Each step echoed softly, and the air grew cooler, laced with the scent of old stone and faint mana.
Rhen arrived in an underground chamber with cream-colored plastered walls.
The chamber was lit up by a center light with a table beneath it.
He could see a map with unfamiliar terrains and names. Something in his gut told him this was a map of Enma.
"This is the map drafted back in the days," Zena said. "It's incomplete as it only covered how much was known then."
Rhen nodded in understanding as he continued surveying the room.
He saw a bookshelf and was immediately attracted to its content.
There were wide, subtly glowing tablets arranged on the shelves—strange and unfamiliar.
"What are these? Why aren't there books here?" Rhen asked. As a former noble, he was once interested in books.
Zena explained calmly:
"Just as I was created in haste, so too was this place—far from the Ancestors' main territory. Much couldn't be moved.
"As for what books have to offer, I probably know it now or will learn it in the future."
After confirming she didn't mind, Rhen reached toward one of the tablets.
Zena remained quiet, knowing he would naturally understand what they were.
A strange hum vibrated from the tablet into his fingertips, and a golden screen blinked into view.
[Quest "Visit Edari's Lair" is available.]
"These are related to this system thing…" he muttered as he kept touching them.
"Yes. They are called Quest Tablets or Quest Pads," Zena replied as she watched him.
[Quest "Path to PyroKnight" is available.]
[Quest "Obtain Key" is available.]
[Quest "Reach the Depths of Galdan Reach" is available.]
Rhen swallowed as he reached for the final tablet, glowing brighter than the rest.
[Quest "Obtain Royal Status" is available.]
The title alone made his heart race. Without hesitation, he willed the screen to expand.
- - -
Quest: Obtain Royal Status
Type: Unrelinquishable. Non-transferable. Chain.
Objective: In whatever world, let your name be linked to Royal Status.
Rewards: 200,000,000 En Coins. The Last Truth. Sacred Weapon, "Zaliyath."
Accept Quest: Yes/No
- - -
Zena also read this with her gaze softening.
"This is the main quest the Ancestors prepared. I believe the title is needed for future tasks. I'm sorry, my memory is not of much help right now."
"It's fine, Zena."
Rhen stared at the line of text for a while, letting it sink in.
'I guessed that my Talent essence, although important, was not enough to pay for what has been bestowed on me.
'It seems there's a task… one that requires Royal status… that I have to do.'
"The quest is grand and too ambitious," Zena said, falling to her knees by his side. "I, on behalf of your–our forefathers, apologize for burdening you… but please, accomplish this quest."
Rhen remained silent as he shot a glance at Zena before turning back to the screen.
With a grin, he said:
"I've always wanted to reclaim Grayland City from the union. That alone would restore my family's name—but aiming for Royalty? That's just the next step.
"Zena, stand up. You don't need to convince me. Heh, I'll do it. I have my reasons for wanting to do it."
'After the union, it's the Empire.'
Rhen had always wanted revenge for his family, but due to the teachings of his father, he tried to stray away from that path.
Despite his desire to be true to his father, Rhen's mind warped his goal of revenge.
This cunning fox had a nature far different from his father's pure, soft heart.
Rhen concealed his desire for revenge with an ambiguous goal of 'reclaiming the land controlled by evil.'
Zena smiled slightly for the first time and bowed. "Thank you."
[Quest "Obtain Royal Status" has been obtained.]
[Quests: 0/4→1/4]
With a deep breath, Rhen immediately accepted the Quest.
"Something like this can't just collect dust on a shelf. It'll serve as a constant reminder of my goal."
After claiming that quest, Zena advised:
"I suggest you leave the rest for now. Until after we've settled our primary goal, at least."
"No problem," Rhen said.
On the lower shelf, he saw a box that held a weird red and blue crystalline heart that was heavy with mana and it was wrapped in a paper that held runes.
"That's an ancient being's soul fragment and blood sealed within its heart. The ritual's main requirement," Zena said. "The paper seals the Ritual Circle made of divinity years ago."
"I see," Rhen said nothing more and pushed it into his inventory.
"There's still one more thing…"
His voice trailed as they both stared at the sole door on another wall.
The door looked strong as it reflected the light of the room and exuded a strong wave of energy.
Rhen reached for the handle, prompting Zena to say, "It's locked."
But Rhen touched the door handle nevertheless, feeling the repelling force, confirming Zena's words.
"Is the key related to that Quest, Obtain Key?" he asked.
"You are correct. It holds treasures and has been sealed until you have proved worthy."
'Ah… Although all this sounds nice, it makes me recall the task Zena spoke of.
Rhen sighed silently. "Where to now?"
"We need to find a shop that sells the materials needed. Most can be gotten from the System Shop, but a few can't."
"Do you know the way?"
Zena shook her head.
"Probably not. The memories I have are from years ago, I don't know how much has changed. However, it won't be hard to find."
"Alright then."
"Also, why not dress looking better?"
Rhen didn't see a problem with that but he was still asked, "Why exactly?"
"It garners respect," Zena said.
Rhen arched a brow, waiting for more.
"You'll be dealing with shopkeepers, nobles, maybe enemies," she continued. "Better they think you're someone dangerous or important.
"It's also related to the explanation I have for how you suddenly appeared in a place like this, owning a house that has been sealed for ages and having a lot of money.
"I want you to act like you have been in this world for a long time, but you were in the Wild—the regions beyond the safety of havens. It was a quest reward that led to you being here."
"I don't really like complex things," Rhen admitted, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "You are very helpful."
With another slight smile, Zena led him to the wardrobe in the room, opening it to reveal normal outfits and a few sets of armor.
He changed into a fitted black shirt and high-quality black pants. He put on armor of mainly beige color with green patterns.
He stored his low-end dagger in his inventory; moving around unarmed wasn't unusual.
In a corner of the wardrobe, Rhen also saw a chest holding multiple circular silver coins, prompting Zena to tell him that not everyone could transact with the System and this was an alternative for payment.
After he finished dressing, Zena dissolved into light and once again entered Rhen's body.
With preparations complete, Rhen stepped out—ready to face the world of Enma and all it held.