The afternoon sunlight slanted through the hall of the Ximu Town Adventurers’ Guild, with fine dust floating in the air.
Hans and Gelte entered, covered in dust and a faint smell of blood. Though they looked travel-worn, both faces brimmed with the relaxation and excitement of a completed mission.
Hans held a small cloth bag in his hand, containing Goblin left ears as evidence.
They headed straight to the reception counter. The sound of leather boots on wooden floorboards drew the attention of a few idle Adventurers.
“Yo, isn’t that Hans and Gelte? Back so early? Don’t tell me you failed to clear out the Goblins? No way, right, no way.”
A bearded Adventurer teased, prompting low laughter from those nearby.
Hans merely glanced at them and ignored it, walking directly to the counter.
The Receptionist was bowing her head, organizing a thick stack of documents. Two brown braids hung over her shoulders.
“Receptionist, we’ve come to submit a mission.”
Hans couldn’t hide the pride in his voice.
The Receptionist looked up. When she saw who it was, her professional smile bloomed, then quickly turned to surprise.
“Mr. Hans, Mr. Gelte! You’re back so soon? Where’s Mr. Rochet?”
Hans placed the small cloth bag on the counter, saying with pride,
“Mission accomplished! Mr. Rochet returned to the inn to rest first.”
The Receptionist curiously opened the bag, checked the Goblin left ears inside, and her eyes widened.
“Eight left ears… you really cleared a small nest? In less than half a day…”
She looked up at the two, disbelief on her face.
“Was the Goblin nest you cleared really that close?”
“Not really,”
Hans waved his hand.
“Most of the time was spent traveling. The actual fight was quick.”
He shrugged, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
Even if he was just the damage sponge, it didn’t diminish his pride.
The Receptionist sized them up, teasing,
“I didn’t expect you two to have this kind of strength. Weren’t the fastest commissions before always taking at least two days? I remember last month the beast-clearing job you took lasted a whole four days.”
Gelte gave a simple, honest smile, admitting,
“Actually, it was mostly thanks to Mr. Rochet. His swordsmanship is incredible.”
His words were simple, but the Adventurers eavesdropping nearby became even more curious.
The Receptionist took two Gold Coins from the counter, as indicated in the commission, and placed them before Hans, unable to resist asking,
“If Mr. Rochet is that powerful, why did he put out a commission for help with Goblins? And pay more than the Guild’s official reward for Goblin extermination?”
Hans accepted the Gold Coins, weighing them in his hand. The pleasant sound of metal made him smile with satisfaction.
He waved his hand, unconcerned.
“Just by looking at Mr. Rochet, you can tell he’s someone of status. Probably a noble come to experience life. Who can guess what people like that are thinking?”
The Adventurers around them gradually gathered closer. Even though Hans’s description was objective—just saying Shi Hanfeng’s swordsmanship was precise and efficient—they still looked unconvinced.
“Why would someone with that level of strength go hunt Goblins?”
A hunter carrying a longbow sneered.
“If you’re going to make up stories, at least keep it believable.”
“Exactly. If he was that amazing, he’d be taking on Troll subjugations or clearing Monster Nests, not chasing after Goblin commissions for a few Silver Coins,”
Another warrior in chainmail echoed.
Hans didn’t mind.
He understood Adventurers all too well.
After all, he was one of them.
As an Adventurer, who hasn’t dreamed of being a hero? If you have real strength, why not take high-paying commissions to become famous? Clearing Goblins is a waste.
But facts are facts.
He couldn’t be bothered to argue, and it was a good way to thin out competition.
If anyone wanted the commissions, let them take them. He’d be happy if no one fought over such easy money.
He leaned toward the counter and spoke quietly to the Receptionist.
“Receptionist, if any commissions with Mr. Rochet come up in the future, make sure to notify us first!”
The Receptionist nodded, an unreadable emotion flickering in her eyes.
