Chapter 90 090

Officially, Midgard had four continents: Aiden, Salevania, Deshra, and Arbarin. Each had its own theme and level recommendations, and Seojin was currently in Salevania. This continent was known as the tutorial zone since all of Midgard's beginner areas were located there. Half of Salevania could be easily explored upon reaching Level 100, and the entire continent could be accessed at Level 150, except for one place - the Sleeping Desert. The long stretch of sand cut vertically across Salevania and was notoriously difficult to navigate.

-I died the moment I stepped in. I'm Level 160 there wasn't a level penalty. I didn't even see how it happened.

-I'm at Level 180, but I failed to make it to the middle. The early section was doable, but a bit tough.

Adventurous players had discovered that it took being at least Level 180 to reach the center of the desert, but no one knew how much deeper it went. However, just because it wasn't widely known didn't mean that there were no players that reached there.

'It's just that it hasn't been released to the general community because it's valuable information.'

BunnyRabbit, an office worker at Hailstorm Co had done a great job yet again.

-To enter, you should be Level 200 at least. That means only the top-tier players of Valaran can make it. Oh, it's not like there's a level restriction. It's about pure stats.

There was information related to the Sleeping Desert on a paid information site operated by the Strategic Planning Department.

-Interestingly, there are locals in the area as well. The biggest issue is that they speak a different language.

-Why is that a problem?

-They ask us something first, and attack if we don't respond. Like monsters?

-Yes, but the area near Shahav is considered a safe zone, and there are also hunting grounds. It warns players to be careful about crossing boundaries.

Shahav was situated at the southernmost point of the Sleeping Desert and served as Robert's warehouse. It was also part of Eastern Valaran, and the recommended level for the settlement was seventy.

Seojin, Level 73

Title: Hero of the Bygone Era (All Stats+10)

Class: Silver Tongue (Hidden)

CHM: 160 (128)

AGI: 153 (123)

INT: 259 (207)

LUK: 137 (110)

Remaining points: 0

*Stats have been penalized due to class adjustment

*Excellent Storyteller: 25% Stat boost applied.

'Hmm, that's pretty decent.'

His stats were equivalent to Level 220, but since the stances in his stanceshift skill was affected by different stats, he might as well be around level 70 in terms of overall power.

'If I lacked some achievements, or the journal wasn't unlocked, I might not even have gotten all the benefits of my skills.'

He had a renewed realization of the penalties that he received as a hidden class.

Only with the stats he gained through achievements, and the 25% boost he had gotten through his journal, did he barely manage to fulfill the minimum requirements to go to the settlement.

'Looks like I have to do more quests.'

When he had a look at his own status, an alarm went off in his head. His stats might be sufficient for the current settlement, but there was no guarantee that this would continue being the case.

'It'd be great if I could enhance my skills too. For stats, I can try grinding them here and there, but I still don't know how skill points are obtained.'

The recent skills that Seojin had acquired, namely New Face and Negotiation Table had a fixed effect. In other words, unless he fulfilled a certain criteria, they had no room for growth.

Stanceshift, however, was different.

Stanceshift

* Allows user to shift stances.

* Available stances: Immature Threat | Unpromising Persuasion | Petty Liar

* Press Details to check the details of each stance.

* Stance duration: 11 minutes.

* Achievement – Importance of Experience : duration increased by 10%.

* Use skill points to upgrade each stance.

'Investing skill points strengthen my stances… but can't you at least give me some goddamn points before saying that…?!'

Seojin grumbled. While general classes received skill points as they leveled up, Seojin only received stat points. That was likely due to his hidden class.

'I heard that something like the Tower of Choice doesn't appear until Level 100,' Seojin recalled.

It was common for players to use the Tower of Choice to guide their growth and gradually level up with skill points.

After Level 100, players had the opportunity to make a second choice and further strengthen their skills or change the directionality of their class.

'It's just a drawback of this class.'

Seojin sighed as he stopped walking and gazed out at the endless desert.

It was truly desolate, with nothing but sand and strange rocks. The only sign of life was the occasional cactus.

'Even the sky looks yellow.'

The scenery was far-removed from the enjoyable game he had experienced until now. Even the system mentioned the harsh environment as well,

High temperature. Fire resistance slightly reduced.

Dry atmosphere. Fire resistance slightly reduced.

Strong Winds make it hard to keep your eyes open. Visibility reduced.

