Major Mission

Ryan observed the names Gouru and Gura on the system's map, positioned together at the location marked as the [Treasurer Vault]. He noted the detailed information provided about this location, which seemed to be the central hub for managing, storing, and disbursing the city's funds, secured by robust fortifications.

With a thoughtful stroke of his chin, Ryan realized the gravity of the situation. His forces were scant—a mere dozen soldiers clad in substandard armor and wielding inferior weapons. This was no task for rash actions, especially when pitted against the city's established officials.

Just as Ryan was pondering the complexities of the side mission, he noticed additional dots labeled with names moving towards the [Treasurer Vault] on the map: [Ealric], [Piri], [Pommel], [Yonio], and [Slyff]. Through his observations, Ryan deduced that these dots labeled with names represented city officials, similar to the indications for Gouru and Gura, including their positions within the city and their significant roles.

As he verified the identities of each person entering the [Treasurer Vault], Ryan realized they were the city's elders. Seeing them meet with Gouru and Gura, Ryan surmised that these elders were likely deeply entangled in corruption. Although he was wary and initially just suspicious, but personally seeing the sight of the elders gathering in the [Treasurer Vault] with the city treasurer and the overseer of public works and agriculture, all of whom were implicated in corrupt activities, heightened his suspicions. Moreover, the presence of the Magistrate with the elders suggested that he, too, were part of the corruption.

Ryan sighed, a wry smile forming on his lips. "So, every official in the city is corrupt?" he silently muse to himself.

Suddenly, the familiar sound of a notification rang out.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations! You have completed the side mission!]

[Reward: 80 XP, 3 points.]

Another alert immediately followed.

[Ding!]

[The major mission has been activated!]

[The Major Mission: Strategize to Address Corruption]

"You discover that all the city officials in your domain are corrupt. As the ruler, it's up to you to devise a strategy to handle Bathsheba's corrupt officials who may challenge your authority."

Different rewards will be provided depending on your approach to completing the mission!

Reward for decisively confronting and arresting the city officials, stripping them of their titles and positions, and imprisoning them, thus dealing with the city's corruption firmly: 1,000 XP, 7 points!

Reward for adopting a more indifferent stance, allowing the city officials to retain their positions while you address the issue slowly and cautiously: 500 XP, 4 points.]

Ryan felt a surge of satisfaction from completing the side mission simply by applying logical thought to his observations from the system's map.

He then turned his attention to the major mission. The system presented two distinct approaches, each with its own set of rewards. It appeared that the system seemed to prefer a more assertive, iron-fisted approach, offering more enticing rewards for this method compared to the more subdued, cautious strategy.

After a moment, Ryan turned his attention to the system panel.

[Race: Human

Name: Ryan Fitzroy

Title: The Reborn Prince, Lord of Bathsheba

Location: Bathsheba, Thornvale

Role: System User/Prince/Lord

System Level: 2

Experience: 80.30/1000]

[Attributes:

- Strength: 6

- Agility: 8

- Intelligence: 13

- Wisdom: 9

- Charisma: 12

- Luck: 8

Points: 8

XP: 80.30]

Ryan perused his attributes thoughtfully, considering which one to enhance next.

Meanwhile, Gilbert stood nearby, watching Ryan with a mix of curiosity and respect.

Breaking away from his focused review of the system, Ryan noticed Gilbert's attentive gaze and addressed him, "Gilbert, there's no need for you or the servants to continue your investigations."

Surprised, Gilbert's brows knitted in concern. "Your Highness, has something happened? Is there a problem?" he inquired, clearly worried.

With a reassuring smile, Ryan responded, "Everything's fine. I've just unraveled the mystery behind the city's corruption."

Gilbert's expression shifted to one of confusion and slight astonishment. He had been in Ryan's company for the last half hour, during which the prince had seemed lost in thought, almost in a trance. Gilbert had respected Ryan's silence, assuming he was deep in contemplation. Yet, he hadn't anticipated that in such a short span, Ryan would uncover the full scope of corruption plaguing the city, all while appearing to be merely daydreaming.

After dispatching Gilbert to relay the message to the servants, Ryan leaned against the worn table in the lord's office, gazing thoughtfully out the window at the cityscape.

He was determined to devise a meticulous plan to confront the corrupt officials, intending to strip them of their titles and positions publicly before the citizens.

Before setting this plan into motion, Ryan decided to allocate some points to his attributes.

He added two points to his [Wisdom], bringing it up to 11. Immediately, he felt a subtle but real enhancement in his understanding of the city's plight and the underlying corruption. Though the change was slight, Ryan trusted in the system's effect, confident that his increased wisdom was not a figment of his imagination.

Next, he invested four points into his [Luck], raising it to 12. Ryan knew that luck could play a crucial role in the success of his plans against the city's officials.

Finally, he allocated the remaining two points to his [Strength], boosting it to 8. As the points were applied, he felt a slight increase in his physical strength, a peculiar sensation that faded as quickly as it appeared.

[Attributes:

- Strength: 8

- Agility: 8

- Intelligence: 13

- Wisdom: 11

- Charisma: 12

- Luck: 12

Points: 0

XP: 80.30]

After upgrading some of his attributes, Ryan sank into a contemplative silence. He was fully aware of the daunting task ahead. Confronting the entrenched city officials, potentially backed by significant forces, would be no easy feat.

Fortunately, Ryan had an ace up his sleeve: the System Map. This tool provided him with real-time locations of the city officials and any guards that might be protecting them.

Ryan understood the strategic importance of stealth and precision in his approach. By arresting the city's officials quietly and efficiently, he likened his strategy to capturing a commander or general on the battlefield. Without their leaders, the forces loyal to these officials would be disorganized and ineffective, akin to a headless fly.