Though a few impostors tried to pretend to be the Unknowns, their deception was quickly exposed by the guilds' proficient lie detectors. None could successfully deceive these keen-eyed guilds.
Despite the guild leaders and members searching the crowd diligently, the trio of unknown figures remained untraceable among the diverse multitude.
As the registration window neared its end, the tension and excitement among the guilds grew more palpable. Even with their efforts, the elusive trio remained undiscovered.
With a sigh, SERAPHINA acknowledged, "It appears my assumption was correct. We won't find them here without access to their statuses. Removing their names suggests they're not actively seeking guild membership. Our best hope is to locate them before they leave the 10th floor. Otherwise, we could face significant challenges."
Her sentiment was echoed by the other guild managers. In light of the situation, ORION concluded, "Our efforts here have come to an end. Prolonging our stay will yield little. Let's depart." With that, ORION left the scene, followed closely by the other two. Their determination to locate and recruit these mysterious talents for their respective guilds remained unwavering.
With the departure of the three major guilds, the once bustling ground regained its lively and chaotic atmosphere, resembling a fish market in full swing. Initially, the third-rate guilds had held their heads high, eager to recruit promising talents.
However, the arrival of the prominent guilds had shattered their pride and turned their recruitment efforts into a desperate struggle. To their dismay, potential recruits now flocked to the bigger guilds, leaving the smaller ones frustrated and toothless in the face of competition.
Frustration and anger painted the expressions of the third-rate guild members as they bit back their disappointment and left the bustling scene, unable to secure a single new member. The dramatic shift in fortune left them reeling, their hopes dashed.
As the commotion simmered down and the tumultuous situation eased, Ren heaved a sigh of relief. "Finally, this troublesome scenario has come to an end. Now I can depart from here and enjoy the spoils of my hard-earned points. What should my first indulgence be?"
"A delicious meal, perhaps. But before that, I seriously need a dress. I can't just walk around half-naked like this," Ren mused, his voice a blend of contentment and excitement, contemplating how to savor the newly acquired wealth. With his plans in mind, he set off toward the bustling first-floor city, a melting pot where various races coexisted.
This floor enforces a level cap of LV:10, ensuring that no one exceeding this level could enter.
Any attempts to bypass this restriction resulted in severe backlash from the system. However, the ground floor operated under different rules, with no level restrictions imposed, allowing individuals of all levels to coexist without fear of system intervention.
And the real war between races to achieve supremacy happened on the ground floor. Although inside the other floors, war also occurred, but it's not as frequent as on the ground floors.
INSIDE THE 1st FLOOR CITY - DAY
The sun illuminated the sky, casting a warm and inviting glow that bathed the bustling marketplace in its embrace. The stalls that lined the streets showcased a vibrant array of foods, each one more tempting than the last.
Scents of sizzling meats, freshly baked bread, and a medley of spices filled the air, creating an intoxicating aroma. Ren, now wearing a sleek black coat and pants he had purchased, strolled through the market with excitement.
Inspecting his new attire, Ren muttered to himself, "This black coat not only looks fancy, but it also comes with self-cleaning and self-repair functions. If it gets damaged or torn, it repairs itself using my mana. Quite convenient."
With his appearance now upgraded, Ren continued his exploration of the market. His surroundings were alive with vibrant energy, as new climbers mingled with veterans who had already navigated the tower's challenges.
"This city is truly lively. It's filled with new climbers who've just entered the floors, and I can even spot some experienced climbers among them," Ren remarked with a sense of wonder as he observed the bustling scene.
As he strolled through the marketplace, Ren's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He was on a gastronomic adventure, ready to savor the diverse flavors and dishes offered by the vendors.
Ren smiled in delight as he approached a stall adorned with skewers of grilled kebabs and charred vegetables.
"Sir, try these succulent kebabs bursting with flavor! Only 2 Karma Points for 10 kebabs!" called out the enthusiastic vendor, expertly turning the skewers over the open flame.
Ren nodded in agreement and exchanged 4 K.P for twenty skewers. The moment he took a bite, an explosion of spices danced on his taste buds, prompting him to let out an appreciative sigh. "These kebabs are incredible! The blend of spices is perfect," he exclaimed.
He continued his leisurely stroll, sampling various treats as he moved along. At a nearby stall, a woman was kneading dough with skilled hands, transforming it into fluffy naan bread. "Freshly baked naan, sir! Perfect to pair with our aromatic curries! Only 1 K.P for 3 naan," she declared, presenting Ren with a piece of golden-brown bread.
As he tore off a piece of naan and dipped it into a fragrant curry, Ren's eyes lit up with delight. "Wow, this is amazing! The naan is soft, and the curry is bursting with flavor," he remarked, savoring each bite.
Continuing his culinary adventure, Ren's attention was drawn to a colorful display of desserts. A vendor beamed at him, offering a plate of delicate pastries soaked in syrup. "Indulge in our sweet treats, sir! A taste of pure joy!"
With each bite, Ren experienced a burst of sweetness that spread happiness through his taste buds. "These desserts are heavenly! The sweetness is perfectly balanced," he praised, savoring the moment.
As the sun began to set, its warm glow matching the satisfaction on Ren's face, he reflected on his food journey. His stomach was full, his heart content, and his taste buds satiated.
"The food is surprisingly affordable and delicious," Ren mused as he left the market district to find a place to stay. He couldn't help but acknowledge that while the food was cheap for him, it was still expensive for those living on the streets due to their low income and lack of strength.
**(TO BE CONTINUED)**