Encounter

Ugh, as soon as I got back, I saw Hua Fei Ye Luo's 1888... so ruthless. I'm already typing. I'll keep typing until I feel sleepy. This is the first chapter.

In SAO, friends are displayed as green dots on the map within the same Area. Guild and Party members are shown as blue dots. It's worth mentioning that if you have learned the Search skill, red-named players will appear as red dots on the map, while criminal players will be displayed as yellow dots.

Wang Yang, lost in thought, wouldn't have opened his map without reason, so he was unaware that a green dot representing his friend was heading his way.

He currently only had three friends: the deceased He Gu, Arthurslin, and Argo.

The approaching person was Argo, cloaked. Her quest had entered a temporary lull, so during her free time, she came to the Central Plaza to use her auxiliary skills to eavesdrop on the Information players were exchanging. Although most of this Information wasn't of great value, it was better than nothing.

Unexpectedly, while eavesdropping, she noticed a green dot appear on her minimap. This meant a friend was nearby. She only had two friends, so this green dot could only be Xiang Kong, whom she had added just last night. Kirito, on the other hand, was likely holed up somewhere inaccessible to most players, desperately trying to strengthen himself.

After some thought, she decided to greet Xiang Kong and followed the map to Wang Yang's location.

Town of Beginnings had four main roads, each leading directly to the Central Plaza. Besides these main roads, there were also stone staircases nestled between buildings with high foundations. Wang Yang had chosen a secluded staircase on the side facing away from the sun. It was quiet here, but Wang Yang, still lost in thought, didn't notice the faint footsteps behind him.

If he had learned the Search skill, the system would have instantly enhanced his senses to alert him of someone approaching from behind.

"Hey, you've got a lot of free time, huh." Argo walked up behind Wang Yang. Her usually clear eyes suddenly deepened, giving off a mature aura.

The sudden voice from behind startled Wang Yang. He quickly turned his head to look up and saw a youthful and beautiful girl looking down at him.

"Are you... Argo?" Wang Yang asked uncertainly.

The light had been dim yesterday, and Argo was wearing a hooded cloak, so Wang Yang hadn't seen her face. In Anime, Argo had distinct mouse whiskers on both cheeks, but this youthful, beautiful girl in front of him had no such markings.

Despite this, the green cloak and Argo's initiative to speak made Wang Yang ask.

"Using a question here is quite rude." Argo slightly lowered her eyelids, her eyes looking askance. Her previously cute face instantly lost its charm. Her expression was now like a delinquent girl from outside, but without the rowdiness, replaced by a more mature demeanor.

"Sorry, but why don't you have whiskers on your face?" Wang Yang asked naturally.

Perhaps because of her initiative, Wang Yang didn't feel any awkwardness between them.

He was that kind of person; he never took the initiative, but if the other party did, he wouldn't resist much.

"As expected, you're a Beta Test player, aren't you? Otherwise, how would you know I should have whiskers..."

Argo's eyelids slightly closed, a faint glint flashing within them. She naturally sat down beside Wang Yang, then glanced at him and said lightly, "Originally, the first thing I did when I entered the game was to add the whiskers. But now that the game has become like this, that matter has to be put second."

"Oh?" Wang Yang was slightly surprised, then thought of the strategy guides that would greatly help players in the future. He suddenly understood, "Right. Speaking of which, when will your free strategy guide be released?"

Argo was immediately taken aback. If Xiang Kong had only known she was making a strategy guide, she wouldn't have found it strange. After all, Xiang Kong had stumbled upon a part of yesterday's quest, and most Beta Test players could guess the skills and uses related to Printing.

But why did he know she would be selling strategy guides for free?

With this question, Argo glanced at Wang Yang doubtfully and asked, "How did you know I was going to provide strategy guides for free?"

Wang Yang glanced at her strangely. "Isn't this a very normal thing?"

Normal? What a joke. Everyone knows that the information Argo of the Rat provides can only be purchased with Kael.

Argo's mouth twitched slightly. She immediately made a decision in her heart: while the strategy guide would be provided for free, she would set Xiang Kong as the target requiring Kael for purchase under limited conditions. However, when she thought about Xiang Kong being a Beta Test player with the strength to defeat monsters like the Wild Boar Leader, he likely wouldn't need a beginner's guide. This thought made her feel a little dejected.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yang then said, "Speaking of which, can you provide me with one as soon as it's available?"

This time, it was Argo's turn to look at him strangely.

Being stared at like that made Wang Yang feel incredibly uncomfortable. He lightly shook his body, shifted his butt a distance away from Argo, and then chuckled dryly, "Is it a strange request?"

"Not exactly." Argo shook her head. She glanced at the distance that had opened up between them due to Wang Yang's movement and couldn't help but lower her head to hide the faint smile that appeared at the corners of her mouth. "With your status as a Beta Test player, do you still need a beginner's strategy guide?"

"Beta Test player..." Wang Yang gave a wry smile. So, you think I'm a Beta Test player. Fine, I'll just go along with it. In a sense, I am indeed half a strategy player. At least I know one piece of information: the Goblin Lord in the first floor labyrinth zone has a different weapon drop when its HP is low compared to the Beta Test.

However, this information couldn't be revealed. Once revealed, the plot progression would be disrupted by himself. Then, Kirito, who landed the final blow, wouldn't be the one to obtain the limited coat. As for losing the possibility of saving a player, Wang Yang didn't care. After all, humans are selfish.

"When will your beginner's strategy guide be ready?" Wang Yang changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on the topic of his Beta Test player status for too long.

"Hmm... it'll take five days at the latest."

"Why will it take so long?" Wang Yang asked in surprise.

Argo sat like a man, her legs spread wide and boldly, as if straddling a horse. She rested her elbows on her knees, her palms supporting her cheeks, and said lightly, "For the following information, I need to charge 1000 Kael. Interested?"

"1000 Kael?" Wang Yang smiled, looking completely unconcerned.

That expression made Argo grit her teeth in secret. She had spent all her Kael on this quest. Although she could earn the subsequent Kael needed through some hidden quests, she was still in a tight spot.

But she never expected this scoundrel in front of her to act like 1000 Kael was nothing in the early stages of the game.

"Yes, 1000 Kael." She paused, then confirmed.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yang materialized four coins in his hand and tossed them towards her.

Argo reflexively caught the four coins, and a menu box displaying 1000 Kael popped up in front of her.

"Speak."

While Argo was exceptionally surprised, Wang Yang's calm voice came through.

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