The bandit leader was sitting on a barrel in front of the tavern when Lily and Thaddeus walked out. He glanced up at them, then let out a low growl.
"I see you survived the fight," the bandit leader said.
He rose to his feet and glared at Lily. "Well done. You've proven that you can handle yourself."
"Thank you," Lily sneered. "It was nothing."
The leader narrowed his eyes. "Tell me, what makes you think you can stand up to me? I've defeated all sorts of adventurers. What makes you think you’re any different?”
Lily chuckled. "Is that supposed to be a threat?"
The bandit leader nodded. "It is."
She snorted. "You must be joking. Do you honestly believe that you're so powerful that you can just waltz into this city and try to intimidate everyone? Have you ever considered that perhaps you're not as strong as you think you are?"
The bandit leader rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Are you trying to threaten me now?"
She laughed. "No. I'm not threatening anyone. But I am telling you to stay away from this city if you want to live. Otherwise, I'll make sure you regret it."
"You and your worthless threats," the bandit leader scoffed. "Who do you think you are? A hero or something?"
Lily scowled at him. "Maybe I am."
"Then prove it. Go to the next town over and find some monsters to slay. Prove that you're worth something."
Quest Alert: Monster Slayer
The Settlement of Grimwell is overrun by an unknown hoard of monsters. Eradicate this threat, and you will prove yourself to the leader of the bandits. You will gain 200 XP and an Attribute upon completion. Do you wish to accept this quest?
Yes | No
"Fine," Lily growled. "I'll do it."
Lily selected “Yes”.
The bandit leader grinned. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear."
"What? Why?"
"Because I like to watch people fail."
"And why is that?"
"Because I enjoy watching others suffer for their own stupidity."
Lily watched the bandit leader stride towards her. She knew that he had a dagger hidden somewhere on his person, and she was prepared to defend herself if she needed to.
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"Now go," the bandit leader said. "Find a monster to kill. Don't come back until you've earned the respect of your peers. Or else…"
He paused and slowly pulled out his dagger. He twirled it in his grip, then hurled it at her.
Lily instinctively twisted her body and jumped backwards. Her reflexes saved her from getting hit. The dagger sailed harmlessly past her and plowed into the wall behind her.
"Or else what?" she asked, raising her sword.
"We'll kill you.”
“Fat chance.” She scoffed. "But I understand. Now get out of here before I decide to teach you a lesson."
The bandit leader laughed. "You're wasting your breath. I'm not leaving. Not unless you make me."
The two glared at each other for a moment. The bandit leader seemed to be enjoying himself.
"Come on," Lily muttered. "Just kill me already."
That did the trick. The bandit leader grinned. "Okay. Okay. Just remember what I told you. If you want to survive, you need to prove yourself."
With that, he turned around and left. Lily watched him walk away, then sighed.
"I guess I should probably start looking for some monsters to kill," she murmured.
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As Lily walked back into the tavern, she thought about what the bandit leader had said.
Did he mean that I’m wasting my breath because he wouldn't leave? Or is there some deeper meaning that I can’t quite figure out yet?
For now, though, she wasn't going to worry about it. Instead, she would focus on finding the monsters that he wanted her to slay.
Lily returned to the gates where the guards had let her in. She asked them for directions to the settlement Thaddeus had mentioned. After they explained which path she should take, Lily thanked them and started walking.
Fortunately, it didn't take long for her to reach the settlement. It was nestled against a lone hillock, and it’s fortifications were lacking compared to Samsiel. There was no sign of habitation anywhere near it, either. As far as she could tell, it had been abandoned years ago.
Settlement of Grimwell
Population: 36
Fortification Style: None
Strength: 0/0
Do you wish to proceed towards this settlement?
Yes | No
Lily selected 'Yes' and walked inside. She found herself in an open courtyard, surrounded by rows of dilapidated buildings. Not far from her she saw a small bush, and something below it appeared to be glowing.
Spawn Stones!
Lily crouched down behind the bush and uncovered the glowing stones. There were two of them targeted to the gates of Azael.
System Alert!
You are in possession of three Spawn Stones targeted to the gates of Azael. Do you wish to activate a Spawn Stone?
Yes | No
Lily selected 'No' and tucked the stones away in her inventory.
Score!
Suddenly she heard movement. She quickly realized she wasn’t alone. Someone was walking towards her. She rose to her feet and looked in the direction of the sound. A man she immediately recognized was pointing his spear in her direction. It was her boyfriend in Real Life.
Allan! Good thing I kept my disguised avatar.
He made a quick assessment and lowered his spear, “Who are you? And what are you doing here?”
Lily looked at him with a straight face, refusing to answer.
He might not recognize my avatar, but surely he’ll recognize my voice!
He seemed agitated by her silence, grunting as he turned away.
Has Allan joined the bandits? I have to find out. Maybe he’ll lead me to their secret lair.
Wary she was heading into a trap, she removed her rusty sword from its scabbard and held it aloft as she followed from a distance. She tried but failed to be discreet as he looked over his shoulder at her and she quickly lowered her head, her eyes on the ground, her hands holding the rusty sword awkwardly. The last thing she needed was for him to suddenly think she was a threat. To her relief, he kept walking.
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