Chapter9-Joining North Wind Team

"I thought he was lost," Sebastian responded.

Clearly, this wasn't convincing enough for Mia. 

However, she understood that such a question might delve into someone's privacy, so a comprehensive answer wasn't always expected.

Thus, she didn't press further but merely nodded and then extended an invitation, "Would you consider joining North Wind?"

Upon hearing this, Sebastian couldn't help but express his surprise, "Aren't you going to ask about my level first?"

From what he knew, North Wind Team took an elite approach, demanding a minimum level of 15 for admission. 

That's why they had such a limited membership.

However, to Sebastian's astonishment, Mia's lips curled into a smile, her eyes shimmering, "Any player possessing a snow wolf cub—I believe in their capability."

Caught off guard, Sebastian inquired, "If I were to join the team... what benefits would there be for me?"

"As a member of North Wind, you won't need to worry about supplies when leveling up or battling monsters. Plus, you'll receive a monthly stipend of 10 gold coins," Mia explained.

10 gold coins! 

Translated into the real world, that equated to ten thousand dollars—akin to a well-paying job. 

Moreover, not having to fret about supplies essentially meant an unending supply of HP and MP potions, a significant expenditure in the eyes of many players, now effortlessly covered.

The team certainly seemed willing to invest, which made the offer all the more enticing for Sebastian. 

Although his previous sale of the axe had earned him 100 gold coins, for someone with grand aspirations like Sebastian, it was hardly sufficient.

In the game, unless you're extraordinarily lucky, ordinary players would never match up to those who heavily invest real money. 

And even the luckiest can't always ride on good fortune. 

To make a stand in this newly launched game without investing money was an impossibility.

Despite his intelligence advantage, Sebastian recognized that when compared to those wealthy conglomerates, his current strength fell significantly short.

Noticing that Sebastian hadn't declined immediately but was mulling over the proposition, Mia felt a weight lift from her chest.

"Sebastian, our team is planning to tackle a dungeon soon. If you join, I believe you'd stand to gain a hefty reward," Mia threw out another tantalizing offer.

Dungeon challenges are currently the quickest way for players to boost their power.

Given Mia's confidence in saying this, it implied that her team was confident about their chances in the dungeon. 

If Sebastian were to join, he'd get a piece of the action.

"Which dungeon?" Sebastian suddenly inquired.

"The Valley of Death," Mia replied.

Upon hearing the name 'Valley of Death', Sebastian felt a jolt of recognition.

Wasn't this the very dungeon mentioned in his intel? 

He had been pondering whether he should find a team to venture into this dungeon. 

After all, dungeons weren't like open fields; they were fraught with danger. 

Going solo could easily spell disaster, even at his current level of 17.

"All right, I'm in," Sebastian decisively agreed.

"That's fantastic! Welcome to North Wind!" Mia said with a broad smile, rising to her feet and extending her right hand.

Taking her soft and delicate hand, Sebastian grinned, "Pleasure to collaborate."

[Ding, you've received a friend request]

Almost immediately, Mia sent over a friend request which Sebastian accepted.

[Ding, you've received an invite from "MelodiousDance"]

"MelodiousDance" was Mia's in-game ID.

Upon Sebastian's acceptance, a message promptly appeared in the team channel.

[Congratulations to ShepherdWind for joining the North Wind Team]

A notification sound rang through the channel.

Then, chatter emerged from the members.

BattleMadness: "Wow, a level 17 big shot. We've got another powerhouse on our side!"

SnowAdmirer: "Looks like North Wind's strength is set to rise yet another notch."

SubtleSorrow: "I'm telling you, Mia's the real deal, managing to rope in a level 17 big shot."

InkStainedNebula: "You better clarify your words. Watch out, or the captain might blast you with a fireball."

...

Upon joining the team channel, a player's level is automatically revealed. 

Thus, everyone immediately noticed Sebastian's level and the chat was instantly abuzz. 

The game had only been live for a little over a month, and the highest level player was just at level 18. A level 17, like Sebastian, was considered top-tier within the game.

Mia, with astonishment evident in her eyes, gazed at Sebastian's level. As she suspected, he wasn't ordinary.

ShepherdWind: "Hello everyone. I look forward to working with all of you."

BattleMadness: "No, no, no, it's us who should be saying that to you, sir."

SnowAdmirer: "Big shot, would you mind taking me along for some leveling up? (pitiful.jpg)"

InkStainedNebula: "Our big shot here is being modest. When do we get to see your true face?"

MelodiousDance: "You guys already did just a while ago."

BattleMadness: "Was he the one who met the village chief? (shocked.jpg)"

SnowAdmirer: "Indeed a big shot, getting to meet the legendary village chief."

SubtleSorrow: "I'm more curious about what Sebastian got from the village chief."

BattleMadness: "+1."

MelodiousDance: "That's private. Let's not probe any further."

The team channel was brimming with enthusiastic chatter, and Sebastian felt slightly overwhelmed. 

He chose to hide his level and remained silent.

Back in the living room, Mia apologized, "Sorry, they're always this lively and… enthusiastic."

"It's fine. I actually appreciate the camaraderie," Sebastian replied, undisturbed.

"That's good to hear. Our team has a designated meeting spot in the village. I've sent you the location. Whenever you have time, feel free to check it out," Mia continued.

"Sure, I'll do that," Sebastian nodded.

"Well then, I won't keep you any longer. If you have any questions, you can message me directly or ask in the team channel," said Mia, before making her exit.

Once she left, Sebastian sank into the couch.

Breeze, who had been hiding earlier, now mysteriously emerged, leaping onto Sebastian's lap and settling down peacefully. 

Stroking its fur, Sebastian whispered, "Little one, I'll need to step away for a bit." 

Breeze gazed up at him with curious eyes. 

Lifting the creature gently, Sebastian set it aside, ensuring it had food, and then clicked on the game's exit button.

In the real world.

Within a modest room, Sebastian, who had been lying on a bed, abruptly opened his eyes, rousing from the game. 

The passage of time in-game mirrored that of the outside world. 

Glancing out the window, he noted that it was already afternoon.

A growl from his stomach jolted Sebastian's thoughts back to reality. 

He removed the gaming helmet and stretched his limbs, working out the stiffness. 

One of the drawbacks of the gaming helmet was its inability to address physiological needs like hunger. 

Unlike the game chambers equipped with Nutrient Solution, where one could essentially stay in-game 24/7 without worrying about physical harm.

Now was the prime time for level grinding. Many wealthy and influential conglomerates were pouring vast sums of money to carve out their own dominions. 

Time, as they say, was money.