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System of the Void
Names are Hard and Bandits

Names are Hard and Bandits

The aroma of sizzling butter and maple syrup wafted through the bustling market, drawing Zaro's attention to a colorful cart nestled between the stalls. The vendor, a jolly old man with a well worn apron and a bright smile, flipped golden brown flapjacks with practiced ease. A sign proudly proclaiming Ol' Jeb's Famous Flapjacks hung above the cart, the paint slightly faded but the message still clear.

Zaro couldn't resist the temptation. He approached the cart, his mouth watering as he watched Ol' Jeb pour the perfect circle of batter onto the sizzling griddle. The flapjacks were a work of art - fluffy, golden, and drizzled with the most fragrant maple syrup Zaro had ever encountered. The butter, he noticed, had a rich, creamy color that could only come from grass-fed cows.

Mornin', young man! Ol' Jeb greeted him with a warm smile. Care for a taste of the finest flapjacks in all of Everlight?

Zaro grinned, unable to resist the old man's charm. Absolutely. I've been dreaming of a breakfast like this for ages.

Ol' Jeb chuckled as he expertly flipped a flapjack onto a plate and handed it to Zaro. Well, you're in for a treat. These flapjacks are made with a secret recipe passed down through my family for generations. The maple syrup comes from my own grove, and the butter, well, let's just say those cows are living their best lives.

Zaro took a bite and couldn't help but let out a contented sigh. The flapjack was perfect, light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The maple syrup had a depth he'd never experienced before, and the butter melted in his mouth like a little piece of heaven.

After savoring every last bite and thanking Ol' Jeb profusely, Zaro continued his journey through the market, his spirits lifted and his belly full. He had a feeling it was going to be a good day.

A few stalls down, a small tailor shop caught his eye. The storefront was painted in a charming combination of blue and gold, the colors seeming to shimmer in the morning light. The door, a deep, rich blue, stood invitingly open, revealing a glimpse of the treasures within.

As Zaro stepped inside, he was immediately struck by the shop's atmosphere. Bolts of fabric in every color imaginable lined the walls, their textures ranging from the finest silk to the sturdiest leather. The air carried the faint scent of lavender, a testament to the care and dedication put into each piece of clothing.

The shopkeeper, a brunette woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, greeted him from behind the counter. Welcome to Threads of Fate. I'm Kim. How can I assist you today?

Zaro returned the smile, already feeling at ease in the welcoming space. I'm in need of some new clothes for my adventures. Something durable, but still stylish.

Kim's eyes sparkled with excitement. Ah, an adventurer! I have just the thing." She led him to a display of tunics and trousers, each piece crafted with exquisite attention to detail. These are made from our finest materials, enchanted for durability and comfort. The perfect choice for someone who faces danger head-on.

Zaro ran his fingers over the fabric, marveling at the softness and the intricate patterns woven into each piece. He selected four tunic tops and four bottoms, along with a pair of sturdy boots and a few hats for good measure. As he tried them on, he couldn't help but admire the way the clothes fit him like a second skin, moving with him as if they were an extension of his body.

These are perfect, he said, grinning at his reflection in the mirror. You have a real talent, Kim.

The shopkeeper beamed with pride. Thank you. It's my passion to create clothes that not only look good but also serve a purpose. And if I may say so, that cloak of yours is quite remarkable. Where did you get it?

Zaro fingered the edge of his cloak, a wistful smile on his face. It was a gift. He said without explanation.

Kim nodded in understanding. It's beautiful.

After paying for his new wardrobe and storing it safely in his void storage, Zaro bid farewell to Kim, feeling not just well equipped, but also strangely uplifted. It was encounters like these, with people who put their heart and soul into their craft, that made him appreciate the world he'd found himself in.

As he stepped back out into the bustling market, Zaro took a deep breath, savoring the mingled scents of fresh bread, exotic spices, and the faint lingering aroma of maple syrup. He had a feeling that today was going to be a day of surprises, both good and bad. But with his new clothes, a belly full of flapjacks, and a renewed sense of purpose, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Zaro made his way to the meeting spot, his mind already churning with plans for the upcoming mission. The guild hall loomed ahead, its stone walls seeming to pulse with the anticipation of new adventures and untold dangers.

