“Name Stolen, my codename is Dark King. Your codename means you’re just a passerby.” Dark King menacingly smiled as he looked at Moss with disdain. “I’m not as careless as that rookie just now, but don’t worry. I will show mercy.”

He paused and said earnestly, “Listen to your elders, kid. You’re not ready for Buried City. Go home and study hard.”

“Since you know my codename, let’s begin. I don’t want to waste your time,” Moss calmly said as he smiled.

“I won’t argue with that!” Dark King used his skills and swung his blade at Moss as he spoke.

He had witnessed the battle between Moss and Dark Messenger 025. He knew his opponent possessed extraordinary speed and strength. Therefore, he used his full power the moment he rushed forward. He used all three skills simultaneously.

However, Dark King discovered he could not even crack Moss’s shield when he struck it. It surprised him and shocked everyone below the stage.

His Destructive Slash would unleash even greater power with Dark Blessing and Despair Aura. Dark King had struck the knight’s shield, but why could he not damage it?

It was because Dark King did not know Moss possessed the Absolute Defense skill. Moss would receive zero damage in the effective time against any attack.

Dark King did not expect the surprising situation and did not prepare himself for it. Moss knew he could not miss such an excellent opportunity to use Stormstrike.

At level 33, Moss could strike with nearly 50 tons of force. Even though Despair Aura weakened Moss’s attack, Dark King could not withstand Moss’s full strength Stormstrike.

Bang!

Dark King and his blade flew out of the arena. The crowd below was so shocked that their jaws almost hit the ground.

“That’s unbelievable!”

“What just happened?!”

“Did Dark King overdo it again?!”

“It doesn’t matter if he overdid it. The knight’s shield can’t withstand that attack, right?”

…

Most were shocked, while others praised and cheered.

“Excellent!”

“The knight’s speed and strength are extraordinary!”

“His defenses are also insane. I wonder what his shield is made of!”

“His flaming sword is also interesting. I wonder if he would be willing to trade it with me.”

…

The notification sounded again, “Congratulations, challenger. You have won two consecutive rounds and obtained 30 points.”

Upon hearing the notification, another commotion below the stage occurred.

“That kid completed the beginner mission so easily. He’s awesome!”

“He won twice in a row. How interesting.”

“Kid, do you want to join us?!”

…

Moss ignored the crowd and calmly walked down from the arena. He wanted to go outside Novice Village to see if he could find resources the management was interested in.

At that moment, he saw an older man with white hair, a wrinkled face, and tattered clothes approaching him. The older man had been paying attention to Moss since the first mission. He glued his eyes onto Moss during his two challenges just now.

Although the older man did not say a word, his eyes brightly shined. He would even nod with an excited smile from time to time.

Moss stopped and was about to speak when the older man asked, “Do you have other beginner missions, young man?”

Although he thought the older man looked like a beggar, he did not look down on him. Instead, Moss’s tone was gentle as he answered patiently, “Yes, old man.”

“I noticed how quickly you completed your first and second missions, but your third mission might not be so easy,” the older man spoke firmly and naturally. It was as if he knew what Moss’s third mission was.

Moss’s heart trembled, but he appeared calm. He smiled at the older man and humbly asked, “Do you have any good suggestions, old man?”

“Hmph, am I really that old?” The older man revealed a sad expression as he spoke, “My codename is Young Man. Don’t call me by the wrong name the next time you see me.”

The older man regained his calmness after telling Moss his codename. He stroked his white beard and continued, “Your appearance is too soft, young man. Many are already targeting you, so I suggest you wear a mask and change your voice.

“Besides, you will encounter unfamiliar areas and waste plenty of time looking for them since you’re a newbie. You’re unfamiliar with the items and people you’re searching for. That is the so-called newbie wall, and everyone has experienced it.”

Moss humbly asked, “So, do you have any tips on overcoming the newbie wall?”

The older man’s explanation was reasonable, especially his suggestions. Red Spider had repeatedly reminded Moss that Buried City’s people were unpredictable and that he had to be careful at all times.

Indeed, it was not good to expose his childishness in Buried City, a world he was utterly unfamiliar with.

“Let’s not talk about that. I believe you will find a better solution to the problem I mentioned,” the older man said as he waved his hand. His eyes were full of anticipation.

“So, do you know what kind of resources the management is interested in, old man?”

“That depends on your understanding of resources. Sometimes it’s good to follow your heart, especially since the management staff is also human. The more scarce the resources, the more precious they are.” The older man smiled.

He changed the topic, “You should locate them first. You can come to Novice Village to look for me if you need my help.” After that, he hummed a song and returned to the corner where he came.

There was a tough-looking man who only wore a vest in the other corner. He tightly knitted his brows as an anxious expression appeared on his face. He noticed Moss was about to leave and growled at the person behind him, “Quickly report this to Big Brother! That kid is too stubborn and needs to be careful!”

However, he saw no one behind him when he turned around. He angrily cursed, “Where the hell is Skinny Monkey?! Why hasn’t he returned yet?!” The burly man flew in Moss’s direction as he angrily cursed.

…

With the older man’s suggestion in mind, Moss put a lot of effort into the areas, resources, and familiarizing himself with people.

First, he hand-painted and copied Buried City’s map, marking it with what he had experienced. Moss would mark it again with detailed notes about the resources he found and the managers he met whenever he went to a new place.

He quickly familiarized himself with Buried City and found some crystals he thought were decent. He was about to reach the mission desk when a kind-looking, short man with a hunched back called out to him.

“Hand in your mission. You can exchange your resources with my high-quality crystals. I guarantee that the management will recognize you when you pass these to them.”

He removed a green crystal emitting fluorescent light from his pocket and waved it in front of Moss’s eyes as he spoke. At that moment, Moss seemed to feel the energy emanating from the crystal.