Chapter 31: Mission Preparation and New Challenges

Chapter 31: Mission Preparation and New Challenges

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But the reward intrigued him. A spiritual treasure could be anything—an artifact, a skill, or even something that could give him a major advantage in cultivation.

"I am very sleepy right now," Kent muttered, clenching his fists. "Tomorrow morning I will check the mission."

As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the small house, Kent sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the system screen hovering in front of him.

"System," Kent said aloud, "tell me more about this mission. What exactly am I supposed to investigate?"

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Ding!

Mission: Investigate the spiritual Land in the outskirts of Metro City.

Objective: Uncover the secret behind the abnormally high spiritual energy concentration.

Reward: Spiritual Treasure (Unidentified).

Penalty: -20,000 SP if the host fails.

Time Remaining: 6 Days, 17 Hours.

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He looks on the internet about the location. He finds many photos. 

Kent sighed, rubbing his head?

This is the Nexus and Watchers logo on the fence at that location. That means

it's already under their control. How am

I supposed to sneak in without getting caught?"

He glanced at Nima, who was munching on a piece of tomato at the dining table. "Nima, you're pretty good at sneaking around, right?"

Nima raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you planning something dangerous again?"

"Of course not," Kent said, waving her concern away. "I'm just asking hypothetically."

"Hypothetically, I'm not helping you," Nima said, smirking. I am a good girl. Don't invite me into your bad plans. 

After breakfast, Kent headed to school with a plan in mind. If he was going to investigate a Nexus-registered spiritual Land, he needed information—entry points, and most importantly, how to avoid getting caught.

In class, he casually approached Ethan, who was busy scribbling notes.

"Hey, Ethan," Kent whispered, leaning over. "You know a lot about spiritual lands, right?"

Ethan adjusted his glasses to act like a teacher. "Of course. Why do you ask?"

"I heard there's a Nexus-registered spiritual Land near Metro City," Kent said.

"Do you know anything about it?"

Ethan's eyes widened. "You're not thinking of going there, are you? That place is off-limits to civilians. Nexus has it locked down tighter than a dragon's nest."

"I'm just curious," Kent said, feigning innocence.

Ethan sighed, leaning closer. "The Blessed Land you're talking about is called the Emerald Vein. It's one of the most concentrated spiritual energy sites in the region. Nexus has stationed multiple Watchers there to guard it."

"Why's it so heavily guarded?" Kent asked.

"There are rumors," Ethan said, lowering his voice. "Some people say it's not just a spiritual land—it's a gateway to an ancient pocket dimension or a ruin. Nexus doesn't want anyone tampering with it."

That evening, Kent sat at the dining table, scribbling notes on a piece of paper. Nima watched him from across the table, her head resting on her hands.

"You've been acting weird all day," Nima said. "What are you planning now?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," Kent replied.

Nima narrowed her eyes. "If you get arrested, don't expect me to come bail you out."

I saw you are making plans to break into somewhere. Won't write your plans on paper you stupid.

Kent chuckled. "Don't worry, kiddo. I've got this under control."

His plan was simple: sneak into the Emerald Vein, gather the information the system wanted, and get out before anyone noticed. 

As Kent finalized his preparations, a soft knock came at the door. He froze, his hand instinctively reaching behind his back summoning the soul slasher dagger.

"Who could that be at this hour?" Nima whispered, her eyes wide.

Kent motioned for her to stay quiet as he approached the door. Opening it cautiously, he found Ethan standing on the other side, a nervous expression on his face.

"What are you doing here?" Kent asked, stepping outside.

"I knew you were up to something," Ethan said, crossing his arms. "You're planning to sneak into the Emerald Vein, aren't you?"

Kent's eyes widened. "Keep your voice down!"

Ethan sighed. "Listen, I don't know what your deal is, but if you're really going to do this, you'll need help."

Kent raised an eyebrow. "Why would you help me?"

"Because if you get caught, it'll come back to me," Ethan said. They will surely investigate you if they caught you. Then they will find out I helped you sell the spiritual stones. 

"You're not exactly subtle, Kent. Besides, I might know someone who can get you inside."

I won't ask you why you want to go there. But as a friend I will help you Kent.

The next evening, Ethan led Kent to a dimly lit restaurant bar on the outskirts of Metro City. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and smoke, and the sound of rowdy laughter filled the room.

Ethan guided Kent to a secluded corner where a woman with short silver hair sat nursing a drink. She wore a black cloak that partially concealed her face, but her piercing green eyes seemed to see right through them.

"This is Lyra, a - lone cultivator," Ethan said. "She's… let's just say she's good at getting into places she shouldn't be."

[Note: Lone / individual cultivators are people who don't want to join / can't join a clan or organisation or any big and rich families and in the government. So they work like bounty hunters or adventurers who can be hired for money.]

Lyra smirked, leaning back in her chair. "So, you're the kid who wants to sneak into the Emerald Vein. Got a death wish, do you?"

"Not exactly," Kent said, crossing his arms. "I just need to take a quick look around. No big deal."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "No big deal, huh? You do realize Nexus shoots trespassers on sight, right?"

"Which is why I need someone like you," Kent said.

Lyra chuckled. "Alright, kid. I'll get you in, but it's going to cost you."

"How much?" Kent asked, I don't have much to offer. How about you give me a discount? 

Lyra's eyes lit up, discount? You must be kidding right. Kid my fee is 20 thousand dollars. Not a penny less. 

Kent thinks. I can afford that. I have a lot of money now. But it's too much. I have to find a way to get a discount. 

"Half now," Kent said. "Half when the job's done."

"Smart kid," Lyra said, handing Kent a bank account number. Transfer the half money here first.

After transfering the money she said,

"Meet me at the forest entrance tomorrow night. And bring your game face. This isn't going to be a walk in the park."

Back at home, Kent sat on the old broken sofa, staring at the stars through the window. Then stand up slowly, opening the door to go out. 

Nima came out from her room, her hands on her hips. "You're sneaking out again, aren't you?" she said.

Kent grinned. "How'd you guess?"

"You're terrible at hiding things," Nima said, sitting beside him. "Be careful, okay? I don't want to end up all alone."

Kent's smile softened as he ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, Nima, I'll be fine."

As Nima went back inside, Kent clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.

"Alright, Emerald Vein," he muttered. "Let's see what secrets you're hiding."

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