A flood of messages hit him as he stepped into the Camilton Empire.

Completed Main Quest: Riding the Shadows

"I was just thinking," Seojin said.

"Yes?"

"They know but ignore it, right? The border patrols, I mean… at least someone at the captain level."

"They're called gatekeepers here, but yes, probably. That's why they've been bribed."

"What a mess. The emperor would weep blood if he knew."

"More like he would make the gatekeepers cry blood, considering he's the emperor."

He was right. Seojin casually nodded, checking the new messages.

No new quests are available.

Be cautious. Your choices will determine the difficulty of future quests.

Additional clues are provided.

*Grand Emperor "Kalus"

*The Rat "Muedron"

*Sword of the Empire "Ferret"

*Golden King "Alio"

*Vegetable Wholesaler "Raul"

*Staff of Faith "Harry"

…

He quickly understood it was a list of names, each preceded by a moniker.

"Kalus. Muedron. Ferret. Alio. Raul. Harry…"

Seojin recited the names. Kartna looked puzzled, then showed a hint of realization.

"You're not saying we have to win them all over, are you?"

"How many of them do you know?"

"Almost all of them. They wouldn't know me, though."

"Almost?"

"They're all famous figures, aren't they? If it's The Rat, he's a big shot in the Empire's black market, and Golden King Alio is known to control a tenth of the Empire's wealth… Is this what you're asking?"

"Then which names don't you know?"

"Not many. There are areas even I'm not interested in… Grand Admiral Martini and Fire Axe Mordan… Hmm, and Vegetable Wholesaler Raul seems unfamiliar. Seems a bit unimpressive just from the title, isn't he?"

"I'm sure that doesn't refer to ordinary vegetables."

"I suppose that makes sense if he's listed with those others. Where did you see this list?"

"Adventurers'… um, sea of information."

"What a remarkably convenient ability. You must have something in mind related to these people?"

"I was thinking of contacting them… no, wait."

Seojin paused. He had felt a strange sense of déjà vu since seeing the list. It was too strong to ignore, a gut feeling he couldn't overlook.

After a moment of thought…

"…Ah."

He remembered.

The words of the elves in the desert city of Shahav. They had seen someone similar to Seojin.

"Raul. Yes, it was Raul."

The name of that person was undoubtedly Raul.