Wilderness Hunting

The city gates of Andom grew clearer before him. Morning light spilled across the stone walls, casting mottled shadows. Ryan slowly gathered his thoughts, his steps steady as a breeze brushed his coat and carried with it a trace of lingering gunpowder smoke. He let out a soft breath, and the Nen flow within him settled back into an even rhythm.

Upon entering the town, the streets had already begun to bustle. Vendors called out their wares, hammers rang from the equipment shops, and players quietly traded information. Together, the sounds formed a vivid scene. He was no longer the most eye-catching presence, but his sharp gaze still noticed several players sneaking probing glances at him—perhaps they had sensed the traces of actual combat on him, or perhaps they had simply felt the edge concealed beneath his cold restraint.

Ryan headed straight for the quest office. Inside the stone rotunda, the administrator, Hagu, was sorting through a stack of quest scrolls. When he saw Ryan enter, the old man looked up, surprise and curiosity in his eyes. "You finished that quickly?"

Ryan said nothing more. He simply handed over the four "Stoneclaw Lizard" cards. They flashed silver in the sunlight before landing precisely on the wooden counter.

Hagu took the cards and carefully checked them for a moment before nodding. "Excellent. Few people can wipe out an entire Stoneclaw Lizard pack on their first try. Nicely done."

He took the rewards from the cabinet behind him—three specified cards and a small pouch of Zeny.

Ryan accepted them and said flatly, "Thank you."

Hagu could not help taking another look at him. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Young man, your strength is enough to take on higher-level quests now. But the prey on Greed Island is far more difficult than this.