Chapter 68 - 68 65 Hidden Profession

68: Chapter 65 Hidden Profession 68: Chapter 65 Hidden Profession Half an hour later, Xiao Jie and I Want to Be Immortal gathered again at the entrance of the village. Both had repaired their equipment, sold the trash, stocked up on potions, and with the Hunting Dog in tow, they set out from the village to start their afternoon leveling journey. While walking towards the hillside, I Want to Be Immortal suddenly asked, “Bro Feng, do you think we can trust them?” Xiao Jie didn’t answer but instead asked, “How did you come to trust in the first place?” I Want to Be Immortal’s tone became somewhat solemn, “At first, my brother called me to meet one last person. After meeting, he left me the money and activation code, told me about the game, and then he died right in front of me. How could I not believe?” Xiao Jie was momentarily silent, I Want to Be Immortal’s experience wasn’t much different from his own. “Maybe it’s indeed hard for them to believe, but let’s do our best and leave the rest to fate. We’ve fulfilled our duty. If they still choose to ignore our warnings, it’s their fate.” “I also had a brother who died in front of me. If someone had warned us, maybe things would’ve been different.” Having said this, both fell silent for a moment until the mountain bandits appeared in the distance. Xiao Jie spoke loudly, “Alright, stop worrying about all that stuff. Pull yourself together, and don’t forget we still have a mission. Today’s goal is Level 6, let’s get to it!” I Want to Be Immortal immediately perked up. Meanwhile—Ginkgo Village. “Damn, they really think I’m a fool.” Sanbing muttered under his breath as he watched the two figures walking away. A death game? Bringing game skills into reality? I don’t believe such ghost stories. But if one could really bring game skills into the real world, that would be something. Still, how is that even possible? Thinking this, Sanbing decided to continue his grand plan of begging for money. Surely, there couldn’t be just a few players in this game, right? How does one distinguish between players and NPCs in this game again? He eyed a few villagers nearby. It wasn’t easy to tell apart players from NPCs, except that all the newcomers, including himself, were practically in their birthday suits, which was obviously unique. The rest of the villagers, including a player who seemed like a Swordsman, all dressed like ancient people. Though names could give some clues, some players obviously chose normal names, like the newbie named Dongfang Sheng, or that guy named Wang Kai. I guess I’ll have to try them one by one. With that thought, Sanbing walked straight up to a Militiaman. “Big brother, could you spare me some money?” “Go away, go away. You’re a grown man with hands and feet, and you’re still asking people for money? Aren’t you ashamed?” (Huh, is this guy a player? He can even curse at people.) Although he saw the prompt for voice interaction with an NPC, Sanbing felt that the Militiaman was totally like a real person, definitely a player. “Please, big brother, I also want to leave the village to kill monsters and level up. I’m just a newbie with nothing. Have some pity, will you?” The Militiaman grew even more impatient, “Get lost, get lost. If you want money, go work for it. There are jobs everywhere in the village for able-bodied people. Why act so pathetic?” “Fine, don’t give it then, go act your mother’s act.” Sanbing felt annoyed, and simply started to lash out. He also noticed the jobs available. Didn’t Dongfang Sheng go to work in the fields? But he’d come to play the game for fun, not to flip soil over and over again—that’s not how you play games. I refuse to accept this; I must get something today. Seeing an old man ahead, he quickly approached, “Old man, please be kind and give me some money.” After making a complete round, he didn’t manage to get a single penny, only a lot of dirty looks. Finally losing his temper, he decided if they weren’t going to give him money, at least he wouldn’t spare them his words; he’d curse and vent as he pleased. After half a day of this, he did feel better from all the venting and planned to persist, but then his character’s stomach started to feel hungry first. Huh, this game is so hardcore, there’s a satiety system? Looking at the Hunger DEBUFF above his head, Sanbing thought he better not starve to death here. No, I need to change my strategy. After interacting so much with the villagers, I’ve realized that these villagers really do seem like NPCs. Although the gameplay is a bit annoying, the AI of these NPCs is pretty damn impressive. With this technology alone, even if I don’t leave the village to fight monsters, chatting with these NPCs is enough to relieve boredom. Since they’re so intelligent, I might as well throw some emotions into it. Seeing a granny feeding chickens, he approached her. “Granny, granny, please give me some money, or even food will do. Look at me, penniless and down on my luck, about to starve to death. Isn’t there anyone who can take pity on me, waaaah…” Unexpectedly, this performance actually worked. The NPC granny showed a look of pity on her face and said, “Sigh, there’s no helping you. What’s a big guy like you crying for? Here, I have a steamed bun, take it and eat. You’re a grown man, find some work to do.” [System Notification: Through your relentless efforts, you have finally begged a steamed bun from a villager and thereby unlocked the hidden task [Beggar]. You have comprehended the skill [Begging]. Do you accept this task? Yes/No?] Sanbing was both shocked and delighted. Damn, am I that awesome? A hidden task, huh? Sounds really impressive. To think I could beg my way to a hidden profession, this game’s freedom is really high. Sanbing quickly chose to accept. He anxiously checked the skill. [Begging (Life Skill) Usage: Beg from a target, perform a persuasion check, and upon success, receive random alms from them. If the check fails, it may decrease your reputation value in the current area. Skill Description: Even a complete waste of space can survive in this world, as long as they abandon their dignity, cast aside their worries, stretch out their begging hands, and wait for others’ pity.] Sanbing thought to himself that this skill was powerful; he could freeride on getting equipment. Persuasion check? That means it requires the player’s own flair. I can do that; it’s just sweet-talking, right? He found a militia member who seemed easy to talk to. He laid it on thick with flattery. “Big brother, I can tell from your aura that you are extraordinary and valiant, truly a great hero. I am honored to meet you. I won’t lie; I’m new here and I don’t understand anything. I can’t even afford food, and I have no clothes to wear. Could you spare me a few copper coins? Or if not, any old clothes, steamed buns, or dumplings will do.” The militia guy was quite taken with the flattery and scratched his head, saying, “You do have a way with words, kid. But I don’t have any money. I do have an old pair of shoes that I’ll give you if you don’t mind.” [System Notification: Begging succeeded; you have obtained the item [Old Straw Sandals].] [Old Straw Sandals (Shoes/Poor Quality) Leg defense +1. Durability 1/3. Item Introduction: Roughly made straw sandals that could fall apart at any time, almost worthless equipment.] Damn, just a common piece of trash equipment? Although I’m not picky, this is a bit too crappy. Straw sandals—and they’re worn out, no less. But it’s still something, and a good start. Sanbing wasn’t choosy; as a level 1 newbie, he’d wear whatever he got. He put them on right away and started his big begging venture.