Sang stood at the edge of the farm, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his heart weighed down by the gravity of his decision.

Dr. Twice approached, her face etched with genuine concern. “You don’t have to go, Sang. There’s still so much to learn from Morning.”

Sang shook his head, his expression resolute. “I appreciate everything, Dr. Twice. But I need to find my own mysteries to uncover out there.”

Bianca, standing a few paces away, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness, offered a simple farewell. “Goodbye, Sang. Take care of yourself.”

Galewae, placed a firm hand on Sang’s shoulder. His silence was heavy with unspoken understanding and support.

Rose, ever dramatic, huffed and fidgeted with her clothing. “This is absurd. I can’t believe you’re leaving without a proper send-off.”

Sang didn’t respond, his focus remaining on the journey ahead. Joyce, always the pragmatist, stepped up. “I’m coming with you,” she said firmly.

As the afternoon sun began to cast long shadows, Sang, Rose, and Joyce set out along a less traveled path, deliberately avoiding the main roads. The route wound through dense forests, where the towering trees loomed like silent sentinels. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant Inunu calls.

Rose’s complaints echoed through the forest. “This is fucking ridiculous! No god damn shops, no cafes, not even a decent place to rest!” Her frustration was palpable, each complaint grating on the nerves of those around her.

Joyce, in contrast, maintained a calm and observant demeanor. “We should stick to the higher ground,” she suggested, her tone practical.

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As the sun began its descent, casting an orange glow over the landscape, the peace of the evening was shattered by a sudden threat.

A group of bandits emerged from a concealed crevice, their crude weapons and hostile expressions a stark contrast to the serene surroundings.

One of the bandits, likely the group leader, stepped forward. He wore street clothing and a black bandana with a metal plate bearing a skull symbol. He pulled out his gun, aiming it at Sang. “No fucking sudden moves or you’ll get got by the Red Cross Killers. Now hand over your valuables and no one gets hurt.”

Sang’s reaction was swift. He unleashed Doom and Null, and pulling out his gun readying himself for the imminent confrontation. Dante wasted no time, charging up a plasma shot and firing it towards one of the bandits who was rushing towards them in retaliation.

The ensuing battle was brutal. Dante fought with a blend of speed and precision, his movements a blur as he engaged the bandits. Doom and Null fought fiercely by his side, their attacks precise and deadly. Sang provided vital support, his ranged attacks and tactical maneuvers helping to keep the bandits at bay.

Despite their best efforts, the odds were not in their favor. The relentless assault of the bandits began to overwhelm Doom and Null. Sang’s heart sank as he watched his companions fall, their bodies crumpling under the relentless assault. Dante, meanwhile, was busy devouring some of the fallen bandits’ bodies.

Driven by grief and rage, Sang fought with renewed intensity. He seized an opportunity and struck down the bandit boss with a decisive blow. The remaining bandits, seeing their leader fall, panicked and scattered into the wilderness.

Ding! You defeated 13 bandits.

You won 920000 exp.

Level up, you leveled to 24.

You learn the skill of Glamor.

Glamor: Mind control anyone who looks into your eyes for an hour.

The battle’s aftermath left Sang battered and bruised, the weight of loss heavy upon him. Rose, her usual bravado stripped away, stood silently, her shock evident.

Joyce, heartbroken yet composed, offered solace. “We’ll bury them,” she said softly. “We’ll honor their memory.”

Together, they buried Doom and Null, marking their graves with stones. Sang grappled with guilt and survivor’s remorse, questioning the wisdom of his decision to leave the farm. Yet, he pressed onward toward the rumored dungeon near Duskbowl City.