Chapter 11: Damsel in Distress

Jake's heart rate quickened as the scream pierced through the otherwise tranquil surroundings. The forests, with dense canopy and intermittent rays of sunlight, was a maze that hid many Dangers. But he couldn't let a cry for help go unanswered.

He followed the direction of the scream, bouncing effortlessly from tree to tree, using Unimpeded Movement to quickly bypass obstacles that would otherwise bar his path. The Enhanced Senses skill made the journey easier, pinpointing the origin of the sound. Within minutes, he landed on a thick branch overlooking a clearing.

Below, a young woman with raven-black hair and green eyes was trapped in a net hanging from a tree. Circling her were four figures, their skins tainted a sickly green, and jagged teeth protruding from their mouths. They appeared humanoid but had elongated limbs and moved with an unsettling fluidity. Goblins, Jake recognized from the many games he used to play.

"Please, let me go!" The woman's voice quivered with fear.

One of the goblins, larger and apparently their leader, sneered. "Fresh meat, too precious to let go."

Jake's mind raced. The odds weren't in his favor, but he couldn't stand idle. Taking a deep breath, he drew out his weapon. He had to get between the enemy and the girl to prevent a hostage situation. Heedless of danger to himself he launched catapulting his body at blinding speed.

His unexpected appearance caused confusion among the goblins. Using that to his advantage, Jake unleashed a series of rapid shots. Then a quick Mana Blast sent two of the goblins flying against the trees with bone-crunching force. The other two were struck dead by Jake's weapon.

Seizing the opportunity, Jake sprinted to the woman's side, cutting down the net with his knife. The woman, startled but grateful, nodded in thanks, clutching Jake's arm.

The leader of the goblins, recovering from the initial blast, growled. "You'll pay for this, human!"

With a roar, the goblin lunged toward Jake but was met with intense fire from his weapon. The creature screamed in agony, dropping to the ground.

Checking to ensure all threats were neutralized, Jake turned to the young woman. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.

She nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you. I... I thought I was going to die."

Jake gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay now. My name's Jake."

"I'm Lila," she replied, wiping her tears. "How can I ever repay you?"

Jake shrugged. "I need information, but first, we need to get out of here. More of them might be around."

As They walked Jake asked her, “What are you doing out here?” She replied, “I'm looking for potion ingredients. My Father took Ill and I'm afraid he won't last much longer. Jake nodded, understanding the desperation in her actions. "What kind of ingredients are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

Lila took a moment to catch her breath before answering. "I need Moonlit Fern, Crystal Nectar, and a Phoenix Feather. They are rare, but my father’s condition requires an elixir made of these ingredients."

Well what Do they look like can you describe them to me? Lila nodded, gathering her thoughts. "The Moonlit Fern glows faintly in the dark, its silver leaves shimmering under the moon's light. It usually grows in places where the moonlight directly touches the ground, like clearings or atop cliffs. The Crystal Nectar is the dew from the petals of the elusive Crystal Bloom flower. The flower itself is transparent, making it hard to spot, but it has a distinct melodic hum when the wind passes through it. And the Phoenix Feather... well, that's the hardest to find. It's said that a Phoenix sheds a feather once every hundred years, and it radiates with a warm golden aura."

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Jake raised an eyebrow, "The Phoenix Feather sounds nearly impossible to get."

Lila's eyes dimmed with sadness. "Yes, but it's crucial. My father is afflicted with the Shadow Plague, and the elixir made from these ingredients is the only known cure. I know it's a long shot, but I have to try."

Jake contemplated for a moment, the seriousness of the situation. He Thought “WTF is shadow Plague that sounds contagious,” "We'll find them," he said taking an unconscious step back from her. He winced as she grabbed his hand and said, "I don't know about the Phoenix Feather, but we'll start with the Moonlit Fern and Crystal Nectar, thank you, Jake. I don't know what I would have done without your help."

Jake smirked, "Well, for starters, you would've had a goblin problem. Now, let's start our search before it gets dark."

Chapter 12 A Stroll Through Monster-Infested Forest

Jake pondered over Shadow plague while they walked and asked, “So how did your father catch this plague?” She replied, “Well those with low Physical Stats are vulnerable to catching the plague and my father is the local school house principal so he never had use to increase his physical stats. Jake inwardly breathed a sigh of relief but that brought a few more questions to mind. “So you know about Stats then?' She replied, “Of course, everyone knows about the wondrous system. Although only the chosen are allowed full use of it of course” Taken aback he asked, “Why is that?” She gave him a strange look and said, “You must be from very far away going by your questions, strange garb, and weapons you carry. I have never seen such a wizard's wand that you used to dispatch those nasty goblins. Well, it's for our own protection of course! Imagine if everyone could fling dangerous spells around! There would be chaos in the streets. The town guard keeps us safe.”

Jake didn't want to get into a debate about the right to self-defense out here so he just shrugged and said, well what are the rules on use of the wondrous system?” She replied, “Citizens are allowed to level to 10, Guards 20, soldiers 30, and beyond that requires a special permit.” Jake asked, What about People from outside the kingdom like foreign visitors?” She replied, well as long as they're visiting they are required to wear suppression collars. Of course, if they get caught either lying about their level or taking the collars off the penalties are severe.” Jake asked, “How do you qualify for one of these permits?” She responded, “Well I don't know exactly, you have to be a trusted member of society and show a valid need for a permit. They're pretty rare though. The only people who have them in our town are the Mayor, his family, and friends. Oh, the bank owner has one, and his family of course. They don't really use them to their full extent though, as you have to risk your life to level. Not too many people are willing to do that.

The Mayor's son Dawson and his friends Brad and Steve are always showing off their permits. Now I think of it that ring you are wearing looks just like Brad's. Where did you get it?” Jake coughed, “Oh that, Just from a trader.” She laughed, “Ha Brad always said it was a family heirloom, figures. It's just like him to make something like that up.” Changing the subject Jake asked, “So are we getting close to that Moonlit...whatcha call it?”

Chapter 14 Potion Problems

It took some time but Jake and Lila were able to harvest the ingredients except for Phoenix Feather. Lila blew out a frustrated breath. “I think I know one place that may have the feather but it is extremely dangerous. It's also a few weeks travel north” Jake pulled out his hand-drawn map and Lila's eyes went wide. “Wow, that's the most detailed map I have ever seen of this area!” Jake looked down at his handy work and while he thought it wasn't half bad, it certainly wasn't professionally drawn or anything. Lila pressed, “Where did you get it from?” “Well I drew it,” he replied. She laughed “Now you're teasing me, you are not from around here how could you have been to all those places.”

Jake relented not really wanting to explain floating in the air a quarter mile up drawing a map. “Of course you're right it was the same trader who sold me the ring.” Where is the trader selling these goods?” Jack thought quickly, “ah he was named Agrabah, he was a traveling merchant, with a turban, mustachioed, goatee, short, with a big nose. He was also selling oil lamps.” She sighed, “Hmm I guess he has probably moved on by now. “Yeah probably,” Jake replied. “So can you mark this location on my map as well as your home?

You should head back there to check on your father. I could get the feather and bring it to you.” “That's right,” she said. “Father is home all alone, I should hurry back. Are you sure though?” “Yes, I will handle it then we can talk more.” Lila blushed and said well okay then I look forward to it.” She kissed him and ran off. For a few seconds, Jake stood there dumbfounded. He really hoped he did just contract shadow plague. A message popped up: Quest to find a phoenix feather... Jake didn't bother reading it he just accepted it as he planned on doing it anyway. Well, at least he was going to get the cure and also find out what kind of mess he was in.