Inside the headquarters of the Frey Guild.

In the quiet office, while I was enjoying a cup of tea, someone was peeking through the doorway, glancing inside.

"Leader! Where's the door?"

"I took it down. It’s less stuffy, and it gives a nice sense of openness."

Sasha entered the office and sat on the guest sofa, staring at me intensely.

Her intentions were obvious.

"I got rejected."

"Why!?"

"Well, there's a reason."

After hearing my story, Sasha was visibly dejected.

"A... stalker..."

"By the way, I heard they play on channel 1004."

"Leader... is this what I think it is?"

"Who knows?"

In the trade city of Talasha, rare items and vast amounts of information converge.

I also received a report from a guild member who participated in a sudden quest last night.

They said a massive dragon appeared and swept away monsters—it’s likely a summoned creature.

The dragon’s name? "Yongyongi."

Just in case, I asked her—Yuna's summoned creature also happens to be named Yongyongi.

If her summoned creature moved on its own while she was logged out last night, the summon’s name would appear in the rankings.

I don’t have solid proof, but my intuition tells me something is up.

At this point, I have no choice but to recruit her.

I won’t give up—ever.

I’ll not only show Yuna the joys of life, but we’ll also gain a guild mascot. It’s a win-win plan.

Before logging into Arcana Online, I fidgeted with the business card I had received.

The card had the name "Cathlea," the guild master of the Frey Guild, written on it. Does gaming really make that much money...?

I looked it up online, and the results were astounding.

The top 10 guilds, known as the "Top Ten Guilds," make ridiculous amounts of money.

It's said that the salaries of the executives in those guilds reach astronomical figures—how much does the guild master earn then?

Shocked by the fact that they earn so much it’s jaw-dropping, I spent some time in a daze before snapping out of it and logging into the game.

When I woke up in bed, Yongyongi was sound asleep in my arms.

As I got up, Yongyongi stirred and looked at me.

"Did you sleep well? Nothing happened last night, right?"

"Kyuung!"

I still couldn't get used to Yongyongi’s cute voice.

But, what’s this?

[You have been rewarded for completing a sudden quest.] [Due to abnormal usage, some rewards have been adjusted.] [Rewards will be distributed in their adjusted form.]

Blue windows repeatedly popped up and disappeared—what’s going on?

I opened my inventory and saw various items had been deposited.

The one that stood out the most was a magic stone, but it seemed different.

[High-Grade Magic Stone] A magic stone used in the study of high-level magic.

If Yongyongi's usual magic stones were the size of marbles, this high-grade magic stone was as big as a bowling ball.

Suddenly, I felt a gaze on me. When I looked at Yongyongi, drool was dripping from his mouth.

"Do you want it?"

"Kyuung!"

"If my Yongyongi wants it, of course, I’ll give it to you!"

"Kyuung!"

While watching the adorable sight of Yongyongi excitedly eating the magic stone, I checked my other rewards.

[Class-Specific Spellbook] You can acquire a skill that suits your class.

Am I finally getting my second skill!?

Just like last time, when I took it out of my inventory and opened it, it disappeared into light.

[You have used a class-specific spellbook.] You have acquired the passive skill: Devour.

[Devour] The more magic stones your summoned creature consumes, the stronger it becomes. [Just watching them eat makes you feel full!]

Then, something strange happened.

As Yongyongi ate the high-grade magic stone, his body started glowing.

The brightly shining Yongyongi continued eating the magic stone as if nothing unusual had happened—what’s going on?

Thinking it might be a faulty skill, I moved on to check other things, and then... what’s this!?

When I checked the status screen, my level had surpassed 20.

It felt like I’d hit the lottery overnight.

Does this mean I can start my journey right away?

There was both excitement about starting the journey and sadness about leaving this village behind.

With meetings come farewells, as they say.

After Yongyongi had finished eating the magic stone and burped contentedly, I packed him up and headed downstairs.

Bell-nuna was working hard as usual.

"You’re up? Can you wait just a moment?"

"Bell-nuna, I have something to tell you."

She glanced at me, asked me to wait for a bit, and went into the kitchen.

While sitting down and playing with Yongyongi’s cute belly, she returned with breakfast and handed me a bundle.

"What’s this?"

"I’ve packed everything you’ll need for your journey."

"How did you know?"

"Even if I look like this, I’ve been running this inn for ten years. I can tell."

She patted my head gently.

For some reason, her warm touch brought tears to my eyes.

Bell-nuna wiped the tears that ran down my cheeks with a smile.

"Shouldn’t you be smiling on a day like this?"

"Yes!"

As I smiled brightly, she teased me, saying that if I cried and laughed at the same time, I’d grow horns on my bottom.

After finishing my meal and putting the bundle Bell-nuna gave me into my inventory, I headed out of the village—only to be stopped by a crowd of villagers.

Starting with the rough-looking man who always gave me bread, to Charles, who had trained me in swordsmanship.

