Chapter 25: *A Quest for Tomorrow*
The boy crouched in the alley, heart racing, as the last two bystanders stood there for a while, their expressions a mix of pity and indifference. They had witnessed the thugs strip him of his equipment and the brave but misguided girl who had died protecting him.
The scene now felt like a nightmare replaying in his mind. But what haunted him more was the girl who had stepped in to protect him. She lay on the ground, still and silent, her body slumped on the cold ground.
As he felt despair looming over him, he suddenly saw something miraculous: the gentle movement of her chest as she breathed. Relief surged through him as he realized she was still alive. With urgency, he rushed to her side, checking for signs of life. When one of the last two bystanders opened his eyes, he took a last glance at them, before quietly leaving the alley; the girl suddenly gasped, her breath coming in shallow, rapid bursts.
He didn't hesitate for a second before pulling her into his embrace, fueled by adrenaline to move quickly. Desperation driving his every step, he raced to the nearest medical facility, desperation fueling every step. Once inside, he quickly explained the situation to the staff, his voice frantic. They acted swiftly, ushering her into a Level 1 healing pod. He paid 100 COIN for her treatment, knowing it was the last of his money, hoping she would recover.
As he stood outside the healing room, guilt gnawed at him. It was his fault she had been injured, and he felt responsible for her situation. After a while, the medical staff assured him she would be alright. Feeling a mix of relief and remorse, he left her a note of gratitude and apology, wishing her a speedy recovery before slipping away.
In the few hours that followed, his thoughts turned dark as guilt weighed heavily on him. Determined to confront the thugs who had stolen his equipment, he plotted an ambush, but his attempt ended in failure. Though they were still injured by his savior, they were bigger and stronger, and he barely managed to escape with his life, left bruised and bleeding.
Hiding behind a pile of garbage, he felt utterly hopeless and didn’t know what to do next. Then an idea struck him like lightning: the Hunter’s Quest Board.
He connected his Hunter’s Mark to his digital account to check how much credit he had left. He knew there was a minimum 1 COIN fee to post a request, and the reward had to be at least 1 COIN as well. As the numbers flickered to life, his heart sank. 2 COIN. This was all he had left. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he realized the grim reality. Who would take a quest for just 1 COIN when they could sell his gear for thousands?
But then he remembered his family's hopeful faces and their belief in him. He thought of his little cousin, Ivy, sickly yet smiling, even when hopelessness clouded her eyes. I have to help her, he thought, steeling himself against despair.
Determined not to lose hope, he made a decision. He connected his Hunter’s Mark on the Hunter’s Quest Board website. With determination in his heart, he typed his request on the Hunter Quest Board under the Retrieval category, titling it Hope, reward 1 COIN. Each moment felt heavy with significance, but he knew he had to try.
With a final deep breath, he clicked register on his Hunter’s Mark, and then his quest was posted on the digital Hunter’s Quest Board, praying that someone would see it and be willing to help.
Nix and Roni entered the main hall of the Hunter Base, the energy around them electric with anticipation. The quest board loomed ahead, a chaotic collage of opportunities and dangers. As they approached, Nix’s eyes were drawn to a Hunter's Wanted Post, the stark images of menacing figures demanding attention.
“Roni, check this out,” he said, his voice low. “We need to remember their faces.” He pointed at the poster, noting the dangerous expressions and the rewards for their capture.
Roni leaned in closer, her brow furrowing. “These guys look serious. We should keep our distance from anyone who might know them.”
Nix nodded, feeling the weight of their words. “It’s not just the beasts we have to watch out for in this place.” The tension hung in the air, a foreboding reminder of the dangers lurking beyond their immediate concerns.
They scanned the board further, searching for quests that could help them gain experience. As they moved past the more dangerous postings, excitement bubbled in Roni as she spotted a quest. “And here’s one for collecting rare fruit in Mulan Field. We could use that to gain some COIN.” Nix then chose one as well, a hunting quest located in the same area.
Before leaving, Roni’s gaze landed on an Item Retrieval quest. “Look at this one, Nix! It’s for stolen gear.”
Nix frowned, skepticism creeping in. “But it’s only 1 COIN. This could just be a joke or a pointless request. Why should we take it?”
Roni's expression softened as memories flooded back to a time when she felt hopeless. She recalled being five years old, crying in a dark corner of a garbage-strewn alley after hearing the news that her parents were missing. The world had felt cold and empty, shadows of despair enveloping her.
In that moment of hopelessness, a small figure approached, wearing an armor made of cardboard boxes. It was Nix, who felt a deep sadness at the sight of the crying girl. “Hey,” he had said gently, crouching down to her level. “I’m Nix. I want to help you.”
Roni looked up at him, still sobbing, her face streaked with tears and snot, unable to believe his words. Sensing her doubt, Nix smiled and pointed to his makeshift armor. “You see this? It’s not much, just a prototype, but when I’m big enough, I’ll turn this into a real one, and then I’ll become a hunter!”
