Behind the library's main desk, a young woman in a receptionist uniform observed the man in black hanfu who was reading at the search terminal.
Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the title of the digital book Fangyan was browsing.
"Hunter System – Old Version"
That book had long been replaced by the latest edition.
In fact, just this morning, she had planned to remove the old version from the catalog. Yet now, someone was reading it seriously.
"Who is he?"
Ordinary people wouldn't read outdated information unless they had just returned from somewhere—or if they were from outside the system.
Two possibilities immediately crossed her mind:
An Outsider – someone from a region without the system.
A Returner – someone who had disappeared from this world for a long time and had just returned.
Either way, this man was not ordinary.
The receptionist swiftly updated the catalog, replacing the old book with the latest edition. Then, she hurried after the mysterious man.
Outside the Library
Fangyan had just stepped out when a soft yet firm voice called from behind.
"Wait a moment."
He stopped and turned around.
A young woman with long black hair, dressed in a library uniform, stood behind him with a friendly smile.
"I saw you reading outdated information about the Hunter System. If you want to learn more about this world, maybe I can help."
Fangyan gazed at her indifferently.
"And who are you?"
The woman's smile remained.
"My name is Lian. I work at this library."
Fangyan didn't respond immediately—he simply stared at her in silence.
Lian studied his expression before continuing, "I can guess that you might be an Outsider or a Returner. Normal people wouldn't read information that is no longer relevant."
Fangyan remained silent, but inwardly, he acknowledged her sharpness.
"If you're unfamiliar with this world, there are a few things you should know," Lian added.
The Modern World – Lian's Explanation
Lian explained some key aspects of the modern world:
Transactions in This World
The primary currency is Credit (CR).
Credits can be used to buy goods through the System or in direct transactions, like in the old days.
Not everyone uses the system for transactions—there are still markets and merchants who sell goods outside of it.
The Existence of Wild Animals
Fangyan asked, "Why didn't I find any wild animals in the forest?"
Lian replied, "Wild animals still exist, but most of them are either protected or strictly farmed."
The government found a more profitable way by controlling food production through the system.
Since dungeons appeared, resources now come from monsters, not from the wild.
"A single Monster Stone, even from a low-grade creature, can be sold for a high price."
Economic Structure & Financial System
The entire world operates using CR (Credit) as the main currency.
Credits are accessed via E-Wallets or directly through the System for those with access to the Hunter System.
There is no physical form of this currency—everything is stored in a global network.
The Possibility of a Gate in the Forest
Lian added, "If you can't find wild animals in a certain area, there's a high chance that a dungeon or an active gate is nearby."
Monsters from dungeons often drive away or consume wild animals around them.
Fangyan Analyzes the Information
Fangyan quickly processed everything.
"So, this world is entirely controlled by a dungeon-based economy."
No wonder humans no longer hunted traditionally.
All food and valuable materials came from dungeons, and the government controlled the market by regulating the distribution of dungeon resources.
"Interesting… So if I want to make money, I either have to play by their rules or create my own path."
However, something still bothered him.
If wild animals still existed, then he should have been able to find them with his power.
But the forest he explored earlier was completely empty.
"Is something bigger happening?"
Lian noticed the thoughtful expression on his face.
"You still have a lot of questions, don't you?" she said with a smile. "If you need further assistance, I can recommend some places that might be useful to you."
Fangyan studied her for a moment.
This woman was too sharp.
But for now, he saw no reason to refuse her help.
"Alright," he said simply. "Tell me about these important places."
Lian's smile widened slightly.
"Of course. Let's begin."