Chapter 10

 
[ A temporary buff has been applied to the cathedral. ]

[ This is a groundbreaking achievement! ]

[ You are the first player to grant buffs without using a skill! ]

As the performance ended, a series of notifications and messages appeared.

‘What in the world…?’

‘Hah…’

Everyone in the hall turned their gazes toward Yuhyeon.

The first to regain his composure was Pengkun.

‘N-no way… He granted a buff without a skill?’

Unlike Yuhyeon, Pengkun, who was merely a party member, didn’t have access to as many notifications.

Yet, the few notifications he did see were enough to shock him.

[ First-time Achievement Unlocked ]

[ Title Acquired ]

[ The First User to Grant a Buff Without Using a Skill ]

Every single notification was extraordinary.

No, more than extraordinary—he had never seen anything like this before.

[ ‘Hamdin’ has donated 500,000 won. ]

– What the heck? He got two first-time achievements, and the synergy triggered a buff?

[ ‘Inun’ has donated 200,000 won. ]

– No way, is this a hidden piece? I can’t believe the “First User” title was still up for grabs in the newbie village.

[ ‘HodadakMedadak’ has donated 100,000 won. ]

– LOL, is this viewer count surge for real? Hahaha

[ ‘KimJaemin’ has donated 5,000 won. ]

– I’m donating all of my allowance…

Floods of donations poured in as viewers witnessed an unbelievably rare moment.

The number of live viewers temporarily surged close to 1,000, and soon the chat was filled with endless lines of ‘?’ and ‘!?’

‘Being the first’ was synonymous with unlocking a hidden piece.

[ ‘BardBoomIncoming’ has donated 100,000 won. ]

– But what’s the buff?? Show us already, I’m going crazy here.

“Oh, just a second… It looks like all stats are increased. Plus 10 to all stats and… an extra 15% damage? What the hell?!”

With wide eyes, Pengkun shared his notification window on-screen.

[ All Stats +10, Additional Damage +15% (Duration: 30 minutes) ]

– Wow.
– ?!
– No way, lol.
– Insane.
– That’s crazy.
– Holy…

The chat exploded in an instant, turning pitch-black with a flood of messages.

– Plus 10 to all stats and 15% extra damage? That’s insane.

– This is better than a 100-gold buff potion that only gives a 10% damage boost, LOL.

– And it even lasts 30 minutes? Plus all stats +10?

– Is this game balance even real?

The royal court musicians’ buffs usually provided about a 20% additional damage increase.

While Yuhyeon’s buff fell slightly short in terms of pure damage, it had the added benefit of boosting all stats by 10.

Assuming an even stat distribution, it was equivalent to leveling up ten times at once.

‘This effect is ridiculous… What the hell is happening?’

Is it because it’s a hidden piece? There’s no logical way to explain the effects using common knowledge.

As Pengkun was still processing his shock, Charles was experiencing his own wave of astonishment and admiration.

‘That harsh guy… His entire expression changed in an instant.’

Charles glanced at Gueye, lost in thought. When it came to music, Gueye was stricter and more critical than anyone.

The only musician he acknowledged was Devotee Paolo. Even when an external musician was brought in, he had demanded someone at least on par with, if not superior to, the royal court musicians.

‘Gueye was second only to Paolo in skill, which is why convincing him was so difficult.’

Having dedicated his entire life to the violin and reaching that level of mastery, it was natural for most musicians to fall short of his expectations.

And yet, here he was—staring at Yuhyeon like a lovestruck maiden.

‘If even Gueye is like this, what chance do I have…?’

This was precisely why Charles had become a devout follower of Yuhyeon.

If even Gueye could be won over in an instant, then what else could it be if not divine intervention?

From this moment on, Charles was willing to do anything for Yuhyeon.

Be it music, small favors, or anything else—he would do it all.

‘Is this even the same violin performance?’

Gueye was having the same internal crisis.

After hearing Yuhyeon’s playing, he started questioning everything he had ever known about music.

Had his entire life’s work been nothing more than technical drills rather than true performance?

‘I… could never play like that.’

No matter how advanced his technique, Gueye couldn’t conjure such vivid imagery in his listeners’ minds.

Revealing the performer’s emotions to the audience—

Is that even possible in reality?

‘But he did it.’

At some point, Gueye had unconsciously started referring to Yuhyeon as ‘him’ instead of ‘that bastard who eats grass like a goat.’

‘There’s no avoiding it. I have to acknowledge him.’

Musicians communicated through their music, and when they met a true master, it was only proper to show respect.

Gueye abruptly stood up and called out to Yuhyeon—casting aside his pride and stubbornness.

“Please take care of us for the upcoming ceremony! Teach me as much as you can during our ensemble practice!”

Yuhyeon smiled slightly and replied, “Of course. I look forward to working with you.”

With everyone’s full acknowledgment—

“Shall we begin the ensemble, then?”

Yuhyeon took his first step forward.

A true step toward the ceremonial performance.

*  *  *

“Keep your focus until the very end. Sustain the final note… Good. Well done, everyone.”

“Hah… Finally, it’s over.”

