“Two silver coins could cure her illness—why has this old man let her suffer for so many years!”

“The farther from the capital, the freer local tyrants act. Eiffel Duchy’s standard tax is 35%, but here Landlord Roland charges 70%. He doesn’t just exploit farmers—he runs brutal loan-sharking too! Sir, not every farmer can bag a whole nest of bamboo rabbits in one mountain trip like you. A typical villager earns one or two silver coins a month, after buying food. In winter, those with no bread must borrow from him… and repay triple next spring.”

“Father… may I go out just for a little while? Five minutes! I want to see the carriage and the merchant’s wooden birds!” The little girl spoke cautiously, as if bracing for Ou Tao’s sudden anger.

“No need to ask permission for that. Just stay safe.”

“Mm! Father is the best!”

Ou Tao still needed four silver coins to change professions. After that, he had to reach Francia—a distant land beyond this village, requiring a winter trek across a snowbound peak that would drain stamina fast.

He’d need ample food. Bamboo boar meat restored the most stamina, lasted long, and was perfect for the journey.

But how to get so much? Two ways: grind—hunt bamboo rabbits repeatedly to earn coins and buy it; or get lucky—encounter three wild bamboo boars in a row, kill them, chop winter bamboo, craft the meat yourself, and even pocket a tidy profit.

Ou Tao had always been lucky. Years ago, a train crash took his parents and gravely injured his sister—but he’d skipped it with a stomachache, gambled at a small casino, met a kind old man who gave tips, got reported for throwing matches… and somehow became a pro player.

A fortune teller once said his name fit perfectly: “Ou Tao”—luck surging like unstoppable waves. His life would never lack fortune.

Heading up the mountain again to test his luck, Ou Tao passed the village well’s open square. His eyes landed on Ke Er. Today, she shone brightly among the children. Kids of villagers crushed by Landlord Roland’s rule wore tattered rags.

Only Ke Er wore a crisp white cotton dress. With her long silver hair, she looked like a cute snow sprite—standing out strikingly among the girls. Even the cargo workers stole glances her way.

Children crowded around a Level 7 artificer. A wooden parrot danced on his raised arm.

Laughter bubbled, but they only watched wistfully. Ten mechanical birds hung from his black cloak. “Kids! Take Xiao Ga and its family home for just one silver coin! Ask your parents now!”

“He’ll be disappointed. Toys like these won’t sell in this poor village,” Ou Tao thought. His gaze dropped to the man’s shoes—dry grass clung to the soles.

“A real merchant wouldn’t detour to search a forest mid-journey. They’re not merchants—they’re an adventurer squad. Trading en route means low funds… which means something here drew them anyway.”

“Heh. Something good’s here,” Ou Tao murmured.

“Hey, Rod—skipping the hunt today?” Yesterday’s hunters approached.

“Sorry, staying in the village today!” He casually shifted toward the well.

“Level 7 blizzard this year. Heavy snow, plus a buff boosting wild monsters. The hidden boss—the Mutated Bamboo Boar King—has higher spawn chances.”

“It hides deep in the mountains. We’ll lure it out with alchemy potion brewed from bamboo rabbit legs, set traps. Artificer Melman will assist us.” Malted ale scent filled the village’s only tavern.

“I know. But the mountain’s vast. We need a brave local guide.”

Two Level 7 swordsmen sat facing each other—one hand draped over a chair back, the other holding wine. Snow-white leather armor, longswords leaning by the table—impossible to ignore.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man eating bread behind them stood and slid into their booth. “Hello. I’m Rod. Since age seven, I’ve chopped wood on this mountain. Everyone knows I know the terrain well. I’m strong. I can carry gear.”

“Hey, old man—why’d you just sit here? Way too forward!”

Truth was, this was Ou Tao’s bad habit. Fully immersive games felt real, yet kept player-friendly quirks: soldiers discussing secrets would instantly include a passing player, even explain everything.

But in this real otherworld? Their first move would be sizing up the suspicious man—*I speak, and you appear? Are you a rival’s spy?*