***
Meanwhile, in a single room on the second floor of the Oak Barrel Inn, Shi Hanfeng closed the door and broke into a delighted smile, rubbing his hands together in excitement.
“Time to open the box!”
He muttered, anticipation bright on his face.
He had loved treasure chest games in his previous life—the process of opening a chest and receiving rewards was always thrilling.
Now, he could open a chest in reality.
He sat on the not-so-comfortable but clean enough wooden bed, focused his mind, and summoned a semi-transparent interface only he could see.
His consciousness moved in the void, finding the faintly glowing [Wooden Treasure Chest] in the Backpack Space and selecting the “Open” option.
“Detected an available treasure chest. Please select the reward pool range.”
The System’s prompt box floated before his eyes.
A selection interface appeared, filled with densely packed icons from hundreds of game worlds he’d played in his previous life, almost dizzying in variety.
“So many games… If I don’t narrow it down, who knows what bizarre thing will come out…”
Shi Hanfeng murmured.
Back in his previous life, he was the type who could miss double UP banners.
A hundred-pool mixed draw?
How could I dream of such a thing?
His thoughts moved through the void, finally locking onto the game world that matched his current state best.
Locked: [Star Rail]
“The draw pool has been locked. To change it, please reselect. Now adapting rewards to player’s current status…”
Within the interface, the Wooden Treasure Chest began to emit a soft blue glow, and the lid slowly opened, releasing a beam of light.
Shi Hanfeng held his breath, eyes fixed on the items that appeared.
[Obtained Gold Coin ×5]
[Obtained Equipment: Sanctified Paladin’s Forgiveness Visor]
Five Gold Coins entered his Backpack with a “ding,” and a finely crafted helmet appeared in his item list.
It was a solemn, heavy full-face helmet, resembling the praying visage of a person at first glance, filled with a solemn religious atmosphere. Yet, two spiraling horns extended from either side—a symbol of demons.
A blend of sanctity and corruption created a strange beauty.
Shi Hanfeng focused his thoughts to check the equipment details.
[Sanctified Paladin’s Forgiveness Visor]
Type: Equipment (Head)
Quality: Blue/Exquisite
Description: A helmet worn by Paladin Safina, offering strong defense and some resistance to mental attacks. Part of the Pure Court’s Paladin set. Collecting two or four pieces activates extra effects.
“Pure Court…”
Shi Hanfeng stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Isn’t this the organization from Rochet’s backstory? Looks like the System really does adapt rewards to my status… But, as a guy, would wearing this helmet be weird?”
He quickly shrugged off the minor awkwardness.
As a player, it was about looks or stats—so what if it was a women’s item?
As long as the attributes were good, he could accept even female equipment.
He focused his thoughts and selected “Equip.” The crown appeared instantly on his head, fitting perfectly. Despite its heavy look, he barely felt any weight.
A gentle power flowed from the visor into his body, clearing his mind and sharpening his thoughts.
Even more amazing, the helmet seemed to auto-adjust its appearance, keeping its original design without looking out of place.
With another thought, the visor vanished, returning to his inventory.
“This is way more convenient than regular gear—System equipment is truly on another level!”
Shi Hanfeng exclaimed, extremely satisfied with the seamless wearing experience.
After testing the equipment, Shi Hanfeng began carefully tallying the rewards from this mission.
He counted on his fingers.
“Guild base reward: 2 Gold Coins—not yet divided, but included in the plan; 6 Silver Coins from killing 6 Goblins; 5 Gold Coins from the chest; plus this blue-quality helmet, market price at least 10 Gold Coins…”
“Spent 1 Gold Coin to hire Hans and Gelte, and 3 Gold Coins on equipment…”
Even without the equipment, just the 5 Gold Coins from the chest were enough to break even.
Shi Hanfeng’s eyes shone.
Money was only valuable if it could be spent; what he cared about were items and materials that money couldn’t buy—those dropped from defeating monsters.
He recalled the commission board he’d seen at the Guild, filled with all kinds of tasks, but Goblin exterminations were plentiful.
