yada_Yada

In a world where "Treasure World Online" (TWO) is the most popular game, players can find artifacts, treasures, and rare items that can be sold for real money. The game was created by a mysterious genius developer, and millions of people play it to get rich.

Our protagonist is completely broke. He dreams of playing TWO to escape poverty but can't afford the game. One day, he accidentally wins the lottery—but before he can enjoy his new wealth, he gets scammed, leaving him with only a little money. In frustration, he spends his last savings to buy the game.

But something weird happens. Instead of the normal version, he gets a secret Beta Version of TWO, which has:

Exclusive content that no other player has access to.

Unreleased hidden quests, NPCs, and secret locations.

A mysterious system that gives him strange "luck-based" abilities.

treasure World Online

The elf returned from the back of the shop, carrying a neatly folded bundle of Clacton Silk—smooth, almost shimmering fabric that felt like flowing water in her hands. She placed it on the counter and looked up at me.

I exhaled. Exactly what Nina gave me.

> Me: "Alright, here you go." I handed over my last 12 CP.

She counted the coins with swift, precise fingers before nodding in satisfaction.

I hesitated, then remembered the real reason I was here.

> Me: "Actually, yeah. I need something that tells me when the portal to Ssles will appear."

> Elf: "Ah. You're looking for a Lovy Clock."

She reached under the counter and pulled out a small pocket watch. Its golden gears clicked softly, and a faint blue glow pulsed from its face. Unlike normal clocks, this one had two extra hands—one that pointed to a location, and one that tracked time until the next portal opening.

> Elf: "This will do exactly what you need. It tracks when and where the portal will appear."

> Me (internally): "Crap. I only have 0 CP left after buying the silk and i only have 7cp in my system.."

> Me: "Uh… that's a bit much, isn't it?"

> Elf: "No, it's not. Other shops sell this for 10 to 12 CP. I'm being generous."

> Me (internally): "Yeah right. Sounds like a scam."

Before I could refuse, she placed a small jade-like stone on the counter. It was engraved with glowing elven runes, pulsing with a faint green light.

> Elf: "Since you're new here and I think you'll be a regular customer, I'll throw this in as a bonus."

I picked up the [Elven Accord Stone] and inspected its details.

A jade-like stone engraved with glowing elven runes.

Effect: Grants temporary access to elven-protected forests.

Forest Passage – Bypasses magical barriers.

Nature's Acceptance – Prevents hostility from wildlife.

Elven Tongue – Allows basic understanding of elven speech.

Duration: Until the bearer leaves the forest or after 72 hours.

Restriction: Must be gifted by an elf. Loses power if stolen.

> Me (internally): "This… lets me enter Laxs Forest. The level 90+ area. For free?"

This wasn't some minor trinket. This was a shortcut to one of the most restricted zones in the game.

> Me: "…You're just giving this to me?"

> Elf: "Consider it a deal if you buy the Lovy Clock."

A one-time opportunity to access Laxs Forest just for 7 CP?

> Me (internally): "I'm now officially broke… but it's worth it."

After securing my new clock and the elven stone, I casually leaned on the counter.

> Me: "By the way, how old are you?"

The elf's expression instantly darkened.

> Me: "Well, you look, uh… kinda small. And, uh… y'know, flat…"

For half a second, I thought I saw a vein pop on her forehead.

A handprint burned into my right cheek as I was kicked out of the store.

I stood there, dazed, rubbing my stinging face.

> Me (internally): "I just wanted to know her age…"

With zero CP left, a red handprint on my face, and Nina's silk secured, I made my way back to the portal location.

As I stepped through, I couldn't help but grin.

> Me (internally): "I may be broke, but I just got a key to Laxs Forest. Beta version, you're the best."

Day 2.4 the Price of Curiosity