Forged by Endurance

Morning mist draped Andom in gauze, winding between cobbled streets and wooden houses. The market stirred. Vendors shouted, "Defense cards! Six million Jenny! Get yours now!" "Flight cards! Four million Jenny! Miss out and wait another year!" The air smelled of roast meat, dry grass, and sparks from worked iron. Flags bearing card numbers fluttered in the wind. Players crowded around the notice board, arguing. "Thunder Giant Lizard cards are up to twenty-five million!" "That Kazislo lot bought up enough designated cards in Limescao to send prices through the roof..."

Ryan emerged from the mist, his gray cloak stirring around armor that gleamed dully in the morning light. Its five hundred kilograms weighed on him, but he had long since grown used to it. His steps were steady, his gaze cold and sharp as a blade. Players eyed him, then backed away from his icy presence. "That guy took down the Flame-Tailed Dragon leader yesterday. Ruthless." Ryan ignored them and walked straight into the mission office.

The wooden door creaked, old and heavy. Inside, Hagu sat behind a long table, leafing through yellowed parchment scrolls. As a timed NPC, he spoke flatly. "Mission list. Pick one." Ryan said nothing. His eyes swept the scrolls and settled on the Thunder Giant Lizard extermination mission. The ink was clear: Target—Thunder Giant Lizard, a strength-type Nen beast standing three meters tall. It excelled at defending with Ken, and its lightning-charged Aura was destructive. Reward—five Non-Designated Cards and thirty-five million Jenny. Chance of a designated card drop: low.

Hagu mechanically handed him a simple map and a bronze token. "Come back for verification when you've completed the mission." Ryan nodded, took both, and left. Sunlight fell through a narrow window onto his back, outlining his resolute figure.

In a corner of the market, Ryan