chapter 2

After hearing Akram's description, Myeonghu was left speechless. It was also a pretty good starter; rather, as long it wasn't a job which was related to magic, Akram would definitely be considered as a great village to start in.

"…Ein?"

Myeonghu, who had been browsing through the list of villages, couldn't help but stop and take a closer look.

– Himise Village has been selected.

-Himise Village is but one of the empire's many villages. It is known for its furs which originate from the many bears living nearby.

-Would you like to start in Himise Village?

"…"

Hearing that ridiculous description left Myeonghu in shock. The only thing they could say about the village was the fact that they specialised in bear furs. Actually, that was just the second point, as the main description was simply that it was one of the empire's many villages. To top it all off, that wasn't even the biggest problem.

"It's in a really remote area…"

Himise's location on the map could only be described as the middle of nowhere. It was the remote of the remote as it was even surrounded by a mountain range.

"…Huh?"

Myeonghu couldn't help but shake his head as he further examine the village's location.

"Those mountain ranges are…"

The reason why Myeonghu was so baffled was that the mountain range encircling Himise was all too familiar.

"Aren't they…?"

As he recalled the information about them he couldn't help but be stupefied.

"The Boros Mountain Ranges…."

Out of all the information which the game company had released, there were a few hunting grounds which Myeonghu had memorized. That was certainly the Boros Mountain Range which was inhabited by level 100~500 Boss rank monsters.

"To think that there is such a Starter Village.…"

It was an option which should never have existed. Basically a village where if you started there, you'd be trapped and unable to escape. Anyone unlucky enough to have chosen Himise as their starting village, would have no choice but to delete their character and start over again.

"For some reason it makes me feel like trying it out."

Was it due to the Boros Mountain Range, or was it because of the ridiculous village description. For some unknown reason Myeonghu felt drawn to Himise.

Gulp!

Myeonghu swallowed hard. He knew that it wasn't the right choice. If one were to objectively examine the facts, they would never pick Himise as a Starter Village. The only possible result was to end up deleting your character.

"Ugh…."

After studying all the data, he had planned on starting at village named Maverlian. Still, for some reason his heart was telling him to start at the taboo Himise Village.

"…"

Myeonghu felt torn, but despite this indecision he knew that he should without question choose Maverlian, but something was just off.

"For some reason it doesn't feel right."

He felt if he started at Maverlian, it would for some reason feel uncomfortable. No, rather than uncomfortable it would be too smooth sailing and what he wanted was a challenge. A village that was the most remote possible, surrounded by the Boros Mountain Ranges which were teeming with boss rank monsters. Starting with such ridiculous conditions would make the game all the more exciting.

"At worst I can just start over."

If for some reason he lost his drive to overcome the challenge, all he had to do was delete his character and start again. With a determined expression, Myeonghu finally made his selection and shouted out.

"Start!"

[Himise has been chosen as your Starter Village.]

Seuaaak!

Immediately following him screaming 'Start', the village selection screen vanished and his surroundings turned black.

* * *

Shortly after I reappeared in a different environment.

"Hmm."

Taking in the new scene, Myeonghu noticed that he was in a room filled with essential furniture like a bed, table and chairs.

"Is this an inn?"

Judging by the furniture around him he came to that conclusion.

"No…."

He shook his head as he recalled just where exactly he had been sent. This was Himise, the most remote area which was surrounded by the Boros Mountain Range. There was simply no way an inn which typically made money housing travellers would ever open in such a town.

"That means this must be someone's house…."

Ceasing to talk with himself, he realised that all he had to do to confirm his location was step through the door.

"Before I leave I should first confirm something."

By simply thinking of checking his stats, Myeonghu was able to open up his character window.

Name: Myeonghu

Nationality: Helioka [Empire]

Age: 22

Level: 1

Health: 700

Mana:400

Strength 10, Agility 10, Stamina 10, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 10

Bonus Stats: 20

The Bonus Stats which one received upon the creation of their character were left undistributed.

"Where should I assign them…?"

