Before anything, John decided to head home first and take a well-deserved bath. After killing monsters in a dark and smelly tunnel for a good portion of the day, the young Shadow Walker was covered with blood, gore, and grime. Upon thinking about the warmth of the bath, John couldn't help but skip along the path. Minutes later, he arrived home. With a kick and a flip, he undressed and scurried to his bathtub. John reached over to the side and pulled a lever. Water began to flow out of a metal container and into the bathtub. As the fireplace beneath the tub began to lit up, John took some time to check himself in the mirror.

His body was well-proportioned with honed muscles and tanned skin. Battle scars littered throughout his body, but he did not mind. After all, scars gained in battles could be considered as medals of honor in Glenfort. No one would feel embarrassed about their medals. Even so, John couldn't help but glance at the newly formed scar on his forehead. He received it when he was blown away by the Enraged Rath'een Berserker's axe throw. His forehead accidentally scraped against the rocky wall, causing a laceration. Though the healing potion healed the wound, it was not powerful enough to erase the scar.

Now, John didn't mind displaying his other scars...but the one on his forehead, he just couldn't help but sigh. Who would like someone with a scar on his or her face? Before all of this had started, his unblemished face could swoon a number of village girls. But now? Now, he would be lucky if he could still be able to flirt with one.

The young Shadow Walker shook his head to clear his mind and felt the air around him warm up. He turned towards the bathtub and saw that the water had reached to a boil. Quickly, he put out the fire and waited for the water to cool down a bit. He swished his hand along the water and confirmed that the water was suitable for bathing. Slowly, he eased himself in and with a blissful release, he enveloped himself in the hot water, washing away his fatigue and pains.

..........

After John finished bathing and grabbed a bite to eat, he made his way to the Mucky Duck Inn where Miss Colette was waiting for him. As he approached the inn, though it was late evening, he could still hear the raucous sounds of customers merrily enjoying their late dinners and upbeat music playing in the background. Suddenly, the wooden door of the old inn cracked open allowing just enough room for John to walk through.

Crreeeaaakk....

The sound of the rusty hinges echoed throughout the inn causing a number of diners to turn and look. When they saw a familiar face, some turned back to their food while others hollered a greeting.

"Hey, John, how're you doing? Is adventuring going well for you?" A gray-beard old man tipped his hat and roared cheerfully.

"Adventuring is fine." John smiled as he gave a slight bow in respect towards the elder. "And hello to you too, Mister Jacob. How's your music business?"

The old man that greeted John was Jacob Collins or Mister Jacob as everyone called him due to his profession. This elder had traveled the continent as a bard, playing and learning heroic songs. After spending nearly twenty years wandering about, he had finally settled down in Glenfort Village, making a business of teaching music to a couple of children. Nowadays, besides teaching, he would spend most of his time playing music to liven up the inn in exchange for hearty meals.

"It's good...it's good. When will you come back and cook for us again? We miss your cooking." Mister Jacob questioned as he glanced about for support.

"Here, here! I agree. Come cook for us instead of adventuring. It's too dangerous out there!" Another person chimed in agreement.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Maybe another time. When some things settled down, I'll make sure to come and cook for you guys." John laughed as he walked towards the counter.

"Really?" Mister Jacob asked, hope filled his eyes. "Then, I'll wait for that day."

John approached the counter and greeted his previous employer. Innkeeper Colette gave him a toothy grin and remarked. "You're back. I heard your task was successful."

"Yea."

"That's good. Keep up the good work."

"Thanks. Daedalus said you wanted to see me?"

"Ah, yes. I got a task for you."

"What is it?"

The innkeeper twirled her hair for a bit before asking, "Well, first off. How's your training coming along?"

"Um...good? Why are you asking me that?"

"There's a reason. During your training, did Daedalus ever tell you anything about feats of heroism?"

"Feats of heroism? No...."

"That forgetful old man...." Colette muttered under her breath. "Well, that's the reason why I asked you to come here. You see, feats are considered special goals that only adventurers like you can complete."

