[MAIN QUEST]
Quest Title: Rise of a Gangster
Sub-Title: Let's Get Stronger
Description:
[Alright, alright, now it's been made bare to our face how weak we are. There is no shame in accepting defeat. But what there is shame in— is refusing to stand up and say: "Yes! I want to get stronger, whatever it takes, however it takes! I want to be stronger! I want my vengeance, and I want to leave that bastard at the mercy of my fist!" Oh fuck, I'm so angry. Accept the King of Mereung's offer and become his student for one month.]
Quest Reward:
Free 'Oh, Here's My Coffee' every day for the next one month (aside from its usual cooldown-based use).
+2 Common Cards
Unlocks a Chained Quest.
Quest Failure:
Loss of two random cards.
Vincent stared at the panel, eyes narrowing.
'As usual, Blu's narration caught me off guard.'
"What the hell does he mean 'Oh fuck, I'm so angry'?"
Blu had terrible anger management. Or maybe… the system had amazing anger control—considering it hadn't erupted into a fit when he was getting his face bashed in by Daniel.
Shaking his head, Vincent summoned the panel for the Side Quest.
—
[SIDE QUEST RECEIVED]
Quest Title: The Armies Are Rising
Description:
[Eight people have found hope in you. There is a spark burning in their eyes, and it needs to be ignited. You must carry the torch of power and hope, and show these ones that they can be more. However, a trial exists for each and every one of them.]
Quest Rewards:
For every trial completed: +1 Common Card
Upon completing all trials: +1 Epic Card, Unlock System Feature: Crew Growth, and Gain +8 Common Crew Cards.
Quest Failure:
If all eight trials fail, you will lose the system.
—
"Dumbfuck!"
Vincent couldn't help the curse that slipped from his lips.
He hadn't expected that.
When he first read the quest description, he had already been annoyed at the hassle it would be.
Since it was a side quest, he figured he could just ignore it and focus on the Main Quest.
But then…
[If all eight trials fail, you will lose the system.]
His heart skipped a beat.
'By system… does it mean I'll lose Blu?'
A cold, sinking feeling gnawed at his chest.
This was dangerous.
No—this was the most dangerous quest he'd ever received.
It suddenly made perfect sense why the reward was a Unique Card—one rank higher than an Unique.
This was as hard as taking down Daniel.
His hands clenched. How hard could it be?
Each of the eight had to pass their trials for the Epic Card to be unlocked.
But if all eight failed—he would lose the system completely.
His blood ran cold.
He hadn't even started his journey with the system, and now he was at risk of losing it?
His eyes gleamed with determination.
'No. That will not happen. I will make sure all eight of them pass.'
He didn't know what Blu was planning, but it didn't matter.
Anyhow. Any way.
He had to see this through—for all eight of them.
His gaze dropped back to the panel, reading the last section.
[Trials will be updated when certain conditions are met.]
Vincent sighed and collapsed onto his bed.
Then—his stomach growled loudly, startling him back up.
"…Food time, I guess."
—
The night passed in deep thought, and even as he walked into Mereung High School, his mind remained clouded.
The morning sun washed the scenery in an orange glow, but Vincent's head remained low, his steps drifting unconsciously.
'What am I supposed to do?'
Blu had laid the options out, but it wasn't forcing him.
The choice was his.
He could refuse the Main Quest. It wasn't mandatory.
But…
He had to be willing to face the consequences.
He paused, raising his eyes for the first time since entering school.
The fancy high school first-year building came into view, its pristine exterior glowing under the sunlight.
But his gaze remained unceremonious, a sullen expression creeping onto his face.
The Side Quest, on the other hand…
His thoughts halted as something unexpected caught his senses.
A balsamic scent seeped into his nose.
Enticing.
It wasn't just him—heads turned in every direction toward the source.
Then—
Glossy black hair fluttered in the gentle wind.
Her straight-cut bangs formed a flawless line across her forehead, stopping just above sharp, eagle-like eyes.
Wherever she glanced, people cowered with chills.
But then—her gaze landed on Vincent.
For a moment, time froze.
His eyes widened.
His mouth gaped slightly—caught off guard by the scent, by her presence.
Her sharp eyes narrowed.
Then—a single look of disdain cut into him, like a dagger to his gut.
She turned away, continuing her path without a second glance.
The tension broke.
Students nearby whispered among themselves, having witnessed the brief but charged exchange.
"Hey, hey, do you know the Ice Queen from somewhere?"
A blond-haired familiar guy clapped him on the shoulder, grinning like they were friends.
Vincent frowned slightly, answering:
"…No."
It was the truth.
But—he wasn't mistaken.
That girl—he had met her before.
The chicken chicken girl.
But… she looked different.
Rich. Refined.
"Oh man… you seriously don't know her?" The blond groaned. "Damn! I've been trying to get with her for months, but she ignores everyone. That's why they call her the 'Ice Queen.'"
Vincent sneered internally.
"I guess life goes easy for you rich folks."
Exhaling, he brushed past him, uninterested in the conversation.
He had bigger problems than thinking about a girl he met at some local restaurant.
Though—he had to admit, forgetting those eyes wouldn't be easy.
'Whatever. Thinking about my homeroom teacher should fix that problem.'
Vincent took a deep breath.
He had more pressing matters.
Today—he had to give Daniel an answer.