Others might think differently, but for him, when it came to quickly earning money and getting equipment, there was nothing better than clearing Goblin nests.
Besides, he already despised Goblins.
Shi Hanfeng’s brow furrowed as he recalled the tragic scenes inside the nest.
He could accept multiple commissions along the route, buy extra food and water to save on travel time, and boost efficiency.
Until he had a full set of protective gear, it was best to keep working with Hans and the others.
It would ensure safety and efficiency.
With his mind made up, Shi Hanfeng left the inn and, following the address Hans had given, found the small house at the end of the alley behind the Oak Barrel.
Before he could enter, he heard Hans’s excited voice and a weaker reply from inside.
It seemed they were recounting the day’s events to Jemie.
Shi Hanfeng knocked.
Hans quickly opened the door, surprise lighting his face.
“Mr. Rochet! Please come in! We were just talking about you!”
The interior was simple but tidy.
Jemie was half-lying on the bed, his leg now looking normal and his color much improved.
Gelte sat on a small stool by the bed. When Shi Hanfeng entered, he quickly stood up, motioning for him to sit.
Shi Hanfeng got straight to the point.
“Something I found in today’s Goblin nest left me in a bad mood. I plan to clear a few more nests over the next few days.”
“I’ll handle the Guild’s Goblin extermination commissions, and you’ll assist me. We split the rewards evenly, and I’ll pay you an extra 1 Gold Coin per day, or 1 Gold Coin per nest.”
“But just like today, you need to follow my commands. Equipment and special loot go to me, but if there’s anything suitable for you, I can offer it at a discount.”
Shi Hanfeng added it casually; after all, he had no interest in the junk equipment from Goblin nests. His main income would still come from System-dropped gear and items.
Hans and Gelte exchanged glances, agreeing almost immediately.
What good loot could Goblins possibly have?
“Mr. Rochet, there’s nothing to think about! We’re with you!”
Hans said excitedly.
“No need to split the commission rewards—your offer is more than generous already.”
Gelte added,
“It’s safe and efficient working with you. To be honest, we were discussing today’s commission before you arrived. The pay and safety are about the same as the tasks we take at our rank in the Guild, but with you, there’s no need to use potions, worry about injuries, or waste time. It’s much more profitable than other jobs!”
Jemie, lying on the bed, couldn’t help but speak up.
“If I weren’t still recovering, I’d want to go too! Mr. Rochet, once I’m healed, can I join as well?”
Shi Hanfeng smiled.
“That’ll depend on how fast Lord Jemie recovers. Who knows, we might clear out all the nearby Goblins before you’re up and about.”
After making all the arrangements, Shi Hanfeng stood to leave.
“Let’s check the Guild tomorrow morning to see what Goblin extermination commissions are available.”
Hans nodded vigorously.
“Alright, we’ll follow your lead, Mr. Rochet.”
After agreeing on the meeting time and place for the next morning, Shi Hanfeng left their small house.
The evening glow bathed the streets of Ximu Town in a warm golden light, gilding the border town.
On his way back to the inn, Shi Hanfeng was already planning tomorrow’s route and the supplies he’d need.
This Talent had finally allowed him to feel the joy of being a player again.
That satisfaction from working hard, growing stronger, and receiving rewards.
Back in his room, Shi Hanfeng stood by the window, gazing at the lights flickering to life and the distant mountain silhouettes.
His heart filled with hope for the future.
“I need to buy enough food and water, torches, and rope…”
He muttered, planning the necessary supplies.
“And a more detailed map, marking out the Goblin nests so I can sweep through in one trip to save time.”
“I wonder when I’ll be able to get equipment like a Space Ring… Without space gear, resupplying is a pain.”
At that moment, he was no longer the lost youth who had just crossed over, but an Adventurer ready to begin his resource-gathering journey.
Looking at the night falling over Ximu Town, Shi Hanfeng’s lips curled upward.
“My lovely little treasure chest, wait for me.”