The market stall was small and shaded, with rough cloth stretched above to block the sun. An older man with a heavy beard and thick arms leaned lazily over the table, polishing an old blade. Gray stood across from him with a polite smile that was growing thinner by the second.
"These are standard weapons," the vendor said, inspecting one of the simple swords. "No runes, no craftsmanship. I'll give you... four copper a piece."
Gray's eye twitched. "Four copper? That's barely the cost of the hilt."
"Take it or leave it, old man."
Gray froze. "What did you just call me?"
"Old man. You've got silver hair. Thought you were some retired adventurer until you opened your mouth."
From Gray's breast pocket came the stifled sound of laughter. Victoria, barely suppressing herself, tried to stay hidden but her glow betrayed her position.
Gray narrowed his eyes. "It's not age! I'm only in my twenties!"
"Sure, sure. Silver's a bold choice for someone in their twenties."
Behind him, Eliard gently cleared his throat. "If I may ask, Master Gray, were your parents inspired by your hair color when naming you?"
Gray turned slowly to glare at the butler.
"Gray is a noble name," he replied at last. "It may have a lack of originality, but it symbolizes wisdom and neutrality."
Victoria giggled again. Eliard didn't react, though Gray could tell from the subtle quirk of his lips that he was deeply amused.
With a sigh, Gray leaned on the counter. "Fine. Don't buy them. But mark my words, I'll be back. And when I am, you'll pay double for these blades just to stay on my good side."
The vendor laughed. "I look forward to that, old man."
Gray turned with exaggerated dignity, walking away while Eliard calmly rebalanced the weapons in his arms.
They moved back toward the village square, passing a few curious children and a woman selling bread.
"I really thought I could make a bit of starting cash," Gray muttered.
"You could have if you summoned gear with enchantments," Victoria said from his pocket.
"Maybe I'll try my luck again later. Right now... let's check the quest log."
Victoria stretched and floated out of his pocket at last, tapping the air. A small glowing interface appeared in front of Gray.
Tutorial 3/5: First Quest!
Below it, a golden arrow floated in place, pointing toward a wooden board near the square.
Gray followed it with Eliard at his side. The board was dusty, most of the quests barely legible. One, however, stood out, its parchment newer, cleaner, and glowing faintly.
Quest Accepted: Clean the Cursed Dungeon (0/1)
Gray read it twice, then looked at Eliard.
"Well, apprentice. Looks like we've got a job."
Eliard adjusted the bundle of weapons in his arms. "I am designed for support, but I am more than capable of disposing of low-tier monsters."
Gray smiled. "Perfect."
He reached into the pile and pulled out one of the swords, inspecting it quickly before handing it to the butler. "Your first noble weapon. Carry it with pride."
Eliard took the sword and clipped it to his belt, giving a stiff nod. "As you command."
They followed the quest arrow through the edge of the village. On the way out, they passed an unattended transport cart and a tethered horse. Gray looked around once, then approached.
"We'll return it," he said aloud. "And pay for it. Eventually."
Victoria groaned. "You're not starting a life of crime already, are you?"
"It's resourceful borrowing."
Eliard loaded the weapons into the back of the cart and stretched for the first time since being summoned.
"Finally," he muttered. "I have missed the feeling of an unburdened spine."
The road to the dungeon was uneventful, winding through a thin forest and up a gravel path. After about thirty minutes, they reached it, a looming rock formation with a shadowed opening. The mountain looked like it had been carved open with a blade.
Gray dismounted and stared at the entrance.
"I remember this place," he said quietly.
Eliard tilted his head. "You've been here before?"
Gray hesitated. Right, he couldn't say the truth. That he was a player who had run this dungeon dozens of times in the game. Summons like Eliard were born in this world. They didn't view themselves as digital entities, even it they are more than that now.
"I'm... all-knowing," Gray replied instead.
Victoria floated up beside him. "You're full of something, that's for sure."
He gave her a side-eye. "Quick question, can you access global rankings?"
"Technically, yes. But I can't show them to you. Not unless you reach a higher system clearance."
"Thought so," Gray said, then rolled his shoulders. "Alright. Let's see how much I remember."
He grabbed one of the simple swords from the cart and checked the edge. Still sharp enough. Then he turned to Eliard, holding the blade out like a knight bestowing a title.
"Apprentice, this is your first mission."
Eliard took the blade reverently.
They entered the dungeon.
The tunnel was narrow and cold, but not entirely dark. Faint blue torches burned at regular intervals along the walls. The floor sloped gently downward, and the air smelled of damp earth and something faintly metallic.
"There's nothing of value early on," Gray said. "If it follows the same pattern as the original game, the first room will be empty."
"You mean hypothetically," Victoria corrected.
"Right. Hypothetically."
They walked carefully, Eliard ahead with sword drawn. Gray followed, holding a second blade. Victoria floated between them, eyes darting toward every shadow.
Then came the sound.
Scraping.
Shuffling.
Eliard stopped.
From the side passage ahead, three figures stumbled into view. Green skin, too-long limbs, and jagged teeth. Goblins.
"Contact," Eliard said.
Gray grinned. "Let's see what you can do."