TNAAS Ch 3

Episode 3

At Yeonwoo’s single remark, everyone’s eyes widened in shock as they all stared at him. No one had expected him to say something like that in this situation. Yeonwoo himself hadn’t expected it either. He had only thought it in his head, but it ended up slipping out of his mouth.

“Uh, that is… these people were trying to sell me to a merchant!”

At times like this, it was natural to report such things. Though the Guild Master Rai was shrouded in mystery, he genuinely hated anything illegal more than anyone else. With that in mind, Yeonwoo quickly shifted the gazes that had gathered on him.

The word “sell” seemed to have greatly displeased Rai, as an even heavier murderous aura than before flowed from him. Thanks to the potion Yeonwoo had drunk earlier, he was somewhat resistant, but the three thugs were crushed by the pressure, gasping for breath.

“To think you would dare to do such a thing in front of the Ivant Hotel. It seems I have been living far too leniently lately.”

Only then did the three realize that the man they had confronted was affiliated with Ivant. Their faces turned deathly pale. One shook so hard he looked ready to faint, and another even foamed at the mouth.

As Rai was watching them closely, he suddenly came to his senses and checked on Yeonwoo’s condition. Too much killing intent could cause someone with a weak spirit to faint. He cast a worried glance at Yeonwoo, but the boy was cheerfully watching the thugs faint with sparkling eyes.

That sight caught Rai’s attention. Yeonwoo had no idea.

Oh, so this is the Guild Master of Ivant? Damn, to subdue them with just his killing intent… This game is really well made.

All the complaints he had been muttering about this being a trash game disappeared, replaced only by pure curiosity toward the powerful character. While they were occupied with their own thoughts, the thugs regained their senses and bolted in panic.

Yeonwoo was secretly disappointed. He had hoped to crush them completely, but they ran away. While he was feeling regretful, Rai had quietly approached him. 

“You were in real danger just now. Ordinary travelers rarely enter this alley… What brought you here?”

Having realized from earlier that Yeonwoo was no ordinary person, Rai stared intently at his face with a wary gaze. Anyone else might have felt the probing gaze, but Yeonwoo, unaware, answered with an innocent look.

“I was on my way to the hotel.”

“The hotel is not a place just anyone can stay at. Are you perhaps a mercenary? I don’t recall seeing you before…”

What a meticulous man. Considering the size of the guild, there must be plenty of mercenaries, yet he remembered them all? The absurd capability gave Yeonwoo goosebumps. Still, as someone who raided high-level bosses, he didn’t find Rai particularly frightening.

“I’m not a mercenary yet. I will be soon, though. I was going to register as one at the hotel.”

“Oh? Anyone can attempt to be a mercenary, but it isn’t easy. Do you have any abilities?”

“I’m a buff mage.”

 He could have revealed his true class, but Spirit Masters were rare and carried risks. If he wanted a quiet life, he had no choice but to conceal it. He expected suspicion, but strangely, Rai accepted it without question.

“That’s curious. You tell me everything so readily without even asking who I am.”

Ah. He had realized Rai’s identity earlier and hadn’t thought that far ahead. This was why dealing with clever people was difficult. Lacking social finesse, Yeonwoo quickly worked his brain and gave a small smile.

“You said earlier, ‘in front of someone else’s business.’ I figured you must be from the Ivant Guild, so I spoke accordingly.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

Did he believe it, or not? Even from this brief encounter, it was clear how meticulous and calculating Rai was. Yet he concealed his true thoughts so thoroughly that it was impossible to know how genuine he was being. Still, perhaps deciding not to press further, he removed his hood and bowed his head slightly.

“I am Leo, of the Ivant Guild. I’ve kept someone who may become one of our valuable people waiting too long. I will escort you to the hotel.”

Leo. It seemed to be Rai’s alias. Yeonwoo, who had only skimmed guild quests and didn’t know the finer details, was hearing it for the first time. His eyes sparkled as though looking at a celebrity on TV, and inwardly he rejoiced.

Yes! I’ve made a connection with the Guild Master, so becoming a mercenary should be easy! 

Setting aside his opportunistic thoughts, Yeonwoo put on his best business smile.

“I look forward to working with you!”

* * *

The hotel interior, unlike the rustic village, was decorated in a simple style. Most of the mercenaries there, however, looked rough and intimidating, completely out of place. It was like watching adults play around in a daycare. Yeonwoo seriously wondered if this much incongruity was acceptable.

While Yeonwoo was surveying the hotel with a serious face, Rai spoke briefly to a nearby staff member and then approached.

