Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

After the playful banter ended, the group made their way toward Cragstone Rise, chatting excitedly about the unfamiliar scenery around them.

A Treant happened to spawn nearby and was instantly one-shotted by Starry with a single sword strike. Everyone started out shocked, but gradually became numb to it.

Once they stepped into Cragstone Rise, the environment around them changed drastically.

Zane only farmed for a short time yesterday before dispersing, but maybe today they’d finally get a Mindstone drop.

At that moment, DumbCitrus logged in. Zane thought he might as well go pick her up. After all, a high-level Alchemist was useful no matter where you put her, she just hadn’t realized her own value yet.

***

DumbCitrus stood anxiously in the woods. “Why aren’t they here yet…?” If a Treant spawned nearby, she’s doomed! She still couldn’t shake the trauma of being squashed by the Royal Treant last time.

Suddenly, the bushes in front of her rustled, and out leapt a Gray Wolf!?

‘Isn’t this Mapleblossom Grove?’ DumbCitrus wondered if she was seeing things. She rubbed her eyes. ‘Uh, it’s really a Gray Wolf…’

And it was coming closer, step by step! She froze on the spot in fear. There was no way she could outrun a wolf. ‘Am I going to die again…?’

The Gray Wolf picked up speed, its razor-sharp claws gleaming menacingly in the sunlight.

“D-Don’t come any closer!” DumbCitrus shrieked and shut her eyes tightly.

“Stupid Orange, why are you screaming like that!?”

She opened her eyes, only to see Zane’s deadpan expression and a face full of dark lines.

***

After learning the wolf was actually Zane in transformation, DumbCitrus climbed onto his back without hesitation.

“Hyah!” She smacked the top of his wolf head hard.
“F̲u̲c̲k̲!? Hit me again and I’ll bite your face off!” He couldn’t speak in wolf form, but thankfully he could still send messages.
“How stingy…”
“…”

Ten minutes later. Zane showed up with a Level 15 leecher, and everyone reacted with total understanding… as if things were ever that simple! ‘Clearly, this must be his new lover?’ or so they wondered.

But when Zane revealed that she was a Level 3 Alchemist, everyone’s view of her changed instantly. Even Nangong, who basically lived in Mapleblossom Grove, was still a bit short of reaching Alchemist Level 3.

This girl… was no ordinary player!

***

“Are we grinding on our own again today? Damn it, don’t tell me Stardust ran off with Emberveil!” Endless Sea growled. The two of them didn’t even seem like a good match!

That was when Whiteheal spoke up. “Are you two talking about Emberveil and Stardust?”

“That’s right, why?”

He didn’t respond. His brows furrowed deeply, clearly lost in thought. A moment later, he dropped a shocking bomb.

“Let’s disband.”¹　
“Huh!? Do you even know what you’re saying?”
“Of course I do,” he said through clenched teeth. “They’re strong enough to take care of themselves. Staying connected with them will only get us dragged into Rainflower’s retaliation!”

“…” YoyoPink clutched the hem of her dress, clearly taken aback.

“Don’t think Nether Dawn will protect us either. You’re too naive! Every guild acts in its own interest. Stick around and we’ll end up on Rainflower’s blacklist. Once that happens, we won’t be able to do anything, our accounts will basically be ruined!” Whiteheal shouted angrily.

“And then?” Shiu asked calmly.

“And then? That Wolf Spider pet from yesterday, I saw the final sale price. It was 35k, right? You guys pay the difference, and we go our separate ways!”

“Endless Sea, hand over the party leader,” Shiu said flatly, his voice steady and emotionless.

“Huh? Alright.”

Then, right in front of Whiteheal’s stunned expression—

“What the hell! Don’t come crying to me later!” His expression suddenly twisted into a snarl, as if all his previous friendliness had been nothing but an act.

“Let’s go.” Shiu gripped his staff and began walking forward.

Endless Sea and YoyoPink quickly followed behind.

***

“Wasn’t that… a bit harsh?” YoyoPink asked hesitantly.

But the responses from the other two left her speechless.

“Ugh, I’ve been sick of that guy for a while now. If Priests weren’t so scarce, I wouldn’t have even bothered with him,” Endless Sea said, full of disdain.

“Exactly. Someone like that is just a ticking time bomb. Keeping him in the party is a risk. Sure, he hasn’t done anything yet, but who knows what kind of drama he’d stir up later? Better to kick him early and keep things clean,” Shiu agreed.

“Speaking of which, you’re so sneaky! That satisfying kick, and you didn’t even let me do it?”

“…” YoyoPink was at a loss for words. “Do you think… he’ll try to get back at us?”

“Oh, definitely. But he’s just a solo Priest, what kind of damage can he do? Don’t worry about it.”

“Hmm…”

***

In the northern part of Grayridge Plains, all the Gray Wolves had already been monopolized by the Rainflower guild. With new players still pouring in, securing a stable grinding spot was absolutely essential.

Whenever there were no boss spawns to chase, Rainflower Drake would AFK here to leech the experience points. His full set of Rare gear was more than enough to carry as the main DPS, but he couldn’t be bothered to move. What was the point of spending all that money in the guild if not for some peace of mind?

“Someone’s looking for me? Who?” Drake raised an eyebrow, looking slightly more alert.

“A solo player. Said they’ve got intel on Emberveil and Stardust.”

“Oh? Where are they?” Drake’s interest was instantly piqued.

***

As they continued pushing forward, they had already defeated over a hundred Quartz Golems. And finally, a new type of monster appeared.

Its stats were all slightly stronger than the Quartz Golem. Its previous skill, Boulder Toss, had now been replaced with Stasis. More importantly, this thing was literally called a “Mindstone” Golem! That had to mean it could drop Mindstones, right?

If so, then upgrading to Level 4 Alchemist was finally in reach!

Zane directed Starry forward. Just as she was about to open with Icy Moon Slash, she suddenly froze, her body completely immobilized!?

From Zane’s perspective, a soft yellow shimmer had coated Starry’s figure. ‘So this is Stasis? It’s practically like a time stop effect!’

In the blink of an eye, Stasis was broken, and Starry followed up with Icy Moon Slash + basic attack, instantly destroying the massive golem.

That was brutal. If Starry hadn’t reacted in time, she might have taken a full Earth Pound to the face. A regular player would have been one-shotted. But against Starry, that skill was useless.

He glanced at the loot. ‘10 gold coins. Not bad, not bad at all. Clearly, this golem was clearly money-savvy.’ It had also dropped a few stones. Zane picked them up and took a look: Mindstone ×27!

‘What the frick! 27 pieces in one drop!?’

Given how rare these golems were, maybe getting 27 at once was balanced… though who knew how long it would take to find the next one. If this was the only source of Mindstones, it was clear that high-level Alchemists would become incredibly rare in the future.

Thankfully, he’d found this place first. There still weren’t any other players in sight. He hadn’t seen MrFixIt since their last fight here. Maybe he had gone off to grind somewhere else. Which meant—for now—they had the entire supply of Mindstones to themselves!