After she calmed down, Roni wiped her face with her shirt. “My name is Veronica Brith,” she had said, her voice trembling. “I would like to hire you now to help me find my mom and dad.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the last two candies her parents had given her before they went missing. These were not just any candies; they were her favorites, cherished reminders of her parents’ love. She handed one to Nix, wanting to share a piece of hope. She then kept the last one and told Nix, "I'll give you this other one as a reward once you complete my request." Nix then reached his right hand and they shook hands, solidifying Nix's first mission.
Years later, standing in the heart of the Hunter Base, Roni felt a profound connection to the person who had just posted his quest titled Hope. She understood that this new quest might be someone else’s last chance, just as she had been given a chance all those years ago.
Nix met her gaze, understanding washing over him. “So, you want to take it for no reason?” he asked, intrigued.
“It doesn’t cost us anything,” Roni replied, her voice resolute. “Why not see how it goes? I won’t forget it, Nix. I want to keep people’s hope up, just like how you kept mine up.” She leaned in and kissed him gently, sealing her determination with a soft touch.
Nix's doubt dissipated as he gained a feeling of clear understanding. “Okay, let’s do it. But remember, if we can’t complete it...”
“We will,” Roni interrupted, her confidence unwavering. “We’ll make sure we do.”
As they prepared to take the quest, Nix couldn’t shake the feeling that this quest for Hope was more than just an easy job.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape as Nix and Roni set out toward Mulan Field. They had reviewed the quest details thoroughly, but a sense of uncertainty lingered; there were few clear indications of where to find the Celestial Fruit. According to the brief description, it was said to have extraordinary healing properties, capable of restoring stamina and enhancing innate abilities. However, the quest warned that it grew only on rare Golems, specifically on their backs.
Upon reaching the border of the field, the environment changed, the tension in the air becoming palpable. Roni looked at the map again, tracing the route with her finger. “If we’re going to find this fruit, we’ll need to keep our eyes peeled for any signs of the Golems. They could be lurking anywhere.”
Nix nodded, activating his [Radar Sense] to pick up vibrations in the ground. The field stretched before them, with patches of tall grass and scattered rocky outcrops. Suddenly, the subtle tremors indicated the presence of creatures nearby.
“Over there,” Nix pointed, spotting a group of smaller Golems, known as Rockshells, moving slowly along the periphery of a rocky ledge. “We should scout ahead, but we have to be cautious. They’re often found in packs.”
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54036353253_6fd1a483f9_m.jpg]
They edged closer, careful not to make a sound. The Rockshells had thick armor similar to turtles, with shimmering rocky shells. Nix and Roni knew they had to find the larger Golem, the Stoneback Sentinel, which was rumored to be the guardian of the Celestial Fruit.
As they crept forward, Roni’s breath hitched. “What if we can’t even get close to the Stoneback Sentinel? What if it’s surrounded by these Rockshells?”
“Then we’ll figure out a way,” Nix replied, scanning the terrain. “Remember, we’re hunters. We adapt.”
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54036546870_3884d47566_m.jpg]image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54035235147_3e54fb939f_m.jpg]
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They moved through the tall grass, trying to keep low, until they reached a vantage point where they could observe the Stoneback Sentinel from a distance. The massive creature stood at least three meters tall, its shell adorned with vibrant patches of greenery, the very fruit they sought.
“There it is,” Roni whispered, awe evident in her voice. “But it’s surrounded by at least four Rockshells.”
Nix squinted, estimating their levels. “The Stoneback Sentinel is Level 4, and those Rockshells are Level 3. We could take down the Rockshells, but it’ll take too long. We need to act quickly to grab the fruit and escape.”
“But how do we do that?” Roni asked, concern lacing her tone.
“We can’t fight them head-on,” Nix said, formulating a plan. “But we can use your Slick Seed to slow down the Rockshells while I create an opening for us to steal the fruit. We won’t be able to kill the Stoneback Sentinel, but if we can grab the fruit and move quickly, we can avoid a full confrontation.”
Roni nodded, determination in her eyes. “Let’s do it.”
They crept closer, keeping to the shadows. Once within range, Roni pulled out her Slick Seed, and with a flick of her wrist, she tossed it into the midst of the Rockshells. The seed burst on impact, releasing a slick, viscous substance that coated the ground.
“Now!” Nix shouted, charging forward while the Rockshells struggled to regain their footing.
As they slipped and stumbled, Nix activated [HairForm: Phantom Hands], extending them toward the Stoneback Sentinel. The Golem, towering and imposing, turned its massive head, but Nix was quick, using the distraction to climb onto its back.
“Grab the fruit!” Roni yelled, keeping an eye on the surrounding Rockshells, who were regaining their balance and attempting to charge toward Nix.
