THE RUMORS GROW
It had been three days since the first whispers started.
By now, almost every major city and outpost in Epoch Eternal had heard about the mysterious courier.
“He moves like a shadow.”
“Not a single guild has caught him.”
“Some say he’s a rogue with maxed-out stealth.”
“No one’s seen him fight, yet no one can touch him.”
“I heard he’s an NPC. No way a real player can be that fast.”
“He’s got to be some kind of secret boss or an event character.”
Rumors twisted, stretched, and became larger than life.
And in the dimly lit hall of The Iron Hounds, one of the emerging power-guilds, the topic had finally reached the ears of those who wanted control over everything.
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THE GUILD MEETING
A heavy oak table sat at the center of a guild-owned tavern, its surface cluttered with maps, contracts, and half-drunk mugs of ale. Around it sat six players, each one wearing high-tier gear, their weapons resting nearby.
At the head of the table sat Garrus “Ironjaw” Veldrin, a former high-ranking player in Epoch Eternal before the world changed. His armor was a deep, gunmetal gray, his beard thick, and his expression unreadable.
The Iron Hounds had wasted no time reestablishing themselves in this new world. While other players were still scrambling to survive, they had taken over a fortress south of Eldermere, using it as a base of operations.
Power was shifting rapidly, and they wanted to be at the center of it.
But now, something had caught their attention.
“So… this courier..” Garrus muttered, tapping his finger against the table. “Who the hell is he?”
A younger man, Drake, leaned forward. “No idea. But the rumors keep getting worse.”
Another player, a woman named Lena, scoffed. “You think he’s some kind of threat? He’s just running errands.”
“Yeah? Then explain how not a single person has managed to catch him?” Garrus’s eyes darkened. “Explain how he’s been moving between cities, across guild territories, without getting caught? That’s not normal. Either he’s cheating, or he’s more dangerous than we realize.”
Drake nodded. “Some say he’s a rogue with maxed-out evasion. Some say he’s a mage with teleportation. But no one actually knows.”
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Lena shrugged. “Or maybe- just maybe, he’s exactly what the rumors say. A courier. Nothing more.”
Garrus exhaled sharply. “Maybe. But if he’s real, then I want him working for us.”
Drake frowned. “And if he doesn’t?”
A slow, dangerous grin spread across Garrus’s face.
“Then we hunt him down.”
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A QUIET MOMENT
Isaac sat on a stone ledge overlooking a valley, his back against a tree, chewing idly on a dried fruit he had swiped from a distracted merchant earlier.
The wind rustled the leaves, the distant sound of players battling creatures echoed from the roads below, and for once, he allowed himself a moment of peace.
He had spent the last few days doing what he did best. Delivering packages, messages, and supplies for various people, avoiding unnecessary trouble and Learning how this world worked now that it was real.
And yet… something was gnawing at him.
He could feel it. The shift in the air.
People were talking about him.
Too many people.
It wasn’t just casual rumors anymore. Something was brewing.
But did it really matter?
Not to him.
He wasn’t interested in guild politics. He wasn’t here to fight, conquer, or play the game like everyone else.
He was just here to run.
He took another bite of the fruit, sighing. “Why does everyone make things so complicated?”
Then, he saw them.
A group of players. Five of them.
And they were looking for something.
Or rather… someone.
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THE SEARCH PARTY
Isaac quickly slid down from the ledge, pressing himself against the trunk of the tree.
The group was moving slowly, scanning the area.
Their equipment wasn’t standard adventurer gear. These were guild members. And judging by their movement, they weren’t here for monsters.
They were looking for him.
Isaac remained perfectly still, watching.
Drake was among them. He had a dagger resting on his belt, but his stance wasn’t aggressive.. yet.
Another player muttered, “You sure he was last seen in this area?”
Drake grumbled, “No one’s ‘seen’ him, idiot. That’s the problem. We’ve got people watching every entrance to Eldermere, every major road. The guy just… appears. Then disappears.”
A third player scoffed. “So what, he’s a ghost?”
“No. But if he’s real, then Garrus wants him.”
Isaac felt his pulse steady. Not increase. Just… focus.
Options. He needed options.
Fighting was off the table. Obviously.
Hiding? Not for long.
Which left him with the one thing he always relied on.
Movement.
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THE ESCAPE
The moment Drake turned away, Isaac made his move.
His steps were silent as he shifted behind a fallen log, his body flowing into the natural terrain. He crouched low, weaving between trees, rocks, and shadows, his movements so practiced it was almost second nature.
They never heard him.
Never even sensed him.
By the time they reached the spot he had been seconds ago, he was already twenty feet away.
Then thirty.
Then fifty.
Within minutes, he was gone.
Isaac allowed himself a small smile. They were getting smarter. More organized. But they were still too slow.
He pulled up his hood, adjusting his pack.
He had a delivery to make.