A Smokey Solace

"Kael, it seems the items you're looking for, the thread of rainbow lady and the brown blossom bug, can only be found within a dungeon called [StichWitch's Domain]," Irene explained as the scroll Saad had bought opened up and landed in his hands.

Quills: -20

[The map is being updated.]

[The quest, Basics of Thread-I, is being updated.]

"This dungeon is known to be quite challenging, and the minimum level limit is 15. Besides, to acquire these items, you would likely need a strong party to venture deeper into the dungeon. I mean, it would be better to do it once you have more skills. It's just my personal opinion."

Saad nodded, understanding the situation. Dungeon exploration was not to be taken lightly, and attempting it solo, especially at his current level, would be unwise. He appreciated Irene's honesty and insight, but he had to do it. Rosarie wasn't going to wait for him to get stronger.

"Thank you, Irene. I'll keep that in mind," Saad replied, now curious, "Is there a party that I can join for it, though?"

Irene realized that he wasn't going to stop and could only nod, "You just need to go to the dungeon. There will be a small area where adventurers will be asking around for teammates, and you can join one there. Anything else?"

Saad shook his head, "No. That's all about the dungeon. I need to get a new quest as well. Can you suggest one that is related to the dungeon?"

"There are many, actually. The tailors always need it in bulk for production," she said and started to go through the quests. "Here you go." She said and placed a stack in front of him. Saad thanked her before standing to the side as he started to go through them while she dealt with the next customer.

Irene wasn't lying. All of them were bulk orders. The payment was good, but the amount asked was also too much. But it was no issue for Saad. He needed money and quick. So since he was going to go there either way, might as well earn some extra quills.

He waited until she was free before he pushed the quests in front, and Irene raised her eyebrows, "I will take these 5." Saad 'knew' she had an objection; it was written on her face but he really needed that money. It might even take him days to finish the quests, but at the end of it, he would be getting paid handsomely. The quests he had chosen were all from different workshops.

The amount he needed to gather was insane.

[Needle and Notions- I]

Description: Assist the Markus workshop in collecting thread.

-Quest Details-

Thread of Rainbow Lady: 0/1000

Thread of yellow worm: 0/1000

Difficulty: E

Rewards:

+200 EXP

2 Spheres

[Needle and Notions- II]

Description: Assist the Astoria workshop in collecting material.

-Quest Details-

Web of crimson larva: 0/1000

Skull lilies: 0/ 500

Difficulty: E

Rewards:

+150 EXP

1 Spheres 50 Quills

[Needle and Notions- III]

Description: Assist the Clover workshop in collecting materials.

-Quest Details-

Thread of lava bugs: 0/3000

Difficulty: E

Rewards:

+300 EXP

3 Spheres

[Needle and Notions- IV]

Description: Assist the Ivy workshop in collecting materials.

-Quest Details-

Thread of lava bugs: 0/500

Thread of crimson butterfly: 0/1000

Galactic chickweed: 0/200

Skull lilies: 0/50

Difficulty: E

Rewards:

+170 EXP

1 Spheres 70 Quills

[Needle and Notions- III]

Description: Assist the Pansy workshop in collecting materials.

-Quest Details-

Thread of yellow worm: 0/ 2000

Difficulty: E

Rewards:

+200 EXP

2 Spheres

This was a lot to take in, but since he was going to gather the materials in the same dungeon, he knew that he would be able to do it relatively easily, unlike the previous quest. The quests were assigned to him, so he thanked her and went to the other counter to sell the loot from the cemetery. The receptionist was the same girl as last time, nice and cute but left no strong impression. She appraised the materials and made Saad a fair offer.

"I see you've got some bone dust and shadow hides there. I'll give you a good deal for them. The association offers 9 Quills for one hide and 17 Quills for each bottle of bone dust."

Saad agreed to her offer, and soon, the transactions were complete. He received a total of 3 spheres and 60 quills for the shadow hides, and an impressive 3 spheres and 40 quills for the bone dust. It was a good exchange.

-----------------------------------

Saad had been immersed in the virtual world for several hours, and that he was done with important things that he needed to deal with, he decided it was time to log out. He carefully removed his VR headset and unzipped his body suit, feeling the slight tingle of disconnection as he transitioned from the game's vibrant universe to his own reality.

As he stepped out of the room, he was greeted by his roommate, Haroon, and Aamir. They were all smiles and excitement, ready for a day out at Clifton Beach. Saad's heart leaped with the prospect of joining them. It had been a while since he had some fun at the beach. Just the thought of it brought him a sense of freshness.

"Hey, Saad! We're all going to Clifton Beach. You should come with us. It's going to be a blast!" Haroon grinned, his enthusiasm contagious.

Saad's initial excitement was tempered by the thought of all the quests and adventures he still wanted to complete in the game. Every moment he spent outside the virtual world felt like a missed opportunity. He hesitated, and Aamir noticed.

"Why are you hesitating, Saad?" Aamir asked, his tone carrying a hint of suspicion. "You've been cooped up in your room, playing this new game non-stop. It's like you're obsessed with it. And Haroon told me, you really think you can get money by a game? What kind of weird scheme you have gotten yourself into."

Saad felt a pang of frustration and hurt. Why was everyone judging his choices? Couldn't they just leave him alone and let him try this.

"Aamir, you don't understand," Saad began, his voice tinged with frustration. "This game is different. It's not just about playing; it's the new 'it'. So many people are earning! It's getting so big in the world! It's not a scheme; it's a new way of experiencing things."

Aamir crossed his arms, unconvinced. "I still don't buy it, Saad. You're wasting your time on this game, and I don't see how it's going to change anything in your life."

Saad clenched his fists, trying to keep his cool. "You're wrong, Aamir. It's already changed things for me. At least its giving me hope that I might be able to earn some money and get out of this trash can and maybe make my life better?"

Aamir shook his head, disbelief in his eyes. "Trash can? Huh? So now your standards are so high that this is trash for you? You couldn't even get a job and your father begged so many people so you could get a job and you are giving attitude like this?" Aamir's face was red.

Haroon, sensing the tension, tried to mediate. "Let's not argue about this. Saad, it's your choice. Aamir, I told you to not talk about it."

But Aamir wasn't ready to let it go. "I just don't want him to get caught up in some fantasy world and lose sight of what's important. Real life, real experiences, that's what matters. It's like some cheap fever dream that he is having. Games giving money. You really know how to make me laugh."

Saad's frustration grew. "Aamir, I don't need life lessons from you!"

The room felt heavy with tension, and it seemed like a fight was going to start. However, Haroon, always the peacemaker, stepped in to diffuse the situation.

"Alright, guys, let's not fight over this," Haroon said calmly. "Saad, you're free to make your choices. If you don't want to come, that's okay. Aamir, let's not push him too hard. Let's go, other will be waiting for us."

Despite Haroon's efforts to keep the peace, the atmosphere had already soured.

After his friends left for Clifton Beach, Saad was left alone in his room, the tension from their argument still lingering in the air. He felt a mix of emotions – frustration, hurt, and a sense of injustice. He needed an escape, a way to calm his racing thoughts and find solace.

Saad reached for the pack of cigarettes on his desk, an old habit he had picked up during his college days. He knew it wasn't a healthy way to cope, but at this moment, it was a small comfort. He took out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, and lit it with a trembling hand. As he inhaled deeply, he closed his eyes, letting the soothing embrace of nicotine wash over him.