The forest was cool.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering gently onto the ground.
The Silverleaf herbs shimmered under the light, releasing a faint minty scent.
I paused for a moment.
Everything felt… too real.
The softness of the soil, the cool air, the glimmering dew drops…
It was all too vivid.
This couldn't just be a game.
Or the system was way too advanced.
Ahead, I spotted the Morning Dew Flowers.
The pink petals sparkled with fresh dew like tiny blinking gems.
Collect. Collect. Collect.
I stuffed every flower into my bag—who knew when I might need extras?
⸻
While gathering the Silverleaf, I heard footsteps behind me.
"Ah! We meet again!"
Garon.
The NPC who constantly gave me delivery quests.
His friendship level only unlocked up to Level 2.
Chicken feed, firewood, fish baskets… endless courier life.
Same short stature, round body, receding hairline, and dirty basket as always.
His chubby cheeks puffed slightly as his nostrils twitched like he was sniffing.
He set his basket down.
"Gathering herbs, I see. Smart move."
Oh no.
He definitely wanted something again.
I'd bet all 270 of my gold on it.
"I'm looking for Morning Dew Flowers," I said.
Garon pointed toward the cave entrance.
"There are fresher ones near the cave. Since you're heading that way anyway…"
The system window popped up:
Side Quest Unlocked!
Quest: Garon's Lost Harvesting Tool
* Find: 1x Lost Harvesting Tool
* Reward: 50 Gold, 2 XP
Knew it.
Garon smiled:
"I dropped my tool in there while harvesting. If you happen to find it, could you bring it back?"
I sighed deeply.
"Of course! I'd love to help."
And pocket the 50 gold while I'm at it.
Pick some flowers, grab the tool, get out. Simple.
I turned back and shouted:
"Hey old man! Don't wander off this time. I'll drop it off right away!"
Garon laughed and waved.
Good. Last time I had to hunt him down for the handover.
⸻
Pushing through the vines, I entered the cave.
Not too scary.
I carefully picked the Morning Dew Flowers.
As I placed the last one into my basket, the system window appeared:
Daily Quest Complete!
Reward: +100 Gold, +5 XP
If I could do a thousand more of these, I'd be rich.
Just as I was about to leave, something shiny caught my eye—a metal handle.
Garon's missing tool.
I sighed and approached.
"Every little bit counts, I guess."
But as I bent down to pick it up, the ground shook.
The tremor quickly intensified.
Loose rocks shifted.
My footing gave way.
"No no no—!"
I slid down a slick tunnel, rocks and cold air swirling around me.
Finally, I slammed into solid ground.
Dim light.
The stone walls curved into shadowy twists.
My breathing echoed.
My heart pounded wildly.
"Okay… stay calm…
Nope! Not calming down!"
"I should've known! Nobody hands out easy money!"
I needed a map. I needed an exit.
I pulled up the system menu.
Current Map: Unknown
Auto-Mapping: Unavailable
"Of course it's unavailable!
WHY do dungeon maps never work in games?!
It's always like this—left or right?!
Every time I get lost!
You watch walkthroughs—you STILL get lost!
Three tries? Still lost!
Because in the dark, nothing looks different!"
"I couldn't even clear these dungeons while sitting at my PC…
How am I supposed to get out now?!"
My throat tightened.
I closed the system window.
"Yep. I'm dead."