…

There was series of debuffs. While none of them were serious, they had a great impact on the quality of life.

'It's surprising that there's even a road here…'

Although the path was faint and covered in sand, it was definitely there and there was a sign pointing in the direction of Shahav. Seojin couldn't see clearly, but he was determined to find a way.

"This will be fun to figure out, right Flappy?" he said.

"What are you, a masochist?"

"When it comes to solving problems, I guess so. There's no fun or learning in taking the easy route."

Flappy responded with a disgusted shake of her head.

"Why do humans have such weird tastes?"

Suddenly, Flappy paused and tilted her head, sensing something approaching.

"Something's approaching. It's human, and given the small figure… is it a child? Doesn't look so hostile."

"What? A human child is approaching?"

"That's what I'm feeling. I'm not all too sure though. I can barely make out the figure."

"Hmm."

Seojin stroked his chin. He couldn't imagine a child in this harsh desert environment. An underage player would be walking around with their parents in more peaceful places, and coming across a child NPC here would be rather troublesome in its own way.

"That thing's quick. That's not a speed a human can produce. They're almost here."

For now, Seojin prepared himself to cast a skill at a moment's notice.

However, he was soon greeted with…

"Hello there!"

An actual girl looking to be around fifteen or sixteen.

She was wearing a turban, and she was smiling as though the sandy winds of the desert weren't a problem for her.

"You must be an adventurer, right?"

"I am."

For now, it became clear that she was not a player. She used the expression "adventurer" to refer to him.

The girl smiled. "I'm Maya, your comfy guide to Shahav! For just three gold, I'll guide you all the shortcuts and prevent any dangerous elements from approaching!"

Seojin was taken aback.

* * *

"Get lost, you mutt! He's my customer!"

"He hasn't chosen you for sure yet."

"He'll choose me, won't you, sir?" Maya, the experienced desert tour guide with three years of experience pleaded with her potential client.

Please pick me. I have to get this job no matter what. I'm much better than him! – While she did not utter a word, Seojin could practically hear her pleas.

"I guess it's first come, first served."

"See? Now get lost or I'll kick your ass!"

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving!"

The latecomer, named Jin, stepped back, grumbling.

He was also a guide who had arrived about ten minutes later. Seojin asked Maya a question as he watched Jin's back disappear off into the distance.

"So, I need a guide to go to Shahav, right?"

"Yes, you do! Those who have never experienced the fear of the desert just don't understand, but there's mercy in the great desert for those who survive it! And you're looking right at a survivor!"

Since meeting Seojin, Maya had slightly lifted her turban, revealing her brown hair that matched her hazel eyes. The slight freckles on her cheeks were a sign of her youth.

"You have three years of experience?"

"Absolutely. There isn't much for kids like us to do in Shahav, so, I had to take advantage of growing up in the desert and start my own business."

"And that fellow just now did the same?"

"Yes, he started about six months after me. By the way, sir…"

Maya grinned as she rubbed her hands together.

"You're going to hire me as your guide, right?"

"Oh, was it three gold?"

"Yes!"

Maya nodded excitedly with twinkling eyes, and Seojin took three gold coins out before looking back at her.

"Actually, three gold coins for a guide is a bit expensive, isn't it?"

"Oh, my God, sir!"

Maya looked like she had been accused of a crime she never committed.

"Of course, three gold coins is a lot of money, but I'm sure my service is worth much more than that in this desert! And I assure you, this Maya would never…"

Maya explained how friendly and professional her service was and explained the dreadful fate of adventurers who went in alone, as well as the dangers lying in Shahav. She stretched out her two fingers at the end of her sentence.

"You'll get all these services for just two gold coins! I don't do it often, but I think you deserve the discount since you've chosen me. Shall we go?"

"You were planning on giving me a discount from the start, weren't you?"

"No way! Everyone else has paid three gold without exception, except you. Professionals have standards, you know!"

Seojin was impressed that she had managed to bargain three gold, taking the coins from the gullible while giving discounts to the more skeptical.

'Her smooth PR almost forces people to pay up. I have to believe she has three years of experience… or at least a natural talent. She'd do great in any sales department,' Seojin thought to himself.

"I'll give you three gold in respect of being a competent guide," Seojin said, handing over the coins.

"Thank you for recognizing my talent!" the guide replied.

"Don't mention it. Take this first…"

-This girl. She ain't human. Just how much power is she hiding?

Seojin flinched just as he was about to hand the money over.