12:00 PM

The wheels of the cart creaked as Kiyoshi and Sakura set off towards Lifo village, a journey that would span five hours. Nestled 90 kilometers away, Lifo was notorious for bee monster attacks plaguing its villagers. The quest at hand? Exterminate the menacing swarm, with a reward of 2 gold coins awaiting them. By the time they reached their destination, evening had cast its dusky veil over the village.

A formidable wooden wall encircled the entire settlement. Stepping inside, they were greeted by the village chief, Joru, a man of around 45, slightly statured. The village thrived on the rare Onzi plant, a vital ingredient in the production of healing potions, which they diligently cultivated.

(Inside the Chief's home)

Chief Joru: "Thank you for answering our call. I feared none would accept a quest offering a mere 2 gold coins."

Kiyoshi: "You needn't worry, Chief. We're just doing our duty."

Garu, the Chief's son and a spirited 15-year-old, chimed in with a hint of skepticism, "They seem rather weak, don't they, Father?"

Kiyoshi thought, 'This young one...'

Chief Joru, quick to address his son's discourtesy, insisted, "Garu, apologize at once. I'm truly sorry about this."

Sakura, ever composed, assured them, "No need for apologies. Now, where can we find these bees?"

The plan was set: torch the hive, ensuring some met their fiery demise, leaving the rest for Kiyoshi and Sakura to handle. The bees were formidable, each stretching between one to two meters in length, their wax a scorching weapon to be reckoned with.

Hours later, they found themselves huddled around a crackling fire, positioned just beyond the village and near the hive. Alongside Kiyoshi and Sakura were Joru, Garu, and two village soldiers. The pair of soldiers sought refuge behind a nearby bush, while Garu, sword in hand, showcased a fighting prowess akin to a seasoned hunter. Kiyoshi couldn't help but marvel at Garu's strength, a formidable E ranker in his own right. How had he achieved this without awakening?

Kiyoshi seized the moment to ask Garu, "How have you managed with only two soldiers?"

Garu divulged, "It's tough, but we have my father, Joru. He's exceptionally strong. Most quests we post on AMO linger for months. Adventurers can be quite greedy, prioritizing earnings over aiding those in need. We can only spare up to 2 gold coins. If we were to allocate more funds to adventurers, we'd be facing famine come winter."

Kiyoshi reassured, "Not all adventurers are alike."

Lifo village, with its modest 50 families, held a special place in the hearts of its residents. A small village, its vast fields lay outside the protective walls due to their sheer expanse. The risk of monsters breaching the field's modest barrier was minimal. Post-harvest, the yield was just enough to sustain the villagers through the season.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Garu, in a rare moment of vulnerability, confided, "I dream of being an adventurer. To explore new horizons, aid countless souls, and safeguard this village. My brother, once an adventurer, awakened and left us. Years later, I found him in the capital. I rushed to him, my heart brimming with joy, only to hear, 'Why are you here? If it's to see your brother, he passed years ago. Leave me be, brother. Do not trouble me again.'"

Garu's eyes welled with tears as he recounted the painful encounter. He had always admired his brother, but now harbored resentment towards all adventurers.

As Kiyoshi activated his Eye of Wisdom to assess the Chief, he couldn't shake the feeling that Joru held a rank higher than C.

<<>>

Kiyoshi scrutinized Garu:

Name: Garu

Species: Human

Thoughts raced through Kiyoshi's mind: 'So Garu isn't a hunter. Perhaps the Chief never took the AMO test.'

Chief Joru announced, "It's time, Garu. Ignite."

Garu and the two soldiers ignited their arrows and aimed for the hive. Ten bees met their end in the inferno. The remaining swarm charged at them. The soldiers sought refuge, but Garu, resolute and fearless, drew his sword and engaged the attackers, displaying the skill of an E ranker. Kiyoshi, worried for the Chief's safety, exclaimed, "Chief, what are you doing? It's too dangerous!"

Eyes gleaming with determination, Joru focused on the approaching bees. Suddenly, his body underwent a startling transformation. Muscles rippled, tearing through his shirt, veins pulsating beneath his skin, and steam rising in tendrils.

As two bees closed in, Joru, now a powerhouse of strength, dodged their attacks with unparalleled agility. Seizing both beasts in mid-air, he slammed them to the ground, their bodies rendered lifeless. The display of power was awe-inspiring.

Meanwhile, Sakura fought with unparalleled precision, her dagger an extension of herself. Empowered by her skills, she dispatched six bees with lethal efficiency. Kiyoshi, invoking his Luck skill, made his move.

In the heat of battle

, a bee chased Kiyoshi. He stumbled, colliding with a jagged rock. Luck smiled upon him; the bee unleashed its scorching wax, but it hit a bee behind him instead. The two insects collided in a sticky trap. Seizing the opportunity, Kiyoshi lunged, plunging his sword into the bee's body. The remaining foes met their end at the hands of the others. Together, they collected the precious magic stones, honey, and wax.

The versatile wax found applications in various crafts, and the bee carcasses would crumble to ash within a week or two, devoid of any odor or contagion.

Sakura moved with the grace of a predator, her every strike calculated and lethal.

Exhausted, Kiyoshi sank to the ground, inquiring of Sakura, "How did you do that? You fought like a seasoned expert. Please don't tell me you were an assassin in your former life."

Sakura's response was matter-of-fact: "No, but the power and skills I've gained here are remarkable. You'll grow stronger, faster, and more agile as your rank climbs. Don't let it weigh on you, Kiyoshi."

Kiyoshi, masking his disappointment, asserted, "I'm not bothered."

Turning to Garu, he commended, "You're quite formidable for a non-hunter."

Garu, gratitude gleaming in his eyes, murmured, "Thank you, brother."

The Chief, observing it all, finally declared, "Take your reward: 2 gold coins and the spoils we've gathered."

Kiyoshi, feeling a sense of inequity, protested, "Chief, it doesn't seem fair. You fought as well. We only need the 2 gold coins."

But the Chief held firm, explaining, "I'm afraid not. It's a matter of AMO law. However, I'd like to present you with something in return."

Seeing Kiyoshi's reluctance, Sakura implored, "Please accept, Chief."

Joru decided, "Then I shall gift you this honey. It's a potent energy source. Consume it during your training."

"Thank you. We'll return if there are more quests from your village," Kiyoshi assured.

Garu added his thanks, addressing them as "brother and sister."

And thus, their first quest concluded.