Chapter Ten: Night Stroll Attire

After defeating the traveling merchant, Morningstar once again activated "Exploration of the Morning Star," but failed to discover anything new; his spiritual energy was nearly depleted as well. Confirming there was nothing else to find, Morningstar opened the description of the Nightwanderer’s Garment.

[Nightwanderer's Garment
Value: Extremely high. The merchant spent nearly all his fortune to obtain this piece.
Attribute: Shadow
Description: A masterpiece woven by the textile master of Black River Prison over fifty nights. Stroking the fabric, you seem to hear the nightingale-like cries of the weaver in the darkness.
Attribute bonus: Agility +4
Equipment effects:
- Concealing Garment (active): You may choose whether the garment is visible.
- Silent and Scentless (active): While wearing this garment, all sounds and scents from your movements vanish.
- Shadow Affinity (passive): When the garment is not in "concealed" mode and you are in dimly lit places, your silhouette gradually fades; the darker it is, the better the concealment. When moving quickly, your form leaves behind a black afterimage (the afterimage carries your aura and appears at a different location than your true self).]

So that's how it is; the merchant had used this garment to conceal his aura, making it impossible for Morningstar to sense his location. Quite impressive. Morningstar examined his new equipment several times.

The first effect allows for transformation, the second for stealth, and the afterimage effect can confuse enemies. In every way, this garment outclasses the Night Patrol Captain’s New Uniform given by the Dogmaster.

[Game tip: The clothing in New Capital employs a textile master’s craftsmanship, binding with the wearer’s body. Its effects are often irreplaceable.]

This must be the game’s usual “similar equipment cannot be stacked”—meaning the Nightwanderer’s Garment cannot be used simultaneously with the Night Patrol Captain’s New Uniform.

A new line of text appeared.

[Traveler’s Little Donkey is a creature fond of running. After witnessing its master’s death and glancing at this perilous land, it ran a few laps before following you, pledging its loyalty.]

[You gaze at the silly little donkey. Would you like to take it as a pet?]

“???”

Do animals in this New Sun world change allegiance so quickly?

Still, it wasn’t bad. The donkey should help him save a lot of travel time.

[You accept the little donkey. It bounces joyfully.]

A “Pet Slot” appeared in the upper right corner.

Morningstar examined the donkey’s stats.

[
Name: Traveler’s Little Donkey
Purpose: Used by merchants for travel
Description: Commonly used by merchants, this little donkey boasts good carrying capacity and stable speed, ideal for long journeys. Its price is low, so even if abandoned, there is minimal economic loss.
]

Even the mounts are prepared for fleeing. These merchants really are devoted to running away. Morningstar was about to click the ride button.

A faintly red line of text appeared.

[A distant, resonant bell penetrates the long white mist, reaching your ears.]

[In New Capital, the highest-level directives are broadcast by the Daylight Bell, such as the common Day’s End, Day’s Ignition, as well as legal decrees and disaster warnings.]

[You feel a surge of anxiety—this is the warning bell before the Daylight fades. You look up at the high-hanging sun; its light is growing weak.]

[Without the sun’s protection, this land will plunge into darkness. You realize you must leave this dangerous place before the light dies.]

[Dim-lit places in the night are extremely terrifying. Traveler, leave at once and seek a safe haven.]

[Game reminder: After prolonged travel, you are now fatigued. Strength, agility, and inspiration are reduced by 20%. Please rest soon.]

Nightfall and fatigue together...

It had been a fruitful day; it was time to head back. Morningstar sorted his belongings and clicked “Return.”

[You mount the little donkey, pack your things, hum a tune, and return to Black River Prison.]

[Returning…]

With no accidents to worry about, Morningstar took advantage of his free time and opened his inventory, sending the Nightwanderer’s Garment to the real world.

Black fragments gathered in his palm.

A jet-black cloak materialized, its deep, dark feathers woven together to form an abyss of shadow.

Should he try it on?

Morningstar went to the restroom and admired the garment in the mirror.

The Nightwanderer’s Garment wrapped him tightly, with a crow-tail design at the back. Even beneath the bright fluorescent lights, his face was shrouded in shadow, completely obscured.

