A Deal Too Dangerous

Back in the Game… Still in Shock

I logged back into TWO and found myself in the inn room. My character was sitting on the bed, but my brain was still processing what had happened.

800 CP… No, 1000 CP!

The auction price was still climbing, and Arx's offer was still there, staring at me like a temptation from the gods.

> "I'll buy it for 1000 CP if you tell me where you got it."

I clenched my fists.

If I told him the truth—that it was a beta-only item I found in the starting village—then the entire internet would explode. People would flood the forums, demand answers, and worst-case scenario?

The devs might fix my beta version.

I shivered. No way.

Losing my beta advantage would be like throwing away a winning lottery ticket.

I closed the marketplace tab.

> No reply. No leaks. Play it safe.

With that decision made, I took a deep breath and left the inn.

---

Back to Nina's Store

The streets were already bustling with players and NPCs. I walked through the familiar roads and soon found myself at Nina's tailoring shop.

Through the window, I could see Nina working on a dress. Her hands moved quickly, sewing fabric together with skillful precision.

> She didn't just sell clothes—she made them.

I pushed open the door, and a soft bell chimed. Nina glanced up and smiled.

> Nina: "Oh, it's you again. Back to deal with the rats?"

> Me: "Yeah. I still need to figure out their hideout."

She nodded but then gave me an appraising look.

> Nina: "Before that… could you help me with something?"

I blinked.

> Me: "Uh, help with what?"

A quest notification popped up.

---

[Quest: A Tailor's Assistant]

Nina needs help running her store for the next four days.

✔ Assist Nina with her shop duties.

✔ Learn about tailoring and fashion.

✔ Build trust with Nina.

Rewards: ???

---

Four days?

I frowned. This wasn't exactly the kind of quest I was expecting, but something about the reward being unknown intrigued me.

Besides, if I wanted to get paid properly for the rat mission, it wouldn't hurt to build a better relationship with Nina.

> Me: "Alright. What do you need me to do?"

Nina grinned.

> Nina: "Good! For today, you'll help me organize materials and take inventory."

…Oh no.

> I just signed up for four days of manual labor, didn't I?

End of Chapter 14