Worldwide Attention
The Hidden Dungeon slowly collapsed behind Aster.
Ancient stone walls crumbled into dust as the crimson sky dissolved into streams of light.
A gentle force surrounded his body.
The next instant—
He found himself standing exactly where the mysterious runic circle had activated in Stonefang Ravine.
The dungeon entrance had vanished.
It was as though it had never existed.
Aster let out a slow breath.
"...It's over."
Before he could take another step, several notifications rapidly appeared before him.
---
Milestone Rewards Distributed
---
World Achievement Reward
First Hidden Dungeon Cleared
Reward:
2 Gold Coins
---
Another window appeared.
---
World Achievement Reward
First Dungeon Boss Defeated
Reward:
2 Gold Coins
---
Total Reward Received
4 Gold Coins
---
Aster blinked.
"...Four gold?"
Even he understood its significance.
The newly introduced economy had only just begun.
Gold coins were still extremely scarce.
The system displayed an additional explanation.
---
Currency Information
Due to the current stage of Divine Nexus' economy...
1 Gold Coin currently holds an estimated market value exceeding 20,000 dollars of real-world currency.
Exchange values may fluctuate according to supply, demand, and future economic updates.
---
Aster stared at the number.
"...Twenty thousand?"
That meant...
His reward alone was already worth over 80,000 dollars.
His heartbeat quickened.
This wasn't simply game money anymore.
It was enough to cover a significant portion of his hospital expenses.
Enough to ease Elena's burden.
He quietly clenched his fist.
"I'll keep saving."
"I won't waste a single coin."
Another notification appeared.
---
Unique Title Acquired
Hidden Trailblazer
The first adventurer to conquer a Hidden Dungeon.
---
Title Effects
Inside Dungeons
* Minor Resistance to Poison
* Minor Resistance to Paralysis
* Minor Resistance to Fear
Outside Dungeons
* Reputation with Village NPCs:
+10
(People naturally recognize the aura of an accomplished adventurer.)*
---
Aster smiled.
"So titles have practical effects..."
Although the resistance was weak, it could become invaluable in future dungeons.
He equipped the title.
A faint silver emblem briefly appeared above his status before disappearing.
---
Elsewhere...
Within the magnificent city of Eldoria, the current Rank One player on the leaderboard calmly studied a tactical map.
Valerius Level 10.
Leader of the global rankings.
Several elite members of the Ashcroft Guild stood nearby.
The world announcement echoed once again throughout the city.
First Hidden Dungeon Cleared
Valerius slowly lowered the document in his hand.
His expression darkened ever so slightly.
"...Interesting."
One of his subordinates stepped forward.
"Young Master?"
Valerius looked toward the sky.
"I've spent the entire day optimizing experience routes."
"I've secured Rank One."
"And yet..."
"...someone else accomplished something I couldn't."
Silence filled the room.
He calmly folded the map.
"Find him."
The subordinate immediately bowed.
"Yes, Young Master."
"I want every information broker."
"Every scouting team."
"Every affiliated guild."
He looked out the castle window.
"Discover the identity of the player hidden behind those censored characters."
"...Before anyone else does."
---
Across the World
The internet exploded.
Forums refreshed every second.
Livestreams analyzed the announcement repeatedly.
Countless theories emerged.
"Was it Rank One?"
"No, Valerius would never hide his name."
"Maybe it's a hidden guild."
"A beta tester?"
"A lucky player?"
Even more chaotic were the newly established information markets.
Anonymous brokers began posting enormous rewards.
Wanted Information
Identity of the First Hidden Dungeon Conqueror.
Payment Negotiable.
Another quickly followed.
Seeking eyewitnesses.
Any information regarding hidden dungeons.
High payment guaranteed.
Within only an hour...
The mysterious player had become the hottest topic in Divine Nexus.
No one knew his name.
No one knew his appearance.
No one knew where he came from.
Only one fact remained certain.
Someone...
Had already begun walking far ahead of everyone else.
---
Meanwhile...
Aster remained completely unaware of the chaos he had caused.
He quietly walked along the familiar roads leading back to Mistvale.
The Veil of the Nameless rested upon his shoulders.
Even when other players glanced toward him...
Their eyes instinctively slid away.
The coat subtly concealed his presence.
It was as though the world itself encouraged anonymity.
Mistvale's bustling streets soon came into view.
Players crowded around newly opened merchant stalls.
Some excitedly exchanged currency.
Others purchased equipment for the first time.
The economic system had already transformed the village.
Aster opened his inventory.
Dozens of monster materials.
Common weapons.
Worn armor.
Spider fangs.
Venom sacs.
Wolf pelts.
Boar tusks.
Ironhide scales.
He smiled faintly.
"Time to make my first honest profit."
Without attracting attention...
Without revealing his identity...
The nameless adventurer quietly walked toward the merchant district.
While the entire world searched for the mysterious conqueror...
That very person was simply looking for the best shop to sell a pile of ordinary monster materials.