"D-rank dungeon request was still there but I didn’t ask for that," Jessie said truthfully.
Ash was on the edge to continue leveling up. It was an intoxicating feeling, seeing himself grow stronger beyond human imagination. He was also craving to use the pistol with its new attachnt.
Sigh.
Despite all that, he couldn’t enter and clear a D-rank dungeon—not until the Blake’s death scene was settled. Putting himself in suspicion just to satisfy his urge would be foolish.
Officially, the trial hadn’t begun, but if they found out his power, they might suspect him. Planting the evidence on his na wouldn’t be a big deal.
He was feeling uncomfortable. His luck stat was high, so his senses had sharpened. He wasn’t entirely sure of the stat’s full use, but one thing was clear: threat detection. And right now, it was prickling faintly.
While his thoughts wandered, Jessie spoke. "We will also need at least one D-rank person for them to give us permission to clear that dungeon."
"Is it necessary?"
"Pretty much. Unless you can make them believe you have the capability to clear it."
This was a deadlock situation. Ash couldn’t act rashly, but neither did he want to waste ti sitting in a room.
"I have searched so ways that can provide us continuous flow of exp, and enough opportunity to level up."
Jessie leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, thinking for a mont before speaking.
"Look, Ash... we’ve got two real options if we want steady levels and dungeon access." She raised two fingers. "First, join a guild. Second, sign up with the governnt."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Sounds simple. What’s the catch?"
Jessie smirked. "Everything’s a catch. Let break it down."
She leaned forward, voice low. "Guilds are like rchants. They trade strength for profit. You join as a regular mber, they’ll throw quests at you, give you permits, even cover your potions or gear repairs. You’ll never run out of work, and you can earn plenty on the side if you’re clever."
Ash listened silently, but his eyes narrowed when she added, "But... guilds want their share. Every dungeon run, every treasure—they’ll take a cut, though it’s lower compared to governnt. And don’t forget, they’ll be watching. Too much growth too fast? Too much power you can’t explain? They’ll notice. And when guild politics turn nasty, recruits are the first pawns sacrificed."
Ash muttered, "So freedom, but with a leash." His biggest turn-off was politics and the chance he’d be used as a scapegoat.
Jessie nodded. "Exactly. Now, the governnt..." Her tone shifted, heavier, more serious. "That’s security. You get a fixed salary, official backing, immunity from small legal sses, and access to restricted dungeons guilds can’t touch. Plus, nobody dares fra you easily when the state has your back."
Ash tapped his fingers on the table. "And the downside?"
Jessie gave a humorless laugh. "Chains. You follow orders, no matter what. They say ’clear that dungeon,’ you clear it—even if it’s a death sentence. Promotions depend on your level ups, unless you’ve got connections. Sure, you can always walk away, but if you back off during a crucial mission, it’ll be considered treason. Then cos the bounty on your head."
Ash leaned back, considering. "So guilds give profit and flexibility, but watch you like a hawk. Governnt gives protection and access, but chains you down."
Jessie smirked. "Now you get it. Both paths will make you stronger... but each has its own kind of cage."
Ash preferred to be independent, but things didn’t work that way. He needed connections. In his previous life, his strongest asset was his tie to governnt officials who hired him to kill criminals in exchange for slowing their pursuit of him.
This world was different, though. Power had a sharper aning, and the gap between individuals was vast. First, he had to beco so strong that nothing else mattered—but that would take ti. The best course now was to start making connections.
"Enough waiting," Ash muttered.
Jessie blinked. "What?"
"How can we join the governnt?" His tone was firm. He liked the aspect of being able to leave and, of course, connections were easier to build from the inside.
"I was leaning towards guilds, but governnt isn’t that bad," Jessie said, scoffing.
"You can join the guild if you want," Ash said flatly. He didn’t need her to follow, but he wouldn’t mind if she did.
Ash’s eyes drifted across the room to so clothes—and beside them, an armor Jessie often wore.
Jessie noticed his gaze, misunderstood, and quickly shifted her garnts aside.
Ash raised an eyebrow at the reaction but didn’t care.
"I also wanted to buy an armor. Maybe it could help increase my physical stats," Ash said, approaching hers.
Jessie wanted to kick this man out, but she was also curious.
"Can I try it?"
Jessie nodded, though her eyes stayed tense.
As Ash put the armor on, his eyes widened with shock. His screen had completely changed.
[Turtle Shell equipped]
[Rank - B]
[Upgradable]
[Active skill - unable to use]
[Passive skill - Creates a shield around the user of 5000 Defence. Recovers 2 Defence per second. Breaking the shield results in destruction of armor.]
[Agility reduced by half while equipped]
It felt completely different from the dagger he got from Arlan, whose description was short and simple:
[Weapon Rank: D]
[Strength: 5]
[Agility: 3]
[MP: -10]
"How is it?" Jessie asked nervously, watching if his intentions wavered at such a powerful piece.
Ash was lost in thought. Five thousand defense was no joke.
E-ranks couldn’t scratch it. D-ranks would need hundreds of hits. C-ranks might break it with dozens of blows, and B-ranks could realistically shatter it in a handful of moves.
It was odd for an armor to make such a massive difference, but he noticed it had no extra strength, no extra agility—in fact, it cut agility in half. Its only purpose was survival.
He looked toward Jessie, surprised she possessed such a thing. An E-ranker could never obtain armor like this. Now he was curious about her background.
"It’s really good. I wouldn’t mind taking it," he said, chuckling.
Jessie froze, her hands shaking. It was not going as planned. She looked sideways towards the window gesturing to be calm.
Reviews
All reviews (0)