"Special goals that only adventurers can complete?" John repeated quietly to himself in disbelief.

"Yes. Complete a feat and you can earn Hero Tokens which you can use for training to improve your combat prowess."

"Really? So, does that mean you have a feat for me?"

"Haha, you're quick on the uptake. It's true, I do have a feat for you. I want you to complete the 'Bandit Killer' feat for me as you're out and about running errands for Daedalus. This task is very simple and shouldn't be a problem for someone of your prowess."

"Is that so? Okay, I'll do it."

"Great!" Colette flashed a bright smile once more. "Oh, I see you have equipped yourself with Tier Two armor. But your weapons are still Tier One."

"Yea, I didn't have enough money to buy Tier Two weapons at the time. But, now I do."

"That's good. You should buy them before you take on the feat. Also, I advise you to buy the cape as well."

"Why the cape? Won't it affect my movements if I wore one?"

"It's logical to think that...but the Tier Two cape is no ordinary cape. It can magically boost the user's defense by 37 points. Not to mention, the cape is woven with a special type of cloth that can be used to block certain projectiles."

"Really?"

"Yes! Don't worry about the maneuverability. You can just ask Daedalus for help. He'll teach you how to fight with a cape."

"That's true. I'll take your word for it."

"Naturally. I'm always right."

"Haha."

..........

"Hey, Daedalus! You in?" John called out as he pushed open the doors to the Training Hall.

A voice responded from behind the building, "Over here!"

John circled around the Training Hall and found his old master polishing a set of armor. When Daedalus heard John approach, he set the armor aside and looked up.

"You're here. Is there something you need? More training, perhaps?"

"Yes. I thought about buying a cape for extra defense but I found that wearing a cape could hinder my movements. I heard from Miss Colette that you may have a solution for my problem."

"With a cape, eh? Hmm...indeed I do."

"That's great! Will you teach me?"

"Sure. But, first, you got to buy yourself a cape. Once you do that, then we can talk."

"Alright." John nodded as he rubbed the scar on his forehead. "By the way, I learned about feats from Miss Colette."

"Did you now? That's good. I was going to if she hadn't told you about it. And? Did she give you a feat to do?"

"Yeah. She gave me the 'Bandit Killer' feat."

"Oh? 'Bandit Killer'? Hmmm," The old trainer rubbed his beard as he thought about something, "speaking of bandits, I got a few tasks for you as well."

"Please tell."

"So, I've recently gotten word from the local baron, Lord Vander, that the bandits outside of town are stepping up their attacks on his farmers. I wager if his taxes weren't so outrageous, the bandit problem here in Glenfort wouldn't exist. Regardless, we cannot abide by lawlessness in our lands, and Lord Vander will not accept insubordination. I heard those bandits are all superstitious and carry around lucky coins. If you can bring five of those bandit coins back as proof, I believe Lord Vander will be satisfied and convinced that the problem has been dealt with."

"I heard about this! When I was in the Fallow Fields previously, I overheard some bandits discussing about attacking our village."

"What?! And you didn't think about reporting this to me?"

"Ehm...I-I forgot." John bowed in embarrassment.

As he looked up again, John received a sudden knock to the head. The young man rubbed his head in pain while Daedalus sighed in disappointment.

"Can't be helped. What's passed is passed. All th-...." Before Daedalus could finish his sentence, he halted. His face paled as he thought of something.

John peered at the old trainer curiously. "Is something wrong?"

"Now that I think about it...recently, we've had some issues with locals in the village getting attacked by a group of people dressed up like castle guards. At first, I suspect it to be Lord Vander's doing. But now that I thought about it some more, that may not be the case. Lord Vander may not be the kindest baron in the land, but I doubt he'd stoop that low."

"So, you think it's the bandits?"

"Yea. John, do me a favor. While you're in the village, keep an eye out for them. From past reports, they usually appear near local businesses."

"Will do."

"And remember, if you overhear anything, please make sure to report it to me as soon as possible. Okay?"

"O-Okay."