Chapter 39

It was time to eat, so I headed down to the communal dining hall and saw a lot of people. Gu Yeon-jeong was also there, waving and calling us over.

“Come over here. Party number 9.”

After receiving our meals, we sat down at the table where Gu Yeon-jeong was eating.

“How is it? Do you like the accommodations?”

It was the lodging of a large clan, so of course, I liked it. In fact, it was so good that it felt almost overwhelming.

“Yes. The accommodations at the training facility were also very nice, but as expected of one of the top three clans, the lodging here is even better.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s eat first. You can listen to the details while you eat.”

“Yes.”

“Party Leader number 1 probably gave you a rough idea, but tomorrow your equipment will be issued, so from tomorrow onwards, you can train in the training room individually.”

It seems like the training is done individually. I thought there would be someone to teach us, but it seems I was mistaken.

“If you get stuck or don’t understand something during training, you can ask clan members in the same profession, and they will usually help you. Or if you find it difficult to train alone, you can also request guidance.”

“I see.”

“Anyway, after about a week of training, you’ll go on a small expedition in collaboration with the Hwashin Clan.”

I was curious about the expedition we were going on, so I asked Gu Yeon-jeong.

“Can I ask what exactly the process of this small expedition is?”

“First, our clan and the Hwashin Clan will each assign one player with some experience. On our side, it will be you newcomers with zero years of experience… and on the Hwashin Clan side, they will send first-year newcomers.”

‘So they’re sending newcomers from both sides to go on an expedition together.’

The reason for assigning experienced players is probably for insurance, but ultimately, the main purpose of the expedition is the growth of the newcomers.

“Is the dungeon level suitable for us?”

“Ah, you don’t need to worry about that. Small clans or parties sell us dungeons they’ve discovered with low difficulty levels. Dungeons that are too low in difficulty are usually bought by large or medium clans for training newcomers.”

“I understand.”

“Anyway, this is your entire schedule for now, so just keep this in mind. I’ve finished eating, so I’ll take my leave now.”

“Yes, Clan Master.”

“Enjoy your meal.”

After Gu Yeon-jeong left, Hyeon-jin spoke up.

“I was a bit worried… but it seems like the expedition isn’t a big deal after all.”

“Well, it’s not something to worry too much about, but don’t get too relaxed, Hyeon-jin.”

“Of course.”

“That’s good to hear.”

After I answered Hyeon-jin, Song Ha-eun spoke up with a question.

“By the way… I heard we’ll be receiving equipment tomorrow. For me, Yoon Seong oppa, and Yoo Hyun, will we be receiving staffs?”

Yoo Ju answered Song Ha-eun’s question.

“Yes, that’s right. Professions that focus on using mana usually carry staffs to help manifest mana. Of course, it’s possible to use magic or spirit arts without a staff, but there’s quite a difference between having one and not having one.”

“Ah… I see.”

As soon as Song Ha-eun’s curiosity was satisfied, Kang I-seo asked everyone.

“So, what are you all going to do now? There’s still quite a bit of time left… Even if you want to train, the equipment won’t be issued until tomorrow.”

“Hmm… I think I’ll look around the city.”

“Oh, you’re going to look around the city? Should I come with you?”

I was taken aback by Kang I-seo’s words because I had originally planned to quietly explore the city alone.

“Uh… you want to come too?”

Kang I-seo seemed to notice that I wasn’t too keen on the idea and pouted as she answered.

“…If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

“No, it’s not that I don’t want to…”

“Oh, so we’re going together then?”

“Yeah…”

I suddenly wondered what Yoo Ju was going to do, so I asked her.

“What about you, Yoo Ju?”

“…I was also thinking of looking around the city, but I probably won’t be able to join you two. I have something else to look into…”

‘She must have something to do.’

The fact that Yoo Ju, who usually insists on sticking with me, had something else to look into suggested that, as a Returner, she had some business to attend to.

I didn’t have anything specific to do in the city like Yoo Ju, but I decided to explore the city to get a feel for the atmosphere and familiarize myself with the geography.

In the end, except for me, Kang I-seo, and Yoo Ju, the others stayed at the Clan House, and only the three of us decided to explore the city.

The first place Kang I-seo and I headed to was the central plaza. It was a plaza with a fountain that left an impression. Looking around, I saw both foreigners like us and some indigenous people.

I had heard that in cities managed by the top three clans, there are usually many foreigners, but it seems there are also some indigenous people from this continent.

A man was selling something in the plaza, so I approached and asked.

“Excuse me… Could you tell me what you’re selling?”

“Ah… Are you adventurers? Haha, welcome. These are potions I made. Also, I sell various simple weapons.”

‘Potions and equipment…’

I remember hearing that among the support professions, alchemists and blacksmiths often make a living by selling potions and equipment.

“How much is this potion?”

I pointed to an item labeled “Low-grade Potion” and asked for the price.

“Normally, I sell it for 5 gold, but I’ll give you a special deal and sell it for 4 gold per bottle. This is really cheap. What do you think?”

“Hmm… I’ll look around a bit more and come back.”

“Ah, yes… Sigh…”

The man swallowed his disappointment when I said I’d look around.

Kang I-seo seemed curious why I asked about the price and questioned me.

“Why did you ask about the potion price? Are you planning to buy it?”

“No.”

I could buy it if I wanted to. I have the funds I received from Kang Seong-jun, and I also received quite a bit of gold as a contract fee from the clan. However, buying something without knowing the market price is foolish.

Moreover, since the clan’s emblem won’t be issued until tomorrow, in their eyes, we are just rookie adventurers. There’s no guarantee they won’t try to rip us off.