At first he had been planning on taking the path of a magic profession and had planned to distribute his stats accordingly. However, this was Himise and not Maverlian. He simply couldn't distribute his stats that way without first confirming that he could acquire a magic profession.

"I'll put it off until I know more."

Since the Bonus Stats didn't have to assigned right away, after a moment's reflection Myeonghu decided to put if off and close his character window.

Creeak!

Walking toward the door, he pulled it open and headed outside.

"You're awake?"

As soon as Myeonghu stepped out, he looked towards the direction of the voice. What he saw was an elderly man with a strong sturdy build and a confidence which spoke to his boundless experience.

"It's almost certainly an NPC"

Although he was confident that it was in fact an NPC standing before him, it didn't at all give off that feeling. The graphics were on a completely different level compared to previous virtual reality games.

"My name's Ga Dogu, I'm this village's Chief."

Staring blankly at the lifelike Ga Dogu, he finally came back to his senses and replied.

"People call me Myeonghu."

"Haha."

Hearing Myeonghu's reply, Ga Dogu broke out into a loud laughter, before continuing.

"You have a good name! Introductions aside, you must have a lot of questions. Like why it is that you are here, right?"

✿As you opened your eyes you found yourself in the Village Chief's home. How did this come about? Listen to the Village Chief's explanation!

Difficulty: F

Quest Rewards: Increased Intimacy with Ga Dogu

Quest Restrictions: None

Just as Ga Dogu had stopped talking, a quest appeared.

"So this is how they appear."

Armed with this new knowledge, Myeonghu nodded his head and focused his eyes back on Ga Dogu.

"Yes, I'm curious to know why I'm here."

[Quest accepted]

A message indicating my acceptance appeared, and it served as a cue for Go Dogu to continue

"Finding you could be considered a miracle in and of itself."

Ga Dogu formed a serious expression as he recalled a past memory.

"I had gone into the mountain range to pick medicinal herbs, but because it was late into the night, I ended up losing my way. Because I was lost, I began walking in every direction, trying to do find any clue which would lead me back to the village. I ended up arriving in a clearing and found you lying there unconscious. I walked towards you and reached out with my hand, but at that very moment!"

Ga Dogu made a dramatic pause, keeping me in suspense.

"A bright white light burst out and before I knew it we were back at the village entrance. Truly a remarkable turn of events. For me who had been lost and wandering around in the forest, it was a miracle. Later, as you might have guessed, I brought you back to my home."

As he finished talking, he gave me a beaming smile and a bunch of messages appeared.

[Quest completed]

[Intimacy with Ga Dogu has increased]

[Relationship with Ga Dogu has increased to 'Trusted']

"Thank you."

After briefly looking at the messages, Myeonghu respectfully bowed his head toward the Village Chief.

"No, if it wasn't for you I doubt I would have found my way back so soon. Instead, it's me who should be thankful."

Briefly stopping to observe Myeonghu's reaction, Ga Dogu opened his mouth and continued.

"Do you have any recollection as to why you collapsed all alone out there?"

Myeonghu barely hesitated before answering.

"I can't remember anything."

"Really, you can't remember anything?"

This had been Myeonghu's debut in this world, so it was natural for him to have no prior memories.

"Nothing."

"Hm…."

Hearing Myeonghu's answer, Ga Dogu sank into deep thought, before later continuing.

"If that is the case then you can stay at our home. Because you are an outsider, this is all I can offer."

"No, you are more than generous."

Hearing Myeonghu's response, Ga Dogu smiled brightly. Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he spoke up.

"Oh, right! I should show your around the village! Are you able to walk?"

✿Ga Dogu wants to show you the village to make sure that you can get around by yourself. Follow him as you wander around town.

Difficulty: F

Quest Rewards: Increased Intimacy with Ga Dogu, Himise Village map

Quest Restrictions: None

Myeonghu smiled.as another quest alert appeared

"Yes."

[Quest accepted]

"Then let's go!"

As soon as the quest was accepted, Ga Dogu jumped up from his seat and walked outside. Myeonghu, hurried up behind him so as to not be left behind.