Xin couldn't help but be curious about the [Love's Enduring Sacrifice] artifact. It was unexpected to find such a rare and meaningful item in the hands of an old woman NPC like Elinor.
In Guildbane, Xin knew about the concept of [Marriages]. It was one of the reasons why the game was so popular among players. However, there were age restrictions in place for getting married. Both partners needed to be at least eighteen years old in the real world.
While the in-game marriage didn't grant any legal rights, in reality, it provided numerous benefits for married players within the game. Cooldowns for their abilities were reduced to just 10%, and they received an additional +5 to all their stats when they were within ten meters of each other.
These boons made many players eager to take advantage of the marriage system. Some players simply married for the fun of it, while others sought the gameplay benefits.
There were restrictions, though. No honeymoon. No multiple partners. And marriage must take place in front of a priest.
Xin found the idea of in-game marriages amusing. If he and Meilyn were still together, he would have given her the [Love's Enduring Sacrifice] without a second thought.
Shaking Meilyn out of his head, Xin took a deep breath and reminded himself that he had no time to be depressed. There were still plenty of things he needed to do in the game.
As the sun began to set, Xin headed back to the shore to talk to Triton about the quest.
"Sorry, Lord Schrodinger. As much as I want to go with you and ensure your safety, I can't interfere with quests," Triton explained.
So there were limitations, Xin wondered. Or maybe it was just Triton? To be sure, he decided to ask other NPCs about their involvement in quests.
"I can help you grind in the area, though," Triton offered.
"It's fine. Thank you for the offer, but I have to go and complete some other quests. Maybe tomorrow," Xin replied.
As he was about to leave, Triton offered another solution, "You can try asking for help from other NPCs involved in the quests."
That might work, Xin thought and proceeded to test his theory.
However, most of the NPCs he asked had reasons why they couldn't help. Some were stuck in certain areas, others had other tasks to attend to, some were Non-Combatant NPCs, and others simply feared the Reef Raiders.
Glesga and Drasta couldn't leave town, and the other NPCs either didn't care about the quest or wanted to marry him. With no other options, Xin decided to set out on his own.
In truth, he just wanted to check whether he could complete the quest alone or not, and then plan his strategy from his experience.
As he made his way to the port to rent a boat, he hesitated. Swimming in the dark, deep sea for a day didn't seem like a good idea. Plus, it was risky and time-consuming.
Renting a boat would be a faster and safer option. No wonder the others rented boats even knowing that it wouldn't work. The waters was really scary now that he was standing in front of it.
Lost in thought, Xin heard a voice from behind.
"Lord Schrodinger, my love! What are you doing in these parts?"
As Xin looked over, he saw Captain Scarlet O'Malley, the one who had given him the [Sea Orb Compass] that would point him in the right direction if he was traveling on the sea. He had kept it in his inventory, thinking it might come in handy when finding the Reef Raiders' headquarters.
Captain Scarlet was a sexy woman with curls of fiery red hair, wearing a signature black eye patch over her left eye, and dressed in full pirate regalia. Her beauty was striking, though rough around the edges.
"Could it be . . ." Captain Scarlet's red eyes narrowed, and a mischievous smirk crossed her luscious red lips, "you've made up your mind and wanted to come with me sail the vast sea––!"
"Captain," Xin quickly interjected, cutting her off, "Is it possible to sail to the Reef Raiders' Hideout?"
Captain Scarlet seemed taken aback for a moment before her confidence returned, and she smiled. "Is it about the quest for oils?"
Xin nodded.
"Normally, we don't venture into those waters. But since it's you asking, I'll do everything in my power to transport you there or at least get you close to their hideout without them detecting us."
Xin's heart raced with hope. "Is that possible?"
Captain Scarlet flicked her large pirate hat and smirked. "Who do you think you're talking to? I am Captain Scarlet O'Malley! The sexiest, most good-looking, and greatest pirate of the sea!"
Xin forgot that she was fierce as she was vain.
"That would be great."
Captain Scarlet's face remained confident, but a slight blush crept on her cheeks.
"Avast, me hearties! It is time to set sail and seek our fortunes on the open seas!" she declared, rallying her crew.
As the port turned busy, Xin thought to himself that there were really NPCs who were willing to help him with the quest.
He would take note of that information for future quests.
For now, it was time to get those oils, open the Floating Market, and get his reward in Ilyath's shop for completing his very first quest with Triton.