After receiving various gifts from the villagers, Charles handed me something important.

"If you encounter any trouble on your journey, just show this."

[Imperial Pass] Issued by Charles Caesar, former captain of the Avalon Empire’s Royal Knights.

Wow, the description is pretty grand. Though, I don’t quite understand what it means.

"Thank you! I’ll be off now!"

"Take care! Come back anytime!"

"Stay safe, wherever you go!"

"We’ll miss you!"

I set off on my journey amidst the warm farewells of the village’s residents.

As I followed the path, I greeted rabbits, goblins, and slimes along the way.

I even tried greeting an orc, but it ran away from me.

Why was it acting like that?

Then, a large orc wielding a massive sword appeared.

The orc who had saved me twice.

"Young human. Are you on your way to visit your ancestors?"

"No! I’m just starting my journey. Today is the last time we’ll see each other like this."

"I wish you not to meet your ancestors."

"Thank you! Oh, this is a token of my gratitude for saving me!"

I pulled out a magic stone from my inventory and handed it to him. He looked at me in surprise, then thanked me before heading off.

As the orc walked away, I waved, and he quickly disappeared as if embarrassed.

After a long journey, I finally reached the edge of the village.

It took me over two weeks to get here.

There was a signpost hanging there.

[We wish you happiness and well-being on your journey.] From all the residents of Yoram Village.

Looking at the sign, my heart was touched.

I guess I’ve grown attached to this village.

Feeling a bit melancholy, I followed the road toward the city.

The first city I was headed to was known for its beauty.

[City of Stars]

It’s famous for its night sky, filled with countless stars.

As I walked along the road, something came into view in the distance.

A huge monster.

[Warbear] A massive bear standing over 3 meters tall.

It’s known as the newbie crusher among players who have just left the beginner village.

It’s an aggressive monster that attacks first, tearing new players apart with its sharp claws.

The Warbear noticed me and began slowly approaching.

I gripped my staff tightly, preparing for a fight, but something felt off.

As it came closer, instead of attacking, it started sniffing me.

It sniffed around for a while, and when its eyes landed on Yongyongi, it suddenly collapsed.

The Warbear showed its belly, assuming a submissive posture.

Looking at it in disbelief, it let out a cute sound, almost as if it was acting cutesy—what’s going on?

"Why are you acting like this, bear?"

"Grrr..."

It turned its body, lying flat on the ground.

"Are you telling me to ride on your back?"

"Grrr!"

"You’re offering to take me to the city? Thank you!"

With some effort, I climbed onto the bear’s back, and it started moving slowly.

It was much faster than walking, and the soft fur gave me a comfortable ride.

As I enjoyed the journey atop the bear, the city came into view in the distance.

With a loud growl, the bear stopped and lowered itself to let me get off easily.

"Are you saying I have to walk from here?"

"Grrr!"

"You’re worried I might get hunted if we go any closer? Well, I appreciate the ride! Oh, here’s a gift for you!"

[High-Grade Magic Stone] A magic stone used in the study of advanced magic.

I pulled out a magic stone, slightly smaller than the one I gave the orc, and handed it to the bear. It happily accepted and devoured it.

Feeling a jealous gaze from Yongyongi, I reassured him.

"I’ll give you one later, okay?"

"Kyuung."

After saying my goodbyes, I waved as the bear walked away and headed toward the city gates.

I noticed a crowd of people standing in front of the gates, all trying to enter the city.

There were two entrances, but why was everyone gathered at one?

As I tried to walk through the empty entrance, a guard stopped me.

"Please present your pass."

"My pass?"

"If you don’t have one, you’ll need to queue up."

Oh, I guess this entrance requires a pass.

Then I remembered—I got something from Charles!

As soon as I presented the pass from Charles, the guard’s face paled, and he began apologizing profusely.

"I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you were someone of such high status! Hey, recruit! Escort the young lady immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

A soldier in armor came running over from a distance, but I felt uncomfortable.

"I can manage on my own."

"No, miss! The city can be quite confusing for first-time visitors. Our soldier will ensure you have a safe and comfortable trip to your hotel!"

"Really? Well, if that’s the case, I’ll accept the help."

As I followed the soldier inside, I realized for the first time just how much of a countryside village I had come from.

[Avoid the orcs carrying a giant sword in Yoram Village.] I just got killed three times. I swear, that’s no regular orc—could it be a dragon in disguise?

[Comments] -What kind of dragon polymorphs into an orc? LOL -I’ve never heard of a player getting killed by an orc three times, haha! -[OP] I’m serious, dude. That thing was insanely strong! -Sure, whatever you say~

[Is the Warbear supposed to be this big? (Photo)] I heard they’re about 3 meters tall, but this one’s over 7 meters. What’s going on?

[Comments] -Whoa, that’s terrifying... -What kind of Warbear is that? No way... -It looks like a Warbear, but is that size for real? -What the heck is that thing!?