The idea of taking out a loan had only hit me now. As of now I live off of about ten thousand a year.  If I were to up that to fifteen thousand a year, then I would be able to add in the extra charges for the internet. I would be living like I am now, but it would give me more time to do what I need. As far as I know, my credit is good. I do have a credit card. It is what I have been using to pay my internet bill, and I always pay it off every month. The amount on there is quite a bit, but I never charge what I can not afford, which is why I did not put the system on the credit card.

“If I can just get enough to cover three years….” That was all I really needed. If I could get a loan, I could quit my job after. The loan payments would be paid from the loan itself. It makes me wish I dreamt about lottery numbers. Then, I wouldn’t have this issue. But I still think it is worth a try if anything. I mean, it's not like I would have to worry about paying things back right away, and once dungeons spring up, I can start dungeon diving. 

While lost in my own thoughts, I arrived at what was currently a wilted sacred forest. I walked over to one of the trees and snapped off a twig.

[Hidden Quest: ‘Nature's Embrace’ Started]
[Conditions Updated…]
[Bring the withered branch back to town and find someone who can help revitalize the scared forest.]

And so it begins. It was a bit annoying, but the results would be worth it. I hurried back to town and began making my way down the street towards the shopping street. The main reason I was heading here was because I had to ask where the elf I needed to speak to lived.

According to what I remember from the forums, it was said that the meat vendor was close with the elf, and as long as she spoke to him and showed him the twig, it would update the quest to go speak with the elf.

The shopping street of Erune was very busy. The people who lived here came to this place to sell, barter, or buy things. The real world, too, would have such a place once the dungeons appear. It would be where many people would get rich very quickly. I am hoping to be one of those people. 

As such, I had to work harder than others to make sure I got all the benefits in the game in the next two years before everyone else. Even now, as I look at the other players running around, I can tell that I am the highest level around. Although some of these stares I am getting are really eating at me. It makes me wonder if these people have never seen a girl before. At any rate, it was best for me to hurry and find the meat vendor before someone tries to talk to me….

There were six meat vendors on this street, so I had no choice but to go one by one to each vendor. The first one I walked up to had a large, burly man about three times my size behind the counter, chopping fresh meat. “Ex-excuse me….”

“Hmmm?” The man turned to look up at me. I watched as his eyes widened, but they soon softened as he walked over and asked: “What can I get you, little lady?”

    “I don’t think I am that little but ummm… I was wondering if you knew of anyone who could look at this branch I got from the scared forest.” I replied I wish I had some money to give him to buy some meat, but right now, I have none of that. 

“Hmmm… a branch from the sacred forest? Sorry, I can’t help you there. But if you go down the street a little, Micky might know someone.” The man smiled at me as he pointed the way. Luckily, he did not seem very upset with me because I only stopped to ask a question.

“Thank you!” I forced a smile and quickly ran off. It still amazed me at how real the NPCs felt. It was as if they were real beings, to begin with. They might just be with how dungeons and monsters begin to appear in the real world soon. But, right now, I have no time to be concerned about such things, nor do I care much since, well… I am only in game to farm, level up, and save everything for when reality and the game begin to mix. Just thinking about the money I will make later makes me drool. Being poor sucks…

I made my way over to the stall Micky was located at and stood in line. It seemed he was quite popular. When it was finally my turn, I got the same surprised look as I did before, but Micky quickly put on a professional smile as he asked: “What can I get for ya?”

    “I was told to come see you to point me in the direction of someone I can speak to who can help me with this withered branch from the scared forest,” I explained, showing him the branch in question.

“Hmmm? I only know one person, but…. Well, You can give it a try. If she still has any love for her people, she will help. Go to Rose Rd. You will see a house that is covered in flowers. There lives an elf woman named Noel. She is the only one who will be able to help you.” Micky replied, and I gave my thanks and left. 

As I did, a new notification popped up.

[Hidden Quest: ‘Nature's Embrace’ Started]
[Conditions Updated…]
[You found out about an elf woman named Noel. Speak to her about the withered branch from one of the scared trees.]