What I wanted to find out was simple market research.

‘If I want to survive in this city, I need to know the basic market prices.’

I approached another person selling potions and asked the price of a low-grade potion.

“How much is this?”

“5 gold, but I’ll give you a special discount and sell it for 4 gold. Are you buying?”





“As expected.”

“No, I’ll look around a bit more and come back later.”

Wherever you go, it’s the same old story of outsiders getting ripped off.

When I approached someone else and asked, they again said they’d sell it for 4 gold. I deliberately made a grim face and said,

“Ha… I know the proper price, so don’t mess around. How much is it?”

“What are you talking about… I said 4 gold.”

“Hey, why don’t you tell me the real price? I’m here on an errand for a high-ranking member of the Eternity Clan.”

“E-Eternity Clan?”

If you think about it for a second, it’s unlikely that a high-ranking member of the Eternity Clan would send someone to buy low-grade potions, but this guy doesn’t seem to have the brains to figure that out.

Upon hearing the name Eternity Clan, he turned pale and started quoting the real price.

“Ha, it’s 2 gold each. I-I didn’t recognize you, sorry. I’ll give it to you for 1 gold…”

“Let’s not mention this to anyone above. Give me three.”

Anyway, since I have more gold than I know what to do with, 3 gold is no big deal.

‘Seriously… doubling the price? Crazy bastards.’

You can’t trust anyone in unfamiliar places.

As I walked away with the potions, Kang I-seo spoke up beside me.

“Hey. You’re good at this. That was kinda creepy. How did you know the price was too high?”

“Wherever you go, ripping off outsiders is the same.”

“Huh?”

“Think about Earth. When you travel to other countries, it’s famous how locals rip off foreigners, right?”

“Ah…”

“This place is just like Earth.”

“Wow… you’re smart, huh?”

I thought about holding back what I wanted to say to her but couldn’t resist and just blurted it out.

“…Maybe it’s not that I’m smart, but that you’re dumb?”

“…What? You bastard!”

Kang I-seo suddenly grabbed my hair and yanked it.

“Ouch! What the hell are you doing?!”

“You little…! Take back what you just said! Even if a crazy guy compliments you, you’re still an idiot!”

“Alright, alright! Let go and we’ll talk…!”

“Damn it, your attitude really pisses me off!”

“I get it, so let go already! It really hurts!”

******

Anyway, after some twists and turns, Kang I-seo and I looked around a few more places and then returned to the Clan House, where Hyeon-jin was sitting on the first floor.

“…What are you doing here?”

“Ah… Brother. You’re back?”

“Why are you on the first floor instead of going to your room?”

“I was too bored just sitting around… so I borrowed a sword from a clan member and did some training… After showering, I was too tired, so I just stayed here.”

This guy really has potential. He’s not particularly talented, but he’s incredibly diligent.

I’ve never seen Hyeon-jin skip a day of training.

I chuckled and patted Hyeon-jin’s shoulder.

“It’s good to see you working hard.”

“Ah, it’s nothing. By the way, did Lee Seo cause any trouble outside?”

At Hyeon-jin’s words, Kang I-seo clenched her fist and reacted.

“Ugh… hey, you wanna die?”

“Eek…!”

Hyeon-jin exaggeratedly yelped at Kang I-seo’s reaction.

I had something I was curious about, so I asked Hyeon-jin.

“Have you seen Yoo Ju? Has she not come back yet?”

I don’t know how long Hyeon-jin has been on the first floor, but if Seo Yoo Ju had returned, he would probably know.

“Uh… Yoo Ju? No, I don’t think she’s back yet.”

Considering how much time Kang I-seo and I spent outside, she should have been back by now.

‘It’s bothering me. What is she doing wandering around alone?’

If Seo Yoo Ju has something on her mind, she can’t just talk about it, so it’s frustrating at times like this.

“What are the others doing?”

“Ho-won is doing some basic physical training… I don’t know about Ha-eun. Yoo Rim and Yoo Hyun seem to be in their rooms.”

“I see.”

Just as I was talking with Hyeon-jin, Seo Yoo Ju returned.

“Yoo Ju. You’re back.”

‘She looks really tired.’

Seo Yoo Ju’s face didn’t show it, but she seemed worn out.

“Ah… Yoon Seong? You’re back already. Why are you on the first floor?”

“We just got back. We were about to head up to our rooms.”

“I see… Well, I’ll head to my room first.”

After speaking, Seo Yoo Ju went up to her room. The others might not have noticed, but I spotted a faint bloodstain on her sleeve.

‘Damn… what the hell has she been doing?’

Where in this city would there be a reason for bloodstains?

‘…Did she kill someone?’

That’s too extreme. She probably just got into a fight.

‘But if you think about it the other way…’

Let’s think from Seo Yoo Ju’s perspective. What would she prioritize when starting over?

‘Results monopoly, talent recruitment, eliminating future threats.’

If I were Seo Yoo Ju, I’d first remember good dungeons and hoard all the rewards. I still question her decision to join one of the three major clans because she wouldn’t be able to act freely within them.

Second is talent recruitment. If it were me, I’d remember future talents and sweet-talk them into joining before they could fully develop.

Third is eliminating future threats.

‘Was there someone in this city… who needed to be killed?’

If Seo Yoo Ju just killed someone, this would be the priority. If she moved so urgently on the first day in the city, it must have been important.

‘…Maybe I’m just overthinking this… but there’s no way to find out anyway.’

I decided to stop worrying about Seo Yoo Ju and spoke to Hyeon-jin.

“Well, I’ll head up to my room too. See you tomorrow.”

“Alright. Good night, brother.”

“Yeah.”