“Whew… haah…”

The first ensemble practice had successfully come to an end.

Everyone was drenched in sweat, completely exhausted—except for Yuhyeon, who remained perfectly composed.

“So, what time should we rehearse tomorrow?” he asked casually.

“…Hah.”

They had just finished, and he was already setting the next rehearsal schedule. Should they be impressed or horrified?

Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Charles barely managed to respond.

“Any time after the afternoon service at 2 PM is fine.”

“Then let’s meet at 2.”

“Yes, Conductor.”

It was unanimously decided—Yuhyeon would lead the ensemble.

From shaping the musical interpretation to fine-tuning the notes, and even directing the first practice, everything had begun and ended with him.

Mistakes led to repeated practice, but there were no raised voices.

In just this short time, everyone had come to trust him deeply.

‘A flood of cascading notes… My hands almost slipped off my viola from the strain.’

‘He conducted nonstop while playing the keyboard at the same time. His focus is incredible.’

‘I’ve never practiced like this before… Is this what it takes to perform at that level?’

Charles, Martin, and Gueye all stared at Yuhyeon with different expressions.

Then, as if something occurred to him, Charles spoke up: “Oh, since practice is over, we need to finalize the contract. I almost forgot while catching my breath.”

He pulled out the contract and handed it to Yuhyeon.

“This is the agreement.”

The document was elegantly handwritten with a sealing stamp—like something straight out of a fantasy film.

Yuhyeon took it.

Ding!

[ You have obtained ‘Elder’s Contract.’ ]

“Take your time reading it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. The cathedral guarantees the contract’s fairness, so there are no unreasonable clauses. You can use this seal for signing.”

Just as Charles had said, nothing seemed off.

It simply emphasized diligent practice and doing one’s best for the ceremony.

‘…This contract is actually good.’

Unlike in reality, there were no sneaky clauses trying to exploit him—it merely required effort and commitment.

Yuhyeon quickly skimmed through and nodded. Then his eyes landed on the last section—rewards.

[ Rewards ]

50 Gold

Honorary Devotee Emblem (Upon Ceremony Completion)

‘Finally, payday.’

He wasn’t sure what the emblem was, but one thing stood out:

50 Gold.

‘Just one stamp away from 50 Gold… That’s almost a month’s rent. Or over 20 orders of fried chicken.’

Gulping, Yuhyeon pressed the seal onto the contract.

Ding!

[ Contract completed. ]

[ 50 Gold has been awarded. ]

His inventory shimmered as the gold was deposited.

‘Hell yeah, finally!’

Should I get fried chicken for dinner? Maybe even splurge on a cheese ball?

Charles, smiling, took back the contract.

“Mr. Yuhyeon, now that practice is over, what’s your plan?”

“Hmm…”

His main goals were already achieved.

He had heard plenty of sounds, earned 50 gold, and even played the violin. He’d more than exceeded his original goal.

‘Is that really enough? Feels like I could do more,’ the thought crossed his mind.

Ever since logging into Wonderland, an endless string of unbelievable events had been unfolding before him.

Moments that sparkled—something he had rarely experienced while holed up in his tiny rented room.

The sheer joy of hearing sounds, going about his daily life, and encountering strange and wonderful events…

Was it really best to log out now?

“You don’t have any interest in hunting or exploring like the other outsiders, Mr. Yuhyeon?”

“It’s not that I’m not interested… I just haven’t done it before.”

“H-haven’t done it even once?! Pardon me, but… what’s your level?”

Charles’ eyes widened in disbelief.

It was common knowledge that outsiders used levels and skills to wield extraordinary abilities.

For someone as talented as Yuhyeon—who could perform such incredible music—having a high level seemed like a given.

At the very least, he must be the strongest person in this village… or someone close to it.

However, contrary to all expectations—

“I’m level 1.”

“…Huh?”

“Haha, well, I only started two days ago.”

Yuhyeon chuckled awkwardly.

“T-that’s really true?!”

How could his level be only 1? Most outsiders shot up in levels the moment they arrived, then left the village soon after.

‘W-wait. So he performed that well at level 1? Not just on the piano, but the violin too?’

Charles’ eyes widened even further.

If he wasn’t relying on skills and level-based abilities, where did this exceptional musical talent even come from?

‘If someone like him levels up… just how incredible will he become?’

For a brief moment, Charles’ eyes gleamed.

‘I’ve already decided to provide Yuhyeon with every possible convenience. I need to help him adjust to hunting and level up easily.’

Not just as easily as the other outsiders—no, even easier than they could ever imagine.

Ding—!

[ The “Fanatic” trait has been activated for Charles. ]

“I believe I can be of assistance.”

“Assistance?”

“I’ll help you hunt and explore like the other outsiders. That way, even if you only do it in your spare time between practice, you won’t fall behind.”

“R-really?”

“As it happens, my son has quite the expertise in swordsmanship.”

Charles’ eyes sparkled.

“He’s spent his entire life honing the blade, so he should be more than capable of teaching you. If you wait here for a moment, I’ll bring him over.”

With that, Charles hurried off. Before long, he returned, bringing someone with him into the cathedral.

