Chapter 9: An Entry Price

As Zane enjoyed his meal, a system screen popped up.

[Tadaa! Sign-up bonus activated!]

He paused mid-bite, glancing at the glowing text. Sign-up bonus?

"System, what's this about?"

[Since you are new to this world, a sign-up bonus will be granted.]

Zane raised an eyebrow. "And why am I only getting it now?"

[The bonus activates after a user remains in a Safe Zone for at least ten minutes.]

He snorted. "Weird condition, but sure. So, what's my reward?"

[Calculating sign-up bonus to match host…]

A pause. Then—

[Error detected.]

[Warning: The system has never encountered this situation before.]

[Additional calculations required. Please wait 24 hours.]

Zane exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "So you interrupted my meal for nothing? Annoying."

[Apologies for the delay. Please be patient.]

He didn't bother responding. Instead, he took a sip of red wine, washing down the last of his skewers.

Once he was full, Zane stretched and walked up to the stall owner. "Where's the city hall?"

The stall owner glanced at him. "Oh, you're new here? Alright, just head down the block. You'll see a sci-fi-looking building on the left. There's a street beside it—take that, and you'll spot a sign for City Hall."

Zane nodded. "Got it. Thanks." He turned to leave, but the stall owner called out again.

"Kid, if you ever need directions to the guild, just stop by."

That was random, but at least the guy was helpful. "Alright," Zane said before continuing on his way.

As he walked, he soon spotted the so-called sci-fi building. With sleek metal walls, glowing blue lines, and an overall futuristic design, it definitely looked expensive. Whoever owned it had money.

Not long after, he reached the City Hall sign. The building itself resembled a modern skyscraper, and as he stepped inside, the cool air from the AC washed over him. The place was well-furnished, sleek, and professional—just like a corporate headquarters.

Approaching the reception desk, he was greeted by a smiling woman.

"Welcome to City Hall! How can I assist you?"

That smile's fake. Zane immediately saw through it. Years of business meetings made me good at reading people.

"I want to buy a piece of land," he said.

Her expression remained pleasant. "Alright. What type of building, and how many square meters?" Then she added, "You're new here, right? Can you show me your Toll Coin?"

Toll Coin? Zane recalled the guards mentioning it at the gate. But since he hadn't entered the city normally, he simply replied, "I don't have it on me."

She frowned slightly. "It should be saved in your inventory. How did you get in without one?" Her eyes sharpened with suspicion, and her fingers inched toward something under the desk—probably an alert button.

Not good.

"Can't I just buy one now?" he asked, keeping his tone casual, though his focus remained on her movements.

"You can," she said, her smile returning—this time a little more genuine, like she stood to profit from it. "But instead of 5 CP, you'll have to pay 50 CP."

Zane narrowed his eyes. "That's ten times the price."

She nodded. "Yes. That's the rule."

Not wanting trouble, Zane smirked sarcastically and pulled up his system interface. With a simple motion—almost like swiping a card—the payment went through. A small notification popped up, and a Toll Coin materialized in his inventory.

The receptionist's grin widened. "So, which plot of land do you want, sir? The outer area or the inner area?"

Zane leaned against the counter, considering his options. Inner area likely meant better security, closer to essential services, but also more surveillance and higher costs. Outer area would offer more freedom, easier access in and out of the city, but possibly weaker defenses.

After weighing the pros and cons, he made his decision. If he wanted the flexibility to leave and return at will, the outer area was the better choice.

"I'll take a plot in the outer area," he said.

The receptionist scoffed, exhaling sharply as she pulled up a holographic screen. "Here, take a look."

Displayed before him were various plots of land scattered across the city. One was near the main gate, another by the back gate, and one was surrounded by other buildings. But Zane's eyes landed on a spot near the fortress wall—a plot positioned at the edge of the district. It might be a bit noisy, but it would do.

"I'll take this one," he said, pointing at the location.

The receptionist smirked. "Let me guess, you're getting a hut or a little dorm? I'll just input 2x2 square meters—"

"No," Zane cut in. "Make it 4x6."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why? Trying to show off?"

Zane leaned on the counter, meeting her gaze. "It's my money. Just take it."

She sighed dramatically before entering the dimensions. "Alright. That'll be 30,000 CP."

Without hesitation, Zane swiped the payment through his system. A confirmation screen appeared, followed by a notification—[Land Deed Acquired.] The document materialized in his inventory.

As he turned to leave, the receptionist shook her head, muttering, "Idiot."

---

Zane made his way back to the stall owner. The man noticed him approaching and grinned.

"Ah, kid! You're back. Looking for the guild, huh?"

Zane nodded. "Yeah, you mentioned I could stop by."

The stall owner wiped his hands on a cloth and leaned forward. "I've got a proposal for you first. Care to hear me out?"

Zane studied him for a moment, then shrugged. "Go on."

The stall owner nodded. "See, monsters can't be eaten—except for the Beast-class ones."

Zane's brows furrowed. First time hearing that. "Wouldn't they just disappear at night?"

"They do," the man confirmed. "But if you bring them into a Safe Zone before that happens, they won't vanish. That means they can be used as meat."

Zane tapped his fingers against the stall's counter. "And?"

"I want to strike a deal with you," the man continued. "Instead of handing monsters over to the guild, why not bring them here? You can still sell cores and other valuable parts to the guild—I just want the meat."

Zane narrowed his eyes. "What's the split?"

"50-50," the stall owner said smoothly. "Not a bad offer, right?"

Zane wasn't sure. He still didn't know how the guild worked or how valuable monster materials were. Instead of agreeing blindly, he played it safe.

"I'll think about it," he said.

The stall owner smirked, as if expecting that answer. "Alright, kid. But I'll be waiting."

Before Zane could ask about the guild, the man gestured at him. "You bought property, right? Check your inventory—you should have a map now. Materialize it."

Zane did as instructed. A detailed map holographically expanded before him. The stall owner pointed at a spot.

"There. That's the guild's location."

Zane marked the location on his map, then turned on his heels and started heading toward the guild.

The streets were bustling with activity—merchants shouting about their wares, adventurers haggling over weapons, and street cooks grilling skewers that filled the air with a rich, smoky aroma.

As he walked, he glanced at the Safe Zone's barrier in the distance. It was still early, but the thought of being locked out after curfew lingered in his mind.

Not long after, a large building came into view. Unlike the other structures, this one was made of reinforced stone, with a massive iron sign hanging above the entrance.

[Adventurer's Guild]

Zane didn't hesitate. He pushed the doors open and stepped inside.

The interior was spacious, with multiple counters, quest boards, and a second floor where people were drinking and laughing. Armored fighters, robed casters, and rugged-looking adventurers filled the space.

At the front desk, a middle-aged man in light armor sat behind the counter, lazily flipping through a book. When he noticed Zane, he raised an eyebrow.

"Newcomer?" he asked, closing the book.

Zane nodded. "Something like that."

The man leaned forward. "What brings you here? You looking for work, registration, or information?"

Zane crossed his arms. "Let's start with information."

The man smirked. "Information ain't free, kid."

Zane sighed, already expecting this. "How much?"

The guild worker held up three fingers.

"3,000 CP per detailed request. General info? That's free—if you ask nicely."

Zane debated for a moment, then pulled out his system and swiped the amount. The worker grinned, leaning back in his chair.

"Alright, kid. What do you wanna know?"