Chapter 289 - TO THE GATEKEEPER'S COTTAGE

"I WILL try to look for clues during this week," Shen Ji Yun said while they were walking.

"Then I'll also help—"

"No," he said, cutting off what Luo Yan was about to say. "Just focus on reviewing for your exam on Thursday and Friday." Then as if thinking that what he said wasn't enough, he added, "Also, try to lessen your playing time this week."

Luo Yan was amused by his reminder. "Brother Ji Yun, don't worry, I'm a good student. I will definitely not fail my exams," he assured him.

Shen Ji Yun nodded. He had no doubt about that. After all, his rabbit was so smart. But it didn't hurt to take precaution. Luo Yan was still a high school student. His study should be on a much higher position on his list of priorities. Of course, much higher than gaming.

Although they could only temporarily meet inside the game right now, he wouldn't want Luo Yan to sacrifice his education just so he could see him and interact with him more often. How could he just do that? That would be too selfish of him. So, even though he wouldn't be able to see him more often this week, he still advised him to study instead of play games.

Anyway, next year when Luo Yan entered university, there would be countless chance for them to meet in real life. Since the other already decided to go to T University. He was not worried that Luo Yan would change his mind. He saw his reaction when they visited the said university during the Mid-Autumn Festival. He could tell that Luo Yan did intend to go to his university. 

He only had to wait for another year. No, wait, it's the 22nd of September today. So, his actual waiting time would be 345 days. That's 20 days less. He probably should mark his phone calendar. He should also put a countdown timer just in case.

Soon, they reached the small cottage of the Gatekeeper. It still looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale – a cute cottage surrounded by trees, vines, and wild flowers. 

Luo Yan walked up to the door and knocked. It only took a few seconds before the door opened. The one who opened it was a teenage moon elf with the usual white hair and green eyes. The name 'Filli' was on top of his head. When he saw Luo Yan, his eyes brightened.

"Noctis! You're really back!" Filli greeted excitedly. "How was your trip outside? What kind of adventures did you experience?"

Luo Yan ruffled the elf's hair. "Wait until your coming of age ceremony. Then you'll know the answer yourself."

"Eh- why can't you just tell me?" Filli complained, pulling Luo Yan's hand. "Please, Noctis?"

[Mashter, why is this kid acting like a baby in front of you? This is not allowed. Eclipse is Mashter's only baby!] – the little fox on his shoulder complained. [Look, even Captain look displeased.]

At first, Luo Yan thought this was another one of Eclipse's nonsense, but when the little fox said the last sentence, he couldn't help but glanced sideways at Shen Ji Yun standing beside him. There was an almost imperceptible frown on the other's face. He was also looking coldly at Filli's hand that was holding his. This guy probably wanted to tear Filli away from him. But because he knew deep inside that would be too unreasonable, he held it in.

Luo Yan almost chuckled. Seriously, it seemed like this guy would eat the vinegar of anyone. So, as to not further aggravate the big vinegar jar, he took back his hand. "This is a friend I met through one of my adventures," he said, transferring Filli's attention to Shen Ji Yun.

Sure enough, when Filli saw Shen Ji Yun, just like the other moon elves, his eyes brightened and he looked at him as if he was looking at a big superstar. "Lord Qilin! How did you and Noctis meet? Can you tell me some of your great adventure? Is it true that the legendary qilins are as big as the dragon race?" 

Shen Ji Yun had no plans of answering. So, he just looked coldly at the NPC in front of him. 

Then a voice from inside the cabin spoke. "Filli, stop harassing our guests," the Gatekeeper scolded. "Weren't you going to meet your friends?"

Filli appeared very reluctant. But at the end, he still said, "Yes." He turned his attention back to Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun. "Noctis, come and visit us again, okay? You as well, Lord Qilin."

After saying that, he waved goodbye to them and ran out of the cabin.

"I apologized for my son's behavior. He could be a bit overly excited sometimes," the Gatekeeper apologized.

"It's alright, Gatekeeper. There's no harm done," Luo Yan said.

"Please, come inside," the Gatekeeper said, gesturing for them to go inside. The two walked inside the cabin and sat on wooden chairs. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No need. It would be best if you could directly tell us what you wanted to talk about," Shen Ji Yun said straightforwardly without going around the bush.

"Yes, exalted one." The Gatekeeper sat down opposite them. "I already mentioned to Noctis earlier that I found a clue regarding what happened to my wife. She suffered from a curse a few years ago. She got it when she did an errand outside the village. When she came back, she was already cursed. It didn't take long before she died." There was a gloom between the Gatekeeper's eyebrows, as if reminiscing those sad and painful moments. "Just a few days back, I found a clue that might shed some light as to what happened to her. And it might involve a member of a Legendary race."

Luo Yan already suspected as much. If not, then this task would probably not be triggered because Shen Ji Yun – a verified member of one of the Legendary races – was with him.

"Could I request help from Noctis and the exalted one?" the Gatekeeper continued, looking at them full of hope.

Luo Yan glanced at Shen Ji Yun and the other nodded at him. So, he turned his attention back to the Gatekeeper and said, "Of course."

After he said that, a holographic image of Shen Ji Yun's mini-version – the Gamekeeper in a butler's costume – suddenly appeared in front of them.

[Congratulations on triggering the hidden event task 'Finnea's Curse'!]