He arrived at the meeting spot and unrolled the guild scroll across the table, smoothing the weathered parchment. The morning light illuminated the official seal, casting an air of importance over the quest details.

The scroll detailed our charges. Three recruits fresh from basic training.

Marcus Level 12 Warrior. Favors sword and shield.

Sara Level 10 Fire Mage. Limited control over flames.

Tom Level 11 Rogue. Adequate stealth. Poor impulse control.

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The system chimed in. Escort tahgets checked out. They ain't got good odds a makin it out in one piece there bucko. I say 12% chance.

System, Zaro thought firmly. Reduce commentary by 50%. And change delivery to English butler.

Right ol chap. Banter reduced as you wish master Zaro.

He gathered the team around the table. Ramrod studied the scroll while Ezra marked positions on her map. Chad pretended to read but mostly just adjusted his hat.

We need a solid plan, he said. These recruits are barely above civilian level. I'm taking point. Ezra, you guard our flanks and rear with your bow. Ramrod, stay left and catch anyone who breaks formation. Chad, stay right and keep your spells ready for crowd control.

Zaro nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. I agree. We'll need to be on our toes if we want to keep these rookies alive.

He gathered the team around the table, watching as they studied the quest details with varying degrees of enthusiasm and apprehension. Ramrod, his muscles flexing beneath his armor, seemed eager for the challenge. Ezra, her keen eyes scanning the map, was already formulating strategies and contingency plans. Chad, his fingers tapping nervously against his staff, looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

Alright, team, Zaro said, his voice cutting through the murmurs of conversation. We have a tough mission ahead of us. These recruits are green as grass, and it's our job to make sure they don't become goblin fodder. Here's the plan.

As Zaro outlined their roles and responsibilities, the system interjected.

Sir, if I may be so bold as to offer my humble opinion, the probability of these recruits surviving the labyrinth unscathed is rather slim. Perhaps it would be prudent to equip them with additional protective gear, lest they fall victim to the perils that await. The system added.

Zaro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Thank you for that uplifting assessment, system. We'll just have to work that much harder to beat the odds. He replied.

The team spent the next hour meticulously gathering supplies, healing potions, antidotes, basic rations, and every adventuring necessity they could think of. The guild quartermaster, his eyes widening with each addition to their growing pile, looked like he was about to have a heart attack.

Don't worry, Zaro reassured him with a smirk, we'll make sure to put all of this to good use. And if we don't, well, I'm sure our ghosts will appreciate the sentiment.

The quartermaster blanched, his face turning a rather unflattering shade of green. Zaro made a mental note to buy the poor man a stiff drink when they returned. If they returned.

Finally equipped and as prepared as they could be, the team collected their charges from the training yard. Marcus, his armor gleaming in the sunlight, stood at attention, his sword grip tight with anticipation. Sara, her fingers sparking with nervous energy, tried to maintain a calm facade, but the slight tremor in her hands gave away her apprehension. Tom, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow, looked like he was already plotting his escape route.

Well, don't you all look ready to take on the world, Zaro said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. I hope you've made peace with your gods because we're about to embark on a journey that will make the Whispering Caves look like a pleasant stroll through the park.

The recruits exchanged nervous glances, their faces paling at the mention of the infamous caves. Zaro almost felt bad for them. Almost.

As they set out on the road to the labyrinth, the weight of their task seemed to settle on their shoulders like a physical burden. The forest loomed ahead, its trees stretching into the sky like silent sentinels, their branches twisting and intertwining in a macabre dance. The air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a reminder of the cycle of life and death that ruled these woods.

The first few miles passed uneventfully, the only sounds the crunching of boots on the dirt path and the occasional snapping of a twig. But as they ventured deeper into the forest, Zaro's void sense began to tingle, a prickling at the back of his neck that set his nerves on edge.

They made it four miles before his void sense tingled. Fifteen signatures spread through the trees ahead. His analyze skill activated automatically.

Bandit Group

Average Level 10 to 15

Equipment Basic to Average

Leader Level 15

Notable Skills Basic Combat

Threat Level Low

Two archers in the trees to the left. Two more hidden in bushes to the right. The rest blocked the road ahead, their leader front and center in studded leather.

Zaro caught Ezras eye and sent a thought through our void link. Four hidden. Trees and bushes. Ready to redirect arrows.

