[Obtain Earth Gem][Quest]
To investigate the cause of the change in the Cton Sewer, obtain the Earth Gem as requested by High Wizard Steroian. Earth Gems are found by chance on monsters holding earth energy.
– Time limit: none
-Success Condition: Earth Gem 0/1
-Reward: Normal experience, 3 silver
"Alright."
The hints were vague, but it didn't matter. Lokan already knew which monster dropped the 'Earth Jewel'. He accepted the quest and immediately left the Wizard's Guild.
"Should I cast the bait first?"
But he didn't head straight to the hunting ground. He had other business first.
"Open the trading board."
Upon his command, a window resembling a monitor screen appeared before him. Many players didn't know yet, but internet access was possible within *The Lord*, primarily through the official website's bulletin board, which was why most information circulated there instead of external communities.
"Let's see, I can't reveal my identity… … ."
Lokan posted an article about selling the secret of 'The Graveyard Under the Moon' dungeon. He didn't reveal the name or location, only describing a secret dungeon accessible by a special method, along with the levels and types of monsters inside. To prove it wasn't a lie, he attached screenshots of the 'Skeleton Warrior's' gear set. He set the transaction as a closed bid, claiming he would sell to the highest bidder via private message.
"Now, who will bite?"
He knew people were already making real money from the game. With the auction set until the next day, Lokan left with a light heart to complete Steroian's quest in the meantime.
"If it's an earth-attribute monster… … It's that guy."
The 'earth energy' in the quest simply referred to earth-attribute monsters. While other players lacked this concept, Lokan knew the target from his past life. He remembered when it was fashionable to steal hunting methods or learn monster attack patterns using the 'Memory of the Earth' skill, a basic ability for 'Stalker' classes.
* * *
"… … 'Drill Hand'. Really a mean name."
Lokan headed to the city's outskirts, where farmers lived outside the protective walls.
"Are you worried about the harvest?"
"Why wouldn't I be? All my hard work is being stolen."
His target was the 'Drill Hand', a mole-like creature that dug tunnels and stole crops with its drill-like hands.
'Bingo.'
After getting the quest from the farmer, Lokan went to the affected area. The Drill Hand itself wasn't strong, but the problem was its rarity and the fact that the Earth Jewel wasn't a 100% drop. His solution was quantity over quality.
"There."
He found a field with half its crops already gone. Instead of setting a trap and waiting, which was inefficient, he prepared to act immediately. Soon, crops in the distance swayed and fell—the creature had arrived. The best time to catch it was when it poked its head out after stealing.
"Heh heh heh heh!"
His War Cry stunned the defenseless Drill Hand as it emerged. The rest was simple: he could easily kill it or pull it out by its head.
*Squeak! Squeak!*
The cry also affected others hiding in nearby holes, causing them to poke their heads out, dazed.
*Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!*
Lokan excitedly smashed their heads like a whack-a-mole game.
[Earth Jewel][Magic]
A jewel containing earth energy. It has no value as a gem but is a special magical material.
After killing four or five, the desired item dropped. The drop rate wasn't terribly low. Lokan quickly obtained it and returned, smiling. The farmer's quest was based on the number killed anyway, so abandoning it was fine.
"Well, that was quick."
Just几十 minutes after receiving the quest, he presented the Earth Jewel to a bewildered Steroian.
"Well, that's good. This will help us learn about their identities. By the way, could I ask another favor?"
"Go ahead."
"We handled it this time because we knew in advance, but we don't know when they might strike again with a worse poison. I want to make an improved antidote, but I'm short on research materials. Could you gather some? I'm busy tracking them."
"Sure. What do you need?"
"The blood of Orc Warriors and Savages. I believe their vigorous life force holds the answer."
[Pulsating Life] [Quest]
High Wizard Steroian needs research materials to prepare for a more powerful curse. The blood of Orc Warriors and Savages, known for their pulsating vitality, might lead to a breakthrough.
– Time limit: none
-Success condition: Orc Warrior Blood 0/1. Savage Blood 0/1
-Reward: Normal experience, 10 silver, title 'Steroian's Assistant'
This quest was difficult because the targets were Orc Warriors and Savages. Since they wouldn't donate blood willingly, hunting was necessary. But Lokan faced a problem: his 'Honorary Orc Warrior' title prevented him from gaining EXP from killing orcs.
'It's just that I can't get EXP… … It should be fine.'
Losing reputation and the title was acceptable if it meant advancing the main scenario faster.
"Alright."
After accepting the quest, Lokan first went to a general store to buy 'Empty Bottles', normally used for alchemy, to contain the blood.
"Hey, look at that guy."
"Is he challenging the Orc Camp head-on?"
"What a show-off. How many have died trying that?"
There was no need to use the hidden entrance anymore. Not wanting to waste time, Lokan marched straight to the Orc Camp's main gate and shouted as if it were his home.
"Open the gate!"
"Chwiik. Wait, opening gate."
The orc guards confirmed it was Lokan and opened the heavily fortified gate slightly, just enough for him to enter, before closing it again.
"Oh, what was that?"
"He wasn't just a regular user."
"Maybe there's a password? He just said something."
Naturally, a commotion erupted outside. A way to enter the Orc Camp freely would significantly speed up leveling. Seeing an opportunity, one greedy player stepped forward and imitated Lokan.
"Open the gate!"
*Creak…*
The gate opened again.
*Whish! Thud! Thud!*
But the result was drastically different. A volley of arrows from orc archers turned the player into a pincushion, and orcs rushing out trampled the corpse.
"… …."
"… … Let's just mind our own business."
No one else dared to try after witnessing the horrific scene.
"Come, Lokan."
"Honorable, Chwiik, human."
"What brings you, friend?"
Meanwhile, Lokan strode confidently to the Orc Warriors' shelter. He saw the Orc Fighter's barracks glowing in the distance, indicating respawn, but ignored it. His level was much higher now, and he could win, but now wasn't the time.
"I have a request. Will you hear it?"
"Speak. Tell us."
Instead of fighting, Lokan chose diplomacy. Breaking the trust relationship now would force him to revise his plans again. He frankly asked for 'a little blood'. The orcs' expressions changed.
"A warrior's blood cannot be given freely."
"Right. A warrior, Chwiik, only bleeds on the battlefield, Kheung."
They refused politely, smirking. Bleeding without a fight dishonored a warrior.
'Is it a failure? I tried to get just a small amount without a fight...'
Time for Plan B.
"Alright then, let's fight."
Lokan's expression turned demonic.
[You have obtained Orc Warrior Blood.]
A short while later, Lokan had forcibly taken the blood. Using a sparring match as an excuse, he struck an Orc Warrior, then quickly used an empty bottle to collect blood while pretending to offer first aid. He then bandaged the warrior, ensuring its recovery. Thanks to this, his reputation with the Orc Camp remained [Trusted], and the title stayed.
'Good. Now to put that plan into action.'
The next target was the Savage. Lokan decided to execute the plan he had only theorized until now.