From head to toe, the garment exuded an aura of mystery.

Morningstar turned and inspected himself carefully in the mirror, appreciating a piece of clothing for the first time.

Normally, clothes provide warmth and protection, but often bring minor discomfort; many prefer to sleep naked.

Yet wearing this garment felt more comfortable than being unclothed, as if twenty kilograms had been lifted from his body.

A sense of agility infused his blood and cells. When he swung his arm, a black afterimage followed.

The garment’s agility bonus was effective even in reality.

Right, time to test the “concealment” effect.

Morningstar sensed a subtle mental resonance with the garment.

“Conceal the garment,” he silently commanded.

The crow feathers trembled, flickering like extinguishing black flames, and the entire garment vanished.

In the mirror now, he wore only his ordinary casual clothes under the Nightwanderer’s Garment.

…

After a brief trial of his new gear, Morningstar took stock of his gains.

This expedition had yielded a rare magic staff, the Nightwanderer’s Garment, a map of the dim-lit places, a forging black stone, and a considerable amount of money.

A single outing with so many rewards was already quite impressive.

Morningstar calculated that he had spent nearly the entire day in-game traveling, and had survived two perilous battles.

He glanced at his phone.

[You ride the little donkey, humming as you return to Black River Prison. This time, with a mount, your return was much faster and less tiring.]

[You arrive at your quarters in Black River Prison—a private room for the Night Patrol Captain. Your subordinates have already prepared the room for you.]

It was only a slight rank increase, but the captain’s treatment was genuinely good.

Especially for a player, the extra time for free exploration was invaluable.

[The room, though small, dark, and cold, is far more comfortable than your previous shared quarters.]

[For the first time in your life, you sleep alone. Feeling the weight of fatigue, would you like to rest?]

Yes.

[Desperately in need of rest, you tidy your belongings and lie down on the cold wooden bed. The scent of blood and blade gradually fades from your body as you drift into sleep.]

[May you sleep soundly, traveler.]

[Resting (rest will restore some stamina, spiritual energy, and health; fatigue will be lifted upon completion).]

“Ah…”

It was getting late. Morningstar yawned deeply and opened the New Sun game’s chat and help group.

As a newcomer, the “Weaving Apprentice” was dutifully learning textile skills in-game, constantly pestered with questions by veteran group members, becoming the main target of playful banter.

The “Watchdog” produced various property certificates and credentials, pleading with groupmates in hopes of bartering for a starting weapon through offline trade.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Messenger, who always received the most attention, remained as taciturn as ever, leaving only a single “hmph” in chat and refraining from any further conversation.

At that moment, another message arrived.

Phantom Thief: Nightwanderer brother, are you interested in telling me about any disasters you’ve encountered? In exchange, I’ll give you a fantastic strategy guide—worth at least an apartment—which will help you reach level 3 in half a month!

But… I’m already level 3.

And what nonsense is that? Reaching level 3 in half a month counts as a fast guide?

Morningstar shook his head in bewilderment, responded perfunctorily, and declined the offer.

…

No useful information.

Morningstar rolled his neck; these past few days, he’d been rushing about, exhausted and sleep-deprived.

His neck ached, his head felt dizzy, and the accumulated fatigue of several days swept over him.

He murmured to himself, “I really need some rest.”

After brushing his teeth and rinsing, Morningstar crawled into bed.

He took out his phone one last time and, without noticing, spent another two hours browsing the memory bar and chat group.

It was only after two hours that he finally drifted off, still marveling at the incredible events of the day.

…

A little past seven, the moon was gradually losing its radiance.

Is it dawn? How long did I sleep?

Morningstar awoke from his dreams and glanced at the clock—he’d only slept four hours.

When something weighs on your mind, even extreme fatigue can’t grant you sound sleep; you always wake up “alert” and early.

The last time he felt this way was during the college entrance exams…

Morningstar hurriedly opened the New Sun game; his in-game self was still resting, health not fully restored, but spiritual energy at its peak.

Knock, knock—

Morningstar perked up his ears; a knocking at the door roused him fully.