Ezra, her bow already in hand, scanned the treeline, her eyes narrowing as she picked out the faint glint of metal amongst the foliage. I see them, she said, her voice low and steady. What's the plan?

Zaro didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, his stance relaxed but his senses on high alert. Let me handle this, he said, a grin spreading across his face. I have a way with words.

Zaro approached the leader with an easy smile. Five gold pieces if you let us pass. I'm having a good day and I'd rather not kill anyone. He said plainly.

The bandits emerged from the shadows, their weapons glinting in the dappled sunlight. Their leader, a burly man with a scar running down the length of his face, stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

The bandit leader threw his head back and laughed, the sound harsh and grating. Well, well, well, he sneered, his voice thick with a heavy accent. Wot do we 'ave 'ere? A group of 'apless adventurers, wanderin' into our territory like lambs to the slaughter.

Zaro's demeanor turned cold and he said, No deal.

The leader lunged with a heavy right hook. Ezras Shadow Direct caught the punch midway, redirecting it into his own face with a satisfying crunch. Blood spurted from his broken nose as he stumbled back.

I see your hidden archers, I said calmly. Take the gold and leave, or die here.

The leader spat blood and raised his sword. Kill them all!

Four arrows launched from hiding spots. Ezras Shadow Direct opened 4 small portals of shadowy void which did as the name predicted and redirecting them with surgical precision. Four bodies dropped silently, arrows protruding from the base of their skulls.

Zaro channeled shadow strike into his fist, quintupling the charge. The leader had time to widen his eyes before his enhanced strike turned the man's upper body into a fine pink mist.

The remaining bandits, seeing their leader fall, turned and fled, their courage shattered like glass. Zaro let them go, his point made. He raised his hand, stopping Chad mid spell cast. He turned to the others, his face splattered with blood and his eyes gleaming with the thrill of battle.

Let them go. Zaro said as he tossed five gold pieces onto what remained of their leader.

Experience Gained 300

850 of 2700 for level 12

Bonus Experience from Void Family Member Kill Assists 800. 1,650 of 2700 for level up.

Zaro blinked at the notification. The system counted Ezra's kills as credit through our void link? Interesting.

Alright newbies, Zaro called out cheerfully. These nice fellows aren't going to loot themselves. Chop chop.

Marcus stared at the carnage with wide eyes.

Marvin, get the ones in the bushes. Clara, help Tim with those two over there.

It's Tom actually, the rogue mumbled.

That's what I said Timmy, Zaro replied suppressing a grin. Now get to work before Lassie finds you in a well. He made a heart shape with his hands. JK bestie. But seriously get moving.

The recruits moved with reluctant efficiency, probably more afraid of their mentors than the dead bandits at this point.

After a solid haul looting armor and a few potions, as well as some weapons and basically anything notable, the group moved on to their destination.

They reached the labyrinth entrance an hour later. Ancient stone loomed before them, covered in warnings written in long dead languages.

Before we head in, Zaro announced, I want each of you to hit me with your strongest attack. Need to gauge your combat level.

Zaro activated void shield, pumping 150 mana into it. The familiar dark energy rippled across his skin, ten times stronger than normal. The void shield bar in his vision showed 250 before it faded away.

Marcus charged first, his sword bouncing harmlessly off Zaro's chest. Sara launched her biggest fireball, which fizzled against his shoulder. Tom tried a sneak attack that he honestly barely felt.

Sir, your void shield has indeed reached a new level of proficiency. I must congratulate you on this achievement. However, I would be remiss if I did not remind you that even the strongest defenses can be breached by a determined foe.

VOID SHIELD HAS REACHED LEVEL 3

Mana Cost Reduced to 15. This skill now mitigates 35 damage per charge.

Zaro wiped away an imaginary tear. Those attacks were so strong they hurt me emotionally. Really top tier stuff. A plus for effort. Let's go die in a dungeon now. He said playfully.

The recruits looked unsure whether to be proud or terrified. Perfect.

Assessing the current situation, sir. It would appear the most prudent course of action would be to seek a line of employment rather less inclined toward mortal peril. The system chimed.

The labyrinth waited, dark and silent. At least we were going in prepared. Zaro thought

Well, mostly prepared.

Somehow he doubted any amount of preparation would be enough. But damn is it going to be fun.