Information broker: Xeness

In the world of MMORPGs and Isekai adventures, a guild is typically a haven for adventurers, a place where quests and rewards await. But as I trod along the cobblestone streets of Euquator, a city that seemed to defy the very concept of scale, I couldn't help but wonder if the rules of this game held true.

Time had slipped away unnoticed, much like sand through an hourglass, and I became completely engrossed in the sheer vastness of this virtual metropolis. Lost in its labyrinthine streets, I began to doubt my sense of direction. The city seemed to sprawl endlessly, its boundaries fading into the distant horizon, almost like a small country unto itself.

It was only natural that I felt disoriented. Even though this marked my first quest, logic suggested the guild should be located near the city's center or at least close to where I had initially spawned. But in this digital landscape, where I expected proximity, the guild remained elusive, concealed within the grandeur of Euquator's expanse.

As I continued my exploration, my sense of wonder only deepened. Euquator was a city of architectural marvels, a fusion of natural elements and stone structures. Towering edifices coexisted with buildings that harbored flourishing trees within their walls. The harmony of nature and civilization was a sight to behold.

The city's streets, meticulously paved with stone, wove a complex web through the landscape, resembling the intricate veins of a living organism. Stalls lined the bustling thoroughfares, vendors offering exotic wares while eager adventurers haggled over the spoils of their quests. It was a vibrant marketplace that thrived not only on commerce but also on the bonds forged between kindred spirits.

Amidst the city's vibrant tapestry, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had stepped into more than just a game. NEuEarth was a living, breathing world that transcended the boundaries of virtual reality. With each passing moment, I grew more certain that my journey was destined to be a grand adventure, filled with wonders and challenges beyond my wildest imagination.

Among the myriad stalls that lined the bustling street, one in particular caught my attention. A figure clad in a shadowy black hooded robe stood there, exuding an air of intrigue that immediately piqued my curiosity. Perhaps it was the remnants of countless fantasy stories or my own instincts as a gamer, but the person resembled what one might envision as an enigmatic assassin.

With a determined stride, I approached the hooded figure, my hand raised in a friendly gesture.

"Good day, my name is Kuonh" I began, my voice carrying the faint edge of frustration. "Do you perhaps know where the guild is? I've been wandering these streets for hours, hopelessly lost."

The enigmatic individual, their body concealed beneath the dark robe, slowly turned their head to regard me. A thorough examination seemed to pass from my feet to my head, and then they nodded, their hidden gaze still upon me.

"Yes, I know where it is."

For a moment, I was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing my face. The voice that emerged from beneath that hood was unexpected, possessing a feminine quality that didn't align with my initial assumptions. We were nearly the same height, with me being slightly taller, and I had anticipated a deeper tone. Yet, I chose not to dwell on it and instead focused on the task at hand. I had a quest to fulfill.

"Really?" I replied with excitement. "Could you point me in the right direction? I'd greatly appreciate your help."

The hooded figure, however, responded with a question, a wry tone underlying their words.

"You mean for free?" they inquired, as if hinting that such assistance was against some unspoken code.

My initial enthusiasm waned, and I offered an uncertain "eh" in response, uncertain about the implications of their query. But before I could further deliberate, the enigmatic figure introduced themselves with a hint of pride.

"My name is Xeness, and I aspire to be an information broker," they declared, hand placed firmly over their chest. "If you seek my knowledge, you'll have to purchase it. That's how this world operates."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief behind my mask. If not for the concealing fabric, Xeness, the self-proclaimed information broker, would have undoubtedly witnessed my bewildered expression. It was becoming increasingly clear that NEuEarth was a world where each interaction held unexpected surprises.

A moment of tension hung in the air, a palpable silence that crackled with anticipation. The enigmatic figure in the black hood had made their terms clear – information came at a price in this world, and there was no room for exceptions. As I contemplated the situation, a soft chuckle escaped my lips, breaking the silence.

"Pfft."

As I let out that spontaneous chuckle, I couldn't help but sense the intensity of the figure's gaze fixed upon me, even though their face remained veiled by the shadowy hood. After a brief moment, I felt compelled to clarify my reaction.

"Sorry," I offered sincerely, my voice tinged with warmth. "I didn't laugh to mock you."

That's right, my laughter wasn't meant to mock or belittle the situation; rather, it was a genuine response to the unexpected turn of events. I couldn't help but respect this individual's unwavering commitment to their chosen path.

It had been less than a day since the game started, and already, this enigmatic character was making moves and carving out their unique niche in NEUEARTH. The thought of such diversity and unpredictability in this virtual world filled me with a sense of excitement and curiosity.

My laughter subsided, replaced by a resolve to navigate this new world, learn its rules, and forge my own path within it. I knew that if everyone in this MMORPG was as intriguing as this hooded figure, my time here would be nothing short of thrilling.

"Fine,"

I conceded, my tone reflecting my willingness to meet their conditions head-on. I couldn't help but wonder about the reaction beneath that concealed hood, where emotions and intentions remained hidden from view. A hint of something – perhaps a grin or a smile – flickered briefly, but the mask of the robe concealed it entirely, leaving me to ponder the mysteries that lay beneath.