After hearing Qiuxia’s reply, Mysterious frowned slightly. “Are you certain the Holy Light Heart is with the Wolf King?”
“Huh? It… should be there…” Qiuxia hesitated, her certainty wavering under his gaze. “It was definitely with the Wolf King before.”
“What’s the Wolf King’s level?”
“A level-10 boss. In this restricted zone, it’s the strongest monster around.” Qiuxia bowed apologetically. “The Temple of Light is watching us closely, so we can’t offer direct help… But you could visit Fengmian. He’ll give you recovery potions. That’s all we can do without drawing attention.”
*Melodic Moon mentioned the Wolf King was badly injured—likely from fighting other monsters. Qiuxia seemed unaware of the Jungle Heavy Lizard King. Given that only an 11th-level boss like the Lizard King could wound the Wolf King… and her description of the Holy Light Heart matched the pearl the lizard had carried… plus the injuries I saw on it…*
*The Holy Light Heart was almost certainly stolen by the Lizard King.*
*Why it took the artifact didn’t matter. Both quests now led to the same target.*
“What’s the rush?” Melodic Moon approached as Mysterious left Blacksmith Hu’s forge the second time, curiosity in her voice.
“Just followed up on a quest lead. Thanks for the Wolf King tip—I wouldn’t have known otherwise.” Mysterious paused, then added, “As thanks, take these.” He sent a trade request, dumping all his unused green and blue gear onto the window—items perfectly suited for her team.
“No problem, but—wait, what?! You can’t—stop! Hold on!” Melodic Moon stammered, eyes wide. Her entire squad had farmed for twenty hours and earned less gear than he’d just tossed in. Blue gear was unbuyable at this stage.
“The intel was crucial. I don’t need these. Selling them would be pointless.” Mysterious’s tone stayed flat, as if offering two health potions.
“I can’t accept this!” She slammed the trade window shut, though a flicker of reluctance betrayed her stern expression. *Just met him… taking such valuable gear? Unthinkable.*
“I’ll sell them then.” Mysterious turned toward the forge. He’d kept these specifically for her team, planning to sell them—until her tip changed his mind. If she refused, they’d just clutter his inventory.
A tug on his sleeve stopped him.
“Um… if you’re really selling…” Melodic Moon avoided his eyes, cheeks flushed. “Could I… buy them?” *Refusing felt right, but my team needs this edge. Early-game gear dominance means everything.*
Mysterious saw it then—the quiet intensity in her crimson eyes. Not greed, but fierce determination. This wasn’t just a game to her. Her polished movements, her bearing… she was scion of a wealthy family, trained in combat long before *EndlessHorizon* launched. Her squad—Undying Song and the others—were real-life allies. *Family obligations, probably. None of my business.*
“Fine.” He reopened the trade window.
“Can I pay cash? At market gold rates?” she asked sheepishly.
*Unofficial gold trading was rampant. With scarcity this severe, one silver coin neared ¥100. His blue gear could fetch multiple gold coins—tens of thousands of yuan. Yet top corporations were already positioning for this globally backed game. Such gear was priceless.*
“I’m not short on cash.” Mysterious shrugged. His status meant money was never a constraint.
“Then… give me two days! I’ll farm gold with my team—” Her shoulders slumped when he didn’t relent.
“Take the gear now. Pay me back whenever.” He waved off the discussion. *Most players would’ve grabbed it greedily. Her refusal was… refreshing.*
“…Thank you.” Her voice was thick with conflicted gratitude.
“Anytime. I should go.” He raised a hand.
“Bye.” She bit her lip, then called out as he walked away: “I *will* repay you! Soon!” Her loud vow drew stares. With flawless features and fiery hair, she looked like an NPC—especially beside Mysterious’s plain avatar. Whispers spread among onlookers. Some noticed his hidden-glow gear; others scoffed at his Novice Sword still hanging at his waist. *Only beginners used that 1-damage relic after level 3.*
Mysterious left without looking back. *Two quests done, and I’m out of BeginnerVillage.*
Qiuxia stood frozen until a private message snapped her attention:
**Undying Song:** *We’re assembled. How long?*
**Melodic Moon:** *Coming now.*
She slapped her cheeks, took a deep breath, and ran toward the rendezvous point.
Another ping stopped her mid-stride. This time, her lips curved into a smile.
**Nameless One:** *South of the river near the Red-Eyed Buffalo plains—forest coordinates. Cave there. Fast-spawning Young Crimson Foxes. Good for level 6. Good luck.*
**Melodic Moon:** *Is that where you’re leveling?*
**Nameless One:** *Just passed by.*
**Melodic Moon:** *…*