“Mr. Yuhyeon! I’m back!”

The person Charles had brought was striking, even from a distance.

A powerful physique, skin darkened by years of training—a man who looked as though he had dedicated his entire life to the sword.

“Uh…”

Yuhyeon recognized him immediately.

Their eyes met.

“So I’m supposed to teach him?”

The so-called son of Charles was none other than—

[ ‘C2C’ has donated 10,000 won. ]

– Wait, why is he here?

– ??

– ???

– LOL

“…Instructor?”

“…Wait, you?”

It was none other than Instructor Olsen, the very man who had given Yuhyeon his first quest.

*  *  *

After the ensemble performance, somewhere in the plaza—

Pengkun, Yuhyeon, and Olsen stood together.

“I’ve sent the gold via mail. If you check your inbox, you’ll see 200 gold.”

When Yuhyeon tapped the mailbox icon, a white envelope appeared, along with a bundle of gold coins.

200 gold.

His expression turned blank as he stared at the sum.

‘200 gold… That’s two million won…’

It was money he’d have to work tirelessly for a full month to earn. Yet, he had made it in just four hours.

Forget chicken for dinner. That plan is officially scrapped.

‘I should get pizza. And spaghetti on the side.’

The thought came to him instinctively.

As much as he appreciated the money, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been overpaid.

‘I mean, all I did was play the violin once and perform in an ensemble…’

Still, just to be sure, he asked carefully, “I checked. But… are you really sure about this? That’s a lot of money…”

“Huh? Oh, no, no, it’s totally fine!”

Pengkun waved his hands dismissively.

“What you did today was so incredible, it can’t even be measured in gold!”

Raising an NPC’s affinity from rock bottom to the highest rank in an instant, unlocking a first-ever achievement, then triggering a synergy between two first-time achievements…

Calling it a once-in-a-lifetime miracle wouldn’t even be an exaggeration.

‘Wait, is he seriously a newbie? He has no idea how insane this is, does he?’

Yuhyeon remained blissfully unaware.

[ ‘Hamdin’ has donated 10,000 won. ]

– Does he really not know? Is this some new form of humblebragging?

– Big spender-hyung is fuming again.

– Third time he’s lost his mind today.

– Spontaneous quest, first-ever achievement, unbuffed skill success—all happening at once? Yeah, I’d be speechless too.

[ ‘TankConIsTankCon’ has donated 1,000 won. ]

– By the way, Pengkun must be thrilled with all this content. Big thumbs up.

– The videos he recorded today alone will rack up at least a few hundred thousand views.

– Pengkun: Burp. Delicious.

– Ew, what’s with that burp smell?

Honestly, they weren’t wrong.

What Yuhyeon had done was easily worth more than 200 gold. In fact, it was bound to generate even greater value over time.

‘I guess I don’t need to tell him that.’

Pengkun figured Yuhyeon would realize the significance of today’s events once he saw the recordings himself. That would be far more fun and dramatic.

‘And if his reaction is good, I can invite him back as a guest in the future.’

Casually brushing it off, Pengkun said, “You don’t need to worry about that at all. So, how about scheduling the next shoot for the ritual ceremony?”

“Sure. I’ll message you the day before the event.”

They settled on a date one week later. There was no point in following Yuhyeon around while he spent his days practicing.

Pengkun grinned.

“Alright then, I’ll head out first! I’ll be in touch.”

– Goodbye, Mr. Musician!

– See ya next time!

– Pengbye, Pengbye!

“Take care, Mr. Pengkun!”

Yuhyeon smiled and waved.

Olsen, who had been waiting nearby, spoke in a low voice: “Are you done talking? Let’s go.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

With that, Yuhyeon and Olsen made their way to the training grounds outside the cathedral.

A vast, dry dirt field. Sparse patches of grass. Rows of training dummies lined up neatly.

It was the place where he had first opened his eyes in this world.

And now, two days later, he was back.

Olsen regarded him with an unreadable expression.

“Before we begin, let’s get one thing straight. My father may speak formally to you, but I do not use honorifics with my students.”

“That’s only natural. You’re my teacher, after all.”

“Good. You understand. Now pick up the wooden sword.”

Yuhyeon grabbed the practice sword.

Smooth. Blunt yet rough to the touch. The grain of the wood pressed against his skin.

‘I’m actually learning swordsmanship…’

He’d considered hunting and leveling up like other players someday, but he hadn’t expected that day to come today.

He had experience with dance and ballet—activities that required control over the body—but swordsmanship was an entirely new frontier.

What kind of style would he learn? Would Charles’ son teach him something special?

With growing excitement, he turned to Olsen and asked, “Where do we start?”

“First, go hit that scarecrow four more times.”

Olsen’s tone made it clear he had no high expectations.

Ding—!

[ Quest: Strike the scarecrow 10 times with a wooden sword. ]

Grade: Tutorial

Condition: Tutorial participant

Reward: Basic Swordsmanship

[ Remaining hits: 4 ]

“…Oh.”

Yuhyeon let out an awkward chuckle.

‘Come to think of it…’

I still haven’t even completed my level 1 tutorial quest.
 

To be continued

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