In the last chapter, Ember and Mister Ryu embark on a journey to the Sky realms, where they encounter Dawnspire City, a vibrant metropolis built upon the ideals of renewal and fresh beginnings. The city, perched atop majestic spires, represents unity among diverse races and cultures. At the heart lies the Citadel of Aurora, a hub for knowledge and diplomacy. In a hurry to meet the Grandmaster Blacksmith, the pair reaches the Citadel seeking lodgings. However, they learn that the Blacksmith has left, prompting them to request a Recorder Stone and Contact Rune to reach him. Despite potential challenges, Mister Ryu remains confident. After a brief rest, they plan to fulfil the Citadel's task to ascend to the next Island, navigating the intricacies of the fantastical realm they now call home.

The Arcane Library, a Dimensional Library responsible for storing and documenting the world's knowledge, oversees the skies, and assigns quests to individuals deemed suitable during periods of world imbalance. Many aspects of the Library remain shrouded in mystery, but it is rumoured that when a climber reaches the 90th Sky, the true nature of the Library is unveiled. According to history records of Aetheria, only five to six individuals were purportedly granted access to the dimension of the Arcane Library throughout its entire history, allowing them to acquire knowledge about the world.

In the waiting hall, Ember and Mister Ryu patiently awaited their opportunity, taking the time to familiarize themselves with the rules of the Skies. Shortly thereafter, the receptionist summoned them to receive the task that would enable them to ascend to the higher skies.

"Miss Ember and Mister Ryu, you may accompany me to the Citadel Library to receive your task. If you don't mind, please follow along," the receptionist suggested.

Following the receptionist, the duo entered the Citadel Library, a repository of vast knowledge about the world. Connected to the Arcane Library, the Citadel Library assigns tasks based on the challengers' abilities.

"You may remain in the library, and I will be outside. The task will be assigned shortly. If you require anything, feel free to ask, and I'll assist you to the best of my abilities," stated the receptionist before leaving the library.

The moment the receptionist exited, the library hall illuminated, and the shelves began to tremble as numerous pages twirled in the air. After a brief period, an aged page floated towards Ember, bearing the task she needed to accomplish.

Presented in a dialogue format, the aged page conveyed the task succinctly: "Venture into the forest, engage in a goblin hunt, and demonstrate your strength—the number you hunt mirrors your shadows." The task dialogue concluded, revealing a straightforward mission of hunting goblins.

"What? Goblin hunting? Am I only deemed worthy of such a task? It hardly poses a challenge, considering I faced formidable foes in the ancient secret region back on Earth," remarked Ember.

"Miss Ember, the task itself may not be overly challenging, but the stipulated requirement for completion is quite demanding. Take a look at the ancient paper below; the minimum number of goblins to be hunted is a hundred, a task that proves formidable even for those who have ascended to the 7th or 8th Sky," conveyed Mister Ryu.

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"Hunting a hundred goblins implies I'll need to target three or more goblin villages. The task is formidable, but it's not insurmountable. Perhaps I can set a record if there is one. Let's return, rest up, and embark for the forest after sunset," declared Ember.

After ensuring they had a sufficient amount of rest, the duo, seated in Ember's room, meticulously organized the necessary equipment and gathered supplies for their upcoming night hunt. Crafting detailed plans and strategies for the impending challenge, they discussed every aspect of the goblin hunt, ensuring they were thoroughly prepared. With their preparations complete, Ember and Mister Ryu stood ready to embark on the nocturnal adventure awaiting them in the forest.

Descending the reception hall, Ember and Mister Ryu exchanged greetings with the receptionist, informing her of the assigned task. The receptionist, in turn, reassured the duo and suggested they make use of their room in the meantime. With a farewell, they parted ways.

Covering few miles, the duo arrived at the edge of the forest. They prepared their weapons and equipment, gearing up for the upcoming challenge, and then ventured into the depths of the forest, determined to face whatever awaited them beneath the thick canopy. The air in the woods was charged with an aura of mystery as they delved further into the unknown, their senses heightened and anticipation building with every step.

Guided by the map provided by the receptionist, the duo skilfully maneuverer their way towards the nearest goblin villages. Reaching a proximity where they could safely set up camp, they identified seven goblin villages visible to the naked eye amidst the obscurity of the night. Recognizing that there might be additional villages concealed in the darkness, they approached the task with heightened vigilance and strategic anticipation.

"Mister Ryu, why not Savor the night beneath the vast expanse of stars while I take on the goblin hunt? Rest assured, if I encounter any peril, I'll sound this horn to signal for your assistance," Ember suggested.

"Alright, Miss Ember, I'll wait here for your return. Best of luck with the hunt," replied Mister Ryu.

As the night gave way to the next day's noon, the duo stepped into the reception hall of the citadel. Mister Ryu exuded a positive and refreshed demeanour, while Ember, adorned in torn clothes and sporting a fatigued expression, accompanied him. Together, they approached the receptionist to submit the completed task.

"Greetings, it appears you've successfully accomplished the assigned task. I'll handle the formalities and provide the reward stipulated in the task," remarked the receptionist.

"Is the receptionist who assisted me yesterday unavailable today? I intended to express my gratitude for the forest map she provided yesterday," Mister Ryu inquired.

"I believe she was summoned to the manager's office for an urgent matter. I'll surely convey your appreciation to her. Out of curiosity, may I inquire how many goblins you hunted that left you looking so fatigued?" the receptionist asked.

"The task mandated a minimum of a hundred goblins for completion, but I managed to hunt around three hundred. Time constraints prevented me from pursuing even more," Ember explained.

Stunned by the revelation of the number of goblins Ember had hunted, the receptionist hastened her efforts to complete the formalities. As the duo awaited their rewards, the receptionist who had assisted Mister Ryu the day before rushed towards them and exclaimed...

……. To be Continued