Braised Donut scratched his head and muttered softly:
"Indeed, from your perspective, the most likely originator of this mission is still from the Lord Mansion. But what does it matter? I don't care who the mission comes from; I just want to complete the task and get the reward."
Love Little Yi knew that this guy was a typical player, lit another cigarette, and bit it lightly, saying:
"Then let's make a bet... I bet that someone from the territory will come looking for you by the end of the day. With your 'open and aboveboard' investigation methods, trust me, you'll feel pretty uncomfortable.
Also, no matter what this game is about, my advice to you is, don't treat NPCs as NPCs. Treat them as living people...
Learn to show reverence. Although this is just a game, it's not something to mess around with."
Just as he was saying this, he suddenly noticed a young man in plain linen clothes, who looked like a local resident, walking towards them.
Love Little Yi glanced at Donut and said, "Add me as a friend. Keep an eye out for my messages later."
The young man came up to them with a simple smile on his face, awkwardly scratching his cheek and saying, "Hello, are you citizens of Shangzhia?"
Indeed...
Love Little Yi sensed something was wrong and frowned, retreating behind Donut.
Donut felt speechless. What was this guy's deal, being so cautious even in the game?
But as a standard task-grinding player, he would never miss an opportunity to trigger a mission.
The storyline? What's it got to do with me? I'm just here for the task.
So, he put on a bright smile and said, "Is there something you need our help with?"
「The muscles on his arms and legs are much thicker than those of a normal resident. Judging by the distribution of calluses on his hands, this guy is probably used to holding something all the time. I think it's more likely iron rather than meat.」
Braised Donut felt a bit surprised.
This guy is quick…Ahem, I mean, he's quick at observing NPCs and gathering intelligence.
I have to admit, he really sounds convincing.
Hearing Braised Donut speak, the young man laughed a bit awkwardly, saying, "Actually, the situation is like this. Recently, a continuous stream of Shangzhia citizens has been arriving in Titan Town.
The townsfolk heard that you're helpful, so they thought to come to you for assistance.
We really have no other options; the town hasn't been peaceful lately. We've heard that monsters from the dungeon have sneaked past the portal and hidden in the town.
The residents are uneasy. We've been continuously commissioning third-party help to investigate. If you're interested, we would appreciate your assistance."
「Agree, and add, 'Besides finding monsters sneaking into the town from the dungeon, can we get additional rewards if we discover other unknown threats from you?'」
Although Braised Donut found Love Little Yi's personality a bit odd, he had a lot of respect for the man's observational and judgmental skills.
After all, the Strange Power Chaos God Club clearly obtained specific information directly from the Lord, so it was easy to deduce NPC factions' attitudes toward them.
But Love Little Yi clearly noticed many hidden clues through keen observation and judgment.
As an experienced player, he knew very well that strong player capability alone often wasn't enough to uncover hidden quests. Players like Xiao Yi were evidently better at triggering certain tasks.
So, he said without hesitation, "Besides finding monsters sneaking into the town from the dungeon, can we get additional rewards if we discover other unknown threats from you?"
The young man was amazed. He had heard from his father, who worked as a ranger for the Lord Mansion, that Shangzhia's citizens had divine skills that allowed them to view basic information about people like them.
But Mr. White also mentioned that the information discovered was only surface-level. For example, a ranger reserve like himself, if not officially employed as a ranger, was no different from the undead to the townsfolk.
Because of this, in the past couple of days, some partners like him have been following Mr. White's advice and arranging various commissions for those lazy, trouble-making undead in the town.
Watching this group of undead, who would excitedly jump around and shout "Woohoo, hidden quest" once given a task, the young man felt they were a bit out of their minds. At the same time, he felt that the Harvest Goddess's radiant image was crumbling.
Oh great Shangzhia Goddess, why do Your lambs seem to be corrupted by the Evil God? Did You expel them from the divine kingdom to punish them or us?
However...
He thoughtfully looked at Braised Donut.
It seemed there were still some normal people among the undead.
Like those smart ones currently hunting Huge Hoofed Deer in the Twisted Jungle, and the two before him now.
Thinking this, his honest, simple smile gradually vanished, replaced by a stern expression:
"If you can manage it... then show us your skills to the fullest."
[You have received the hidden mission "Restless Unease" from "Kroel."]
[Quest Acceptance: Single/Team Mission, up to 10 people]
[Quest Completion Condition: Find the hidden threat in Titan Town. Rewards based on threat level.]
[Quest Reward: Indeterminate level experience points; indeterminate job change voucher; slight increase in Titan Town reputation]
Braised Donut's eyes lit up. He immediately shared the mission with Love Little Yi.
He had a good understanding of himself. He might be capable of executing tasks steadfastly or acting impulsively as a combatant, but when it came to solving clue-hunting, puzzle-like missions, someone else was more suited for the job.
With 2,500 hours of virtual game experience, the only thing he learned was that when you don't know how to complete a mission, the only thing you need to do is—
Find someone strong who took the mission with you, and activate the father-raising mode.
Love Little Yi glanced at Donut's eager face and sent him a message through the chat window:
「Ask him for a means to call for backup. At least know how to quickly find him if we discover urgent information.」
See, there you go. The task ahead just entered easy mode.
...
"You need a guarantee?" The young man Kroel furrowed his brow upon hearing this request and said,
"You're right. If you do find something, you'll need a way to contact us. You can go to the Berlin Wood Restaurant on West Street and inform the boss about your discoveries."
Kroel hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly took out a small bottle from his pocket and handed it to them with great seriousness:
"If you Shangzhia citizens really have the Undying Blessing as the priests say... then throw this beacon bottle before you die.
As for its usage, the divine arts of Shangzhia will tell you."
Braised Donut took the bottle and casually cast a detection skill on it.
Hmm...hmm!?
[You used the skill "Detect" and obtained the following detailed information]
[Beacon Oil—Queen Jasmine]
[Use: A mixed solution made with grease produced by the Greasy Technique, merged with native potions from Incubus production, and special magic aroma through blending.]
[When sprinkled on someone, it leaves a traceable magic aroma that lasts twelve hours and is hard to dissipate. It's a product of multiple skills combined.]
[When used by players, they will automatically gain a twelve-hour buff "Queen Jasmine," slightly improving spellcasters' casting success rate and accuracy]
[Evaluation: Ah, it's the young master's…—Whisper from a Snow Wolf Clan maid in her sleep]
...
PS:
I want your... recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, investments, and continued reading (loudly)!!!