PLAYER SYSTEM C7 FIRST QUEST III

Jack found himself genuinely enjoying the conversation with Leoford. The noble-looking NPC had an easy charm, and surprisingly, a sense of humor. Asha, sitting nearby, looked relieved. Her uncle seemed to be getting along just fine with the Summoned Hero. She sipped her coffee quietly, allowing the discussion to drift away from the quest at hand.

“I’ve heard rumors about a creature called the Skyripper Eagle causing trouble near the village,” Jack said, seizing the chance to ask. “Since I’ve only just arrived in this world, I’m curious—what exactly is that thing capable of?”

Leoford furrowed his brows. “Ah, those damn birds—” But before he could elaborate, five maids entered the room carrying trays filled with steaming dishes.

“Before we talk about that,” Leoford said with a smile, “you must try the food. I've had the best of our kitchens prepare something special to honor your presence.”

Jack nodded. “Sure, I’m not saying no to that.”

The dishes were soon placed on the table. There was even dessert. As Jack looked over the spread, he noticed many of the dishes seemed inspired by real-world cuisine. He picked up a sandwich, expecting a bland, artificial flavor—after all, it was still just a VR game.

But the moment he bit into it, he paused.

‘Damn… This actually tastes good. Like, ridiculously good. It’s like I’m eating the real thing.’

He tried another dish—some sort of beef with creamy white sauce. The moment the meat touched his tongue, his eyes widened.

‘No way. This can’t be just beef. It’s too tender, too juicy. This is… this is heaven!’

He moved from dish to dish, forgetting any sense of table manners. One bite after another, he devoured the food like someone who hadn’t eaten in days.

Asha, Gerald, and Leoford simply watched, smiling at his enthusiasm.

“Delicious, isn’t it?” Leoford asked, clearly enjoying the reaction.

Jack gave a blushing thumbs-up, mouth full. “Extremely!”

Leoford leaned back, stroking his chin with a grin. “Well then, should I tell you about the Skyripper Eagle now? Even while you’re still enjoying the meal?”

“Please do!” Jack said between bites, clearly unbothered.

Asha raised a brow. “Uncle… is it really appropriate to talk about that bird while Lord Larkight is still eating?”

“Indeed,” Gerald added with a concerned nod. “That creature’s reputation isn’t… appetizing.”

Leoford laughed heartily. “Come now, look at him—he’s clearly eager to know what that bird can actually do.”

Jack nodded enthusiastically, still chewing.

Asha and Gerald exchanged a helpless glance.

Jack noticed their reaction and tilted his head slightly. ‘What’s the big deal? It’s just a bird, right?’

Leoford cleared his throat. “Ahem. To put it simply, the Skyripper Eagle is a vicious aerial predator… but its primary weapon isn’t its claws or beak.”

He paused for dramatic effect.

Jack slowed his chewing.

Leoford continued. “It attacks with its… poop.”

Jack froze mid-bite.

“Would you like me to continue?” Leoford asked casually.

Jack gulped down the bite with effort. “We’re already here… might as well.”

Asha quietly looked away, embarrassed. Gerald sighed.

Leoford smiled. “You see, the Skyripper’s droppings are fired with such speed and accuracy that they target the enemy’s eyes—blinding them with stench and obstruction. Once disoriented, the bird strikes with its beak—razor-sharp, like a sword. One hit is enough to kill an average adventurer.”

Jack slowly resumed chewing, the taste of heaven now slightly... tainted.

‘So that’s why they looked at me like that...ç he thought, forcing a smile. ‘Next time I ask about a monster, I’ll wait until dessert is over.’

At the same time, Jack’s thoughts drifted back to earlier in the day, when he overheard a few players boasting about accepting a quest from the village chief involving the Skyripper Eagle.

From what he'd seen… it hadn’t gone well.

Jack was silently grateful he hadn’t signed up for that one—especially with how real the game felt through the BEYOND headset. The sensory detail was too immersive for a fight involving… bird droppings.

Just imagining the stench—especially if it landed in the eyes—made him wince.

‘At least now I know what that thing’s capable of,’ he thought. ‘That gives me an edge when I eventually face it… and let’s be honest, I will—can’t say no to rewards forever.’


---

Elsewhere, back at the village church, several players reappeared in a burst of resurrection light—respawning after what could only be described as an unholy encounter.

“Goddamn it!” one shouted. “That old geezer actually sent us to fight flying toxic toilets!”

“Right!? Even with the headset's sensory settings toned down, I swear I could still smell that crap!”

“They blinded us with poop! That should be illegal in-game!”

Their cries echoed through the church courtyard as they reeled from the trauma of their Skyripper encounter.

---

Meanwhile, half an hour passed at Leoford’s villa, and it was finally time for departure.

Jack accompanied Asha to the village gates, where her contracted adventurer party awaited. They were gathered beside a sleek, luxurious carriage, flanked by four large wagons stacked with goods.

Jack observed the group—a typical adventurer party, by the look of it. Nothing too flashy, but competent enough.

The driver stepped away from the horses and respectfully greeted Asha.

She returned the gesture with a nod, then turned to Jack. “This is Lord Larkight,” she said. “One of the Summoned Heroes assisting us.”

The NPCs glanced at him with a mix of curiosity and caution.

‘Yep. Still not fully accepted here,’ Jack mused. ‘The world hasn’t quite adapted to the existence of players yet.’

With introductions done, Asha stepped into the carriage. The group organized quickly—adventurers taking positions near the wagons, and Jack walking alongside the carriage, his eyes scanning the road ahead.

He checked his stats:

[HP: 121]
[MP: 156]

A small grin appeared on his face.

‘My HP and MP are higher than average—thanks to the Half-blood race and my dual-affinity Twilight class. I'm definitely not just some tutorial-level rookie.’

His hand rested on the hilt of his dagger. He was eager to test his two starting skills: [Healing Light] and [Grasp of Doom].

‘I can cast Healing Light openly,’ he thought. ‘But Grasp of Doom... that’s a little more dangerous.’

He pulled up the skill details.

[Grasp of Doom] (Level 1)
Chant: “Let night bind your stride.”
Effect: Shadows rise from beneath the enemy’s feet, gripping their ankles.
• -20% movement speed for 4 seconds
• Twilight Bonus: If cast after a Light spell, the target is silenced for 1.5 seconds.

‘Single-target for now,’ but Jack could already see its potential.

‘It’s strong... too strong to use carelessly. If an NPC sees it—and devs are watching through them—I might get flagged as a cheater.’

He took a breath and kept his expression neutral.

‘One wrong move, and this dream turns into a permanent ban.’

Still, his fingers twitched with anticipation.

‘Let’s see what this world has to offer… monsters, challenges, rewards—and maybe a little chaos, too.’