Quest and Clues

Yo.
I did not expect that weird guy to actually join us. Like… what? It makes zero sense, right?

After the duel, I kept thinking about how he broke out of my time-stopping power. I asked him, but nope—he just brushed it off, saying, “I’ve lived pretty long, so I know these things.”
Yeah right, old man. What kind of “middle-aged looking dude” has lived so long he can casually resist my ultimate cheat? Suspicious.

And honestly? I’m kinda scared now.
Why? Because, bro, I’m not some buff warrior with insane muscles. I literally died once already and got reincarnated here. The only thing I got was my power. No brute strength. No martial skills. Just this cheat. And if other people figure out its weakness… I’m doomed.

Anyway. Back to business.
Our next objective was clear: sell our loot, gather information.

So I head to the reception, with Frost trailing me in this weird, clumsy walk. No idea what got into him—doggy dance mode maybe—but I just let him be.

The receptionist, Anna, looked young, lively, and—okay, listen, don’t get me wrong here—but she might be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
I’m not simping. I’m just saying, she’s got that kind of lady charm, you know?

She smiles and says, “Yes, we accept materials. But… I don’t see any on you?”

I just grin, open my item box, and start pulling out monster parts and herbs Mira collected.

Anna freezes. Like full-on statue mode.
“W-Where did you… get this?”

“Uh, from the forest? Where else?”

She leans closer—(yes, my face turned red, sue me)—and whispers:
“Don’t use that skill so casually. If people see, you’ll be in danger.”

“Why? It’s just… like, wireless storage. Portable luggage. What’s the big deal?”

Her eyes narrow.
“Because ‘Item Box’ is an extremely rare ability. Only a handful of people in the entire kingdom can use it. And those who do… are often feared as cursed or evil.”

I pause.
Wait. Evil?
It’s literally a glorified suitcase, why is this world so dramatic?

But she doesn’t let me argue. “No questions. Just promise me—don’t show it in public.”

I nod. Better safe than sorry.

Anyway, she starts inspecting our haul, and the second shock hits her.
“These materials… I’ve never seen them before.”

So I explain about the monster and herbs we found in the jungle. She blinks.
“W-What jungle?”

“You know, the big one. The hell forest. Can’t remember its real name. Over there.” I wave vaguely in its direction.

Third shock. She freezes again.
“You… came from there? That’s impossible.”

I shrug. “Well, here I am. Alive and handsome.”

She tells me to return tomorrow for payment since she needs to appraise the items. Then she leans in again, lowering her voice:
“That shadow man you mentioned… it might be connected.”

“Shadow man?” I repeat, playing dumb.

She stares hard at me. “Don’t pretend. If you really saw him, then…” She shakes her head. “Forget it. Just… be careful.”

Of course, I knew exactly who she meant: the Memory Eater.

As I left the counter, something caught my eye.
At the far side of the guild, leaning casually against the wall, was Arjun. His sword rested at his side, and his sharp gaze followed me for just a second before flicking away. Like he wasn’t interested. Like our duel never happened.

But I knew better.
That wasn’t a look you give strangers. That was the look of someone waiting.

I rejoined Mira and Shimon, shaking off the chill. I was about to share what Anna told me, but they cut me off.
“We accepted a quest!”

They slapped the paper on the table. My eyes widened.
“Yo, now that’s what I’m talking about!”