Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 156: Wait! This is the Guild?

"That works," Daisuke said, retracing his steps. "Thanks."

"Happy to help," she replied with a nod.

Daisuke's eyes widened slightly at the need to exert more force than expected to pry open the hefty book. Thankfully, the quests were neatly categorized by rank, allowing him to flip directly to the D-ranked section and scan through the available commissions page by page.

It was a pity that the convenient arrangement he had with Guildmaster Baldin wasn't in play here. Still, for now, it was crucial to acquaint himself with the city's dynamics—the environment, its people, the customs, and, most importantly, how far he could push the boundaries before running into trouble.

Daisuke's chain of thought tapered when his eyes landed on a particular quest. The commission was essentially a job posting for security personnel to guard an estate. It required a team of eighteen—six for the day shift, six for the evening, and the later for the night. The fact that the listing was still posted suggested the position hadn't been filled.

The quest raised a few red flags, of course. The lack of transparency was hard to ignore. No details were disclosed about the employer, the property's daily activities—whether it was a business or private residence—or the potential threats the guards might face. Yet the rewards were designed to quell suspicion. A generous sum of gold awaited at the end of each shift, and as a bonus for completing the first week, guards could choose between a substantial mana crystal or a spellbook. It was an enticing offer, almost too good to pass up.

I don't really care about the gold, Daisuke thought, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. But that spellbook? That's the real prize. With it, I could finally test if Zephyr can acquire skills through an alternative method. Also, the designated residence is within the city limits, so I wouldn't have to worry about being too far away from the palace.

"I'll take this one."

The clerk broke into a sweat, another nervous smile stretching her lips. "Ah. Um. Haxks," she called, memorizing his name from his license. "How about we look for something more interesting? I mean, standing around all day doesn't sound like much fun, right? Since you're new to Lunarel, why not take a commission that lets you venture outside the city and do a little sightseeing?"

Daisuke frowned, the girl's suspicious behavior stirring his curiosity. "You want to tell me what's really going on here?"

The clerk glanced around nervously, evidently struggling with some kind of internal conflict. Finally, after a long pause, she leaned in, seemingly settling the arduous battle between her work obligations and moral compass. "Here's the truth," she uttered in a hushed tone. "The reason the guild is so barren... is because a significant number of adventures are leaving the city."

Daisuke raised a single brow in question. "Why?"

The girl cast a furtive glance toward the other counters where her co-workers were preoccupied dealing with other clients. "As of late, the overall security of the city has become surprisingly lax, which has allowed numerous crimes to slip between the cracks."

"...And the reason?"

"We... suspect it's corruption in the royal palace," she whispered, her voice trembling as though the words themselves could condemn her to a dungeon. "And to make matters worse, rumors of a looming war are spreading. Many of our adventurers are fleeing, terrified of being forcefully drafted into the military."

"...That makes sense," Daisuke responded calmly.

"...Haxks, you're still so young and innocent, which is why I'm taking this risk to warn you."

Daisuke couldn't help but be taken aback by the idea of being called innocent. After all he had done in the pursuit of vengeance and justice, the notion felt almost absurd. Innocence was a concept he had long left behind.

"Everyone's been uneasy about this commission from the very beginning," the clerk continued gravely. "That's why it's been sitting on the bulletin board for so long. We offer lodgings on the fourth floor—why don't you get some rest tonight? We'll find a better quest for you in the morning."

"No thanks," Daisuke replied flatly, leaving the girl momentarily speechless. "I appreciate you looking out for me, but for future reference, it's probably best if you mind your own business. After all, you don't know me."

"But—"

"For all you know," Daisuke continued, cutting her off with a cold edge to his voice, "I could be a mercenary working for the royal family and you wouldn't have a clue. What if I decided to report you for spreading misinformation?"

The girl's eyes widened, the color instantly draining from her face. "That's... I—"

Well, technically, Daisuke mused inwardly, I am a hired mercenary working for the princess.

"I won't say a word, so don't worry," he reassured coolly. "But next time, be more careful with whom you confide in. Not everyone will be as forgiving as I am. Now, I'll take the commission."

The clerk pursed her lips uncomfortably, but she didn't protest. "V-Very well then, I'll make the necessary arrangements."

"Thanks."

A few moments later, the girl returned with the commission parchment in hand. His personal details had been neatly added, along with the guild's official stamped seal.

"Here you go," she said quietly, handing him the document with a weary expression. "You're all set. Since they frequently cycle through guards, you can head out anytime and likely be eligible to work."

"Thanks," Daisuke murmured as he turned his back with a wave. "I'm stronger than you think, so I'll be fine."

The clerk lifted her gaze at his comforting words, color returning to her cheeks as she watched him head toward the staircase to the left of the lobby.

"I have some business on the second floor, but I'll be sure to let you know if I'm interested in booking a room for the night."