Old Antique Store

Walking through the busy streets of Plavin City, Wang Cai tried to remember the quests and possible rare events that happened in the city.

For a big event, which can change a city, to happen, a rare and difficult quest is necessary.

Currently, the Infinite World had less than two months after the launch, so it was still necessary for many quests to be completed for new ones to appear.

The timeline was somewhat confusing in Wang Cai's mind because there was so much to remember that it was confusing.

So he remembered only the most important points.

About the Astral Gladiator class, he already knew how to enable and which quests to do as a prerequisite, but for that, he needs to wait for a little and also manage to make his character strong enough to withstand the challenges.

So he walked the streets and walked to an old antique shop that was in the outlying areas. The number of people passing through this place was almost zero.

Wang Cai had a goal in mind as he entered this place.

The antique shop was very old but it was clean and dust free.

On the other side of the counter was an old man dressed in expensive clothes, while wearing small glasses and cleaning up an antique.

ting… ting…

The door was opened and the bell rang.

The old man continued cleaning up the antiques, not caring if anyone arrived at the store. It was as if the work before him was more important.

"..." Wang Cai waited for the old man as he walked around the store to look at the antiques.

Many of these items were very old and some were even broken.

After about half an hour, the old man finally finished the job.

"Welcome to my old store, what do you want?" His voice was husky and ancient.

"Hello, my name is Bamboo Stick. I would like to know if you are looking for apprentices?" Wang Cai asked in a respectful tone.

"Apprentice? I'm not looking for one. The last one I found was just an idiot who didn't know how to do anything. Young people today have no patience for delicate work." The old man firmly refused.

"Sir, if patience is a quality, I have plenty. If you want proof, I can start with the basics." He kept trying.

Every word, way of speaking, or even the tone of speech changed the course of a conversation. As a result, a quest may or may not be activated.

"I said I refuse. I do not seek apprentices." The old man continued to refuse.

"It's really a shame because I really wanted to learn more about antiquities. As time passes, people will forget about the glorious past of the world and it is the duty of those who know about antiquities to reveal them to the world about it." Wang Cai spoke in a dejected and sad tone. He even showed a proper expression while speaking like that.

"..." The words woke the old man.

His entire life has been devoted to antiques and showing the world their beauty and history, but few know their value. So he was disheartened as he didn't find many people who liked it.

Before long, he would die and his legacy would be lost.

"Bamboo Stick, right? I can give you a chance. But only one chance." The old man relented.

Wang Cai's words had a great impact on him.

ding… ding…

"Quest: Antique Shop Owner's Test"

"The old owner was getting very old and couldn't pass on his legacy to anyone, nor did his children want to know about the stories of the past. So far, he hasn't found anyone worthy to inherit his knowledge."

Requirement: Show interest in antiques. Rank: E

"I thank you sir for giving me this chance"

ding…

"Quest accepted"

"Show me what you know about antiquities"

"Sir, my knowledge is very shallow when it comes to this subject. But I have soft hands to take good care of antiques." Wang Cai was following the script of the player who made this quest, but with some slight changes.

The objective was a passive skill that could be received from the old man.

"I see… Little knowledge is a fatal flaw not just in the antiquities business, but in any situation in life. I can't blame you for that, so I want you to clean those items for me." The old man pointed to over a hundred items on the shelf at the back of the store.

Unlike the items in the main room, the back room was covered in dust and smeared with mud.

"It's all right. I will show you what I can do." Wang Cai was not intimidated by the work.

A clean cloth and clear liquid were on the table.

"..." When wetting the cloth, the color changed a little, but not much different from the original.

Holding the first item, an antique bowl made of bronze with some designs carved on the outside. The item was quite beautiful and old.

Wang Cai held it with a bit of strength, but firm so as not to break.

The soft touches of the cloth go through the bronze and clean the dirt.

The movements were light, but with a little pressure to remove the dirt.

After a few minutes of cleaning, the bowl was clean and glowing. Even putting it under the light, beautiful images were reflected on the wall.

"Beautiful" This word came to his mind.

But he didn't have much time to stare, and he got on with his work.

Now and then the old man would look at him with looks of approval.

Wang Cai's words weren't a lie, but he felt something wasn't right.

After a whole day of non-stop cleaning, Wang Cai finally finished the job.

"Sir, I finished cleaning the antiques."

"Very good. Now clean those over there." The old man pointed to another hundred items.

"..." Wang Cai didn't get angry and did his job.

The old man just watched.

The speed and care have not slowed in the slightest.

After another day, the task was completed.

Wang Cai only stopped to sleep and eat the piece of bread that the old man gave.

"Now, it's time for those antiques over there" The old man spoke again.

…

The fifth time, the old man couldn't take it anymore and ask.

"Bamboo Stick, why are you doing this?" His tone was not only solemn but also curious.