“If you follow that employee, they will help you with registration. Then I shall take my leave.”

As Rai, having finished his role, turned to go, Yeonwoo hurriedly grabbed his sleeve. Startled by the sudden touch, Rai flinched, his eyes widening as he looked directly at Yeonwoo. The staff member waiting for Yeonwoo nearby was equally surprised.

It wasn’t a big deal, but feeling awkward, Yeonwoo quietly let go of his sleeve and glanced at him apologetically.

“No, it’s nothing… I just wanted to thank you for your help earlier.” 

Yeonwoo took a special potion out of the bag slung over his shoulder and carefully held it out to Rai. Rai merely stared blankly at him, his gaze eventually shifting from Yeonwoo to the potion before lifting back to meet his eyes again.

Is he thinking it might be poisoned? Well, given how thorough he is, that makes sense. Thinking so, Yeonwoo pulled out another bottle from his bag, uncorked it, and downed it in one go in front of everyone.

“Ugh, bitter. See? It’s not poisoned, so it’s safe to drink. It’s a little better than what’s sold in shops, so it’ll be useful when you’re working.”

The potion Yeonwoo handed over not only restored health but also granted resistance to most kinds of special damage. It was an essential item for players before attempting boss raids. Since Rai often participated in mid-boss hunts, Yeonwoo thought it would be useful for him.

And if the Guild Master viewed him more favorably because of it, all the better.

Despite Yeonwoo’s kind explanation, Rai only stared at him for a while before cautiously taking the bottle. 

“Thank… you.”

“Then, I’ll be off now!” 

Wanting to quickly escape the lukewarm atmosphere, Yeonwoo urged the staff member along and left the spot. Even after Yeonwoo had walked away, Rai remained standing there, staring blankly at the potion in his hand.

The place Yeonwoo was guided to was an office on the second floor, where about six people were busily working at their desks. Some had tissues stuffed in their noses, while others were downing cup after cup of what looked like coffee or tea.

Ah, so it exists here too. The swamp of overtime. 

Feeling a bit sorry for them, Yeonwoo cast them a sympathetic glance, silently offering his condolences, then looked around. Past the employees working diligently, the desk by the window that looked like the seat of honor was empty. That must be the Guild Master’s desk.

Noticing Yeonwoo’s gaze, a staff member approached with a kind smile.

“That is the Guild Master’s seat. He is currently absent, but it will likely be difficult for you to meet him.”

As expected. But the employee’s words held a lie. Meeting him had been far too easy.

Suppressing the urge to blurt out his thoughts, Yeonwoo feigned disappointment. 

“What a shame. I really wanted to meet the Guild Master I’d only heard of in rumors.”

When he emphasized the word “really,” the staff member gave an awkward laugh and quickly handed him some documents.

“This is the mercenary contract. Normally, there would also be a test, but in your case, we will only conduct the attribute check and then proceed with registration right away. Please read through it, and if there is anything you do not understand, feel free to ask.”

No test? Why? Even if he had left a favorable impression on the Guild Master, he couldn’t believe it was to the extent of skipping official procedures. What was more, when he had tried to register as a mercenary at a low level before, there had not even been an attribute check. 

His surprise at the difference from the game lasted only a moment before he began to wonder if the game had changed over time. Perhaps the administrators had simplified the process while he had been off doing other things. With that thought, he brushed it aside.

The contract he skimmed through was identical to the one he remembered, so without much thought, he signed at the bottom and handed it back. Seeing how easily he had signed, the staff member gave him a doubtful look.

“Do you have no questions at all?”

“No, the explanation was so clear that I’m fine.”

“Then shall we register you under the name ‘Yeonwoo’?”

Ah, damn. He had written his real name out of habit. After a moment of thought, Yeonwoo shrugged and nodded.

“Yes, use that name.” 

Come to think of it, using his alt character’s in-game name would be far too, extremely, unbearably embarrassing. How could he possibly register under the name “Universe’s Strongest Buff”? Once it was written down, he would have to live with being called that. Reading it on a screen was one thing, but hearing it out loud would make him want to crawl into a hole.

A shiver ran through Yeonwoo as goosebumps broke out all over his body. The staff member, now looking at him strangely, continued explaining the next step.

“Then we will proceed. For the attribute check, a small amount of your blood will be placed into holy water, and the resulting color will determine your classification. Would it be alright to provide a small sample of blood?”

Wait, hold on. Won’t this reveal that I’m a Spirit Master? I’m doomed.