PLAYER SYSTEM C25 SECRET QUEST

Jack couldn't help but stare a second too long. The NPC in front of him was stunning—absurdly so. Her silver hair shimmered under the store’s ambient lighting, her posture perfect, and her sharp features reminded him of a certain celebrity from his previous life. His longtime crush, in fact.

Snapping out of it, Jack cleared his throat and adjusted his robe like someone trying to regain dignity after tripping in public. "I'm looking for accessories... something that could help in combat. Preferably against monsters."

The silver-haired elf tilted her head slightly, then nodded with a warm smile. "Certainly. We carry various enchanted items that would benefit a ‹Priest› like yourself."

As she turned and gestured toward a display case, a soft system chime rang in Jack's ears:

[You have unlocked “Enchantment Item Shop.” “Artifact Store” has been added to your system category.]

[You can now teleport to this store through your portal tab and purchase items remotely.]

Jack hummed thoughtfully. ‘So that’s how it works... I always wondered why I couldn’t buy items like I did in the avatar customization. Looks like visiting the physical store unlocks it for future use. Not bad.’

While he was lost in thought, the elven attendant waved a delicate hand in front of him. “Sir? Are you still with me?”

Jack blinked and coughed lightly, caught staring again. “Yes—sorry. Go on.”

With a small laugh, she moved to one of the pristine glass displays. Inside, a series of glowing accessories gleamed like luxury jewelry. She gestured to one with elegant fingers.

“This ring here is part of our ‹Uncommon› line. It should suit your class quite well.”

The moment she pointed at it, the ring's stats floated into Jack’s vision.

---

[Halo Band] (Ring)
Type: Ring
Class: Priest
Rarity: Uncommon
Level Requirement: 10
Stat Bonus: +2 WIS
Effect: Healing spells cast within 3 meters restore +3 additional HP
Price: 1,000 Coins (10,000 Silver)

---

Jack narrowed his eyes. ‘+3 healing within 3 meters? For a thousand coins? That’s practically daylight robbery. This is a priest-themed mood ring at best.’

His silence was misread.

“You seem interested,” the NPC said sweetly, her smile widening. “A wise choice. With just 10,000 silver, it can be yours.”

Jack resisted the urge to wince. ‘Ten... thousand... Damn. I could eat for a month on that.’

Clearing his throat again, he stepped back slightly. “Actually... I don’t think that one’s for me. Do you have anything else you’d recommend?”

The elven attendant tilted her head once more and nodded cheerfully. “Of course! Allow me to show you a broader selection.”

She walked him through the displays: common, uncommon, and eventually rare accessories. Each more dazzling than the last—and each with a price tag that made Jack’s wallet weep silently in his inventory.

Even the basic common items, which only gave a measly +1 stat boost, started at 400–600 Coins. Level 15 items only bumped that to +2, but the prices scaled up aggressively.

Jack smiled politely, but internally…

‘I walked in here thinking I’d casually buy an enchanted item or two… now I’m just trying not to look poor.’

He folded his arms behind his back and nodded slowly, pretending to deliberate.

The beautiful NPC waited, her eyes practically sparkling with expectation. Jack could feel her gaze on him, and a pang of guilt crept into his chest. His coin pouch was embarrassingly light—he couldn’t afford even the cheapest item in the store.

After a moment’s hesitation, he cleared his throat and put on a measured, almost critical expression. “The accessories here... they’re decent,” he said, glancing at the display, “but honestly, the effects feel a little underwhelming.”

He gave a small shake of his head and started backing away. “Sorry, I don’t think I’ll—”

Before he could finish, the silver-haired elf suddenly leaned forward, her excitement causing a subtle bounce in her chest. “Is that so? Then maybe you’d be more interested in something from our premium selection—items of «Epic» rarity.” Her eyes lit up with pride. “Wait right here, I’ll get them!”

Jack blinked. ‘She’s really going all in on this...’ He scratched the back of his head. ‘Maybe I should’ve just said I’m broke.’

Moments later, she returned carrying a velvet-lined box, opening it with a soft flourish. A dazzling array of accessories glowed inside, each radiating a faint magical aura.

“These are our Epic-tier items,” she said with pride. “They’re designed for level 20 and above, but even below that, they can be game-changers.”

She began listing off the effects: a ring for Mages that boosted spell power and mana regen... a Warrior’s necklace that added flat physical damage... and even a semi-Epic priest staff with healing amplification.

“I know you're a priest, but even items outside your class can be useful,” she said with a wink. “Take this one—‘Whisperbind Ring.’ It enhances spells and also adds passive mana efficiency.”

She paused, smiling sweetly. “So? What do you think? For just 100,000 silver, you can walk out with one of these today!”

Jack’s jaw twitched slightly. ‘100k? That’s twenty times more than what I’ve got…’

He hesitated, awkwardly rubbing his neck. “Ahem... Actually, I can’t afford any of these right now...”

The silence that followed made the air heavy. Jack avoided her eyes, expecting a look of irritation—but instead, the elf just sighed softly.

“Ah... I forgot. Not everyone can afford Epic items so easily.” She shook her head, more disappointed in herself than him. “You didn’t seem interested in the lower-tier gear, so I assume you won’t be purchasing anything today?”

Jack nodded, putting on a look of mild frustration. “Yeah... I’m a bit picky. I’d rather save up for something Epic than settle.”

‘Whew. At least I don’t look broke.’

But before he could finish his next sentence, the elf suddenly beamed, her voice lifting with excitement.

“Wait! There’s actually a way to get an Epic item—for free!”

Jack’s eyes shot open. “Fr-free!? Seriously!?”

The silver-haired NPC nodded with a bright smile. “Yes! Our store is currently running a special offer—one free Epic-tier accessory. But there’s a catch…”

“What is it?” Jack leaned in, gripping the edge of the counter, his face much closer to hers than he realized.

Feeling the heat of his breath, the elf blinked and pulled back slightly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. Jack noticed and immediately stepped back, flustered. “S-sorry, I got too excited.”

“It’s alright,” she said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Then she continued, “To receive the item, you’ll need to bring us the eyes of the «Flybeast Queen».”

Jack blinked, confused. “The eyes of what now?”

She clarified, “The Flybeast Queen—an Elite Monster found near the Mistwing Fen. Her eyes are rare and incredibly valuable. They’re a key component in crafting Epic-tier accessories. Bring us a pair, and we’ll forge one for you. Free of charge.”

Jack’s excitement dimmed into cautious thought. ‘Of course there’s a condition… There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’ Still, it was tempting.

Suddenly, a system notification flashed before him:

[You have triggered a Secret Quest!]

His eyes flicked to the message, lips curling into a slow grin. ‘Looks like I’ve got a new mission.’