Nix spotted the fruit nestled within the greenery, glowing faintly. He reached for it, feeling the warmth radiating from its surface. With a firm grip, he yanked it free, a surge of excitement coursing through him.
“Got it!” he shouted, holding the fruit aloft.
“Now we need to go!” Roni called, quickly firing an arrow into one of the Rockshells, slowing it down further.
Nix leapt off the Stoneback Sentinel’s back, landing beside Roni just as the remaining Rockshells began to regain their footing. They had only moments to spare.
“Back the way we came!” Nix urged, racing alongside Roni as the Golems began to stir, their rocky forms lumbering in pursuit.
They sprinted through the grass, using Nix’s [Radar Sense] to navigate the uneven terrain. The Rockshells were slow, but they would not relent easily. Roni prepared another arrow, ready to cover their retreat.
“Nix, we need to lose them fast!” she shouted, panting.
“Follow me!” Nix replied, veering toward a dense thicket where the brush was thick enough to slow their pursuers. He felt the ground tremble behind them, sensing the growing frustration of the Golems as they crashed through the underbrush.
As they reached the thicket, Nix quickly activated [HairForm: Strings], using his hair to latch onto a nearby tree. “Climb!” he urged, pulling himself up and offering a hand to Roni.
They scrambled up the branches, Roni climbing with agile grace, while Nix focused on keeping their exit path clear. They reached a sturdy branch high above, watching as the Rockshells stumbled into the thicket, confused and disoriented.
“Do you think they’ll follow us up here?” Roni asked, catching her breath.
Nix shook his head. “They’re too heavy. We’ll be safe for now. We just need to stay quiet until they lose interest.”
As the Rockshells continued to scuttle below, frustrated growls echoed in the air. Nix turned to Roni, a triumphant smile breaking through his fatigue. “We did it. We got the fruit.”
Roni grinned back, holding the Celestial Fruit close. “Now we just need to make it back to the Hunter Base and hope it’s as potent as they say.”
Nix nodded, a sense of satisfaction settling in. “But first, we wait. The hunt isn’t over until we’re safe.”
As they perched high above the chaos below, the challenges of the hunt lingered in the air, a reminder of the world they lived in, dangerous, unpredictable, and ever-evolving.
A few hours later, Nix and Roni navigated the thick vegetation of Mulan Field for their next target, keeping a lookout for any indications of activity. The landscape was full of rocks and rough, with roots and bushes scattered throughout, yet they continued forward. Nix checked some more details about his mission: Eliminate a Flickering Hound, a creature famous for its remarkable speed and elusive nature.
The information from the Hunter Quest board had described the Flickering Hound as a cunning predator capable of blindingly fast dashes, darting between shadows and striking unexpectedly. Its speed made it a formidable opponent, and Nix was well aware that catching it would require strategy.
As they trekked deeper into the field, the environment shifted slightly, with patches of dense grass giving way to areas with scattered boulders. Roni, with her keen eye, scanned the area, looking for any signs of the beast.
Suddenly, Nix noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He halted, signaling Roni to stop as well. From their vantage point, they spotted a group of figures in the distance, thugs, identical in appearance to the ones they had encountered before. Their demeanor was aggressive as they flanked an area not far from Nix and Roni’s path.
Nix tensed but quickly reminded himself to stay focused on the hunt. The thugs aren’t our concern right now. He motioned for Roni to continue forward, their eyes set on the goal ahead.
“Let’s keep moving,” he whispered, ensuring they remained out of sight. Their plan was to track the Flickering Hound without drawing attention to themselves or getting involved with the thugs.
After carefully navigating through the underbrush, they reached a clearing where the terrain opened up. Nix activated his [Radar Sense], feeling the vibrations in the ground. There was a shift in the air, something was nearby.
“There!” Roni indicated a patch of grass where the Flickering Hound emerged suddenly, moving so quickly that its shape appeared blurry, and leaving behind trails of sparkling light. Nix felt his heart pounding as he watched the hound's smooth form moving easily through the grass, its keen eyes scanning the area with intelligence.
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54036563350_b969b32cfa_m.jpg]
“It’s fast,” Roni muttered, awe and determination evident in her voice.
“Too fast for us to chase directly,” Nix replied. “We’ll need to draw it into a narrow area first. Do you still have your Slick Seeds?”
Roni nodded, her expression fierce. “I can create a slippery patch to slow it down. If we can get it to the rocky outcrop over there, we’ll have a chance.”
“Good thinking. Let’s lure it in,” Nix said, formulating a plan. He knew the Flickering Hound would likely charge at any sign of movement, especially if it felt threatened.
Nix breathed in deeply, focusing his energy. He stood on the brink of the clearing, prepared to taunt the creature. "Here goes nothing," he muttered, tossing a small pebble into the bushes, sending a noise that echoed through the air.
The Flickering Hound's ears perked up, and it immediately turned its gaze toward Nix, its body tense and ready to spring. Without hesitation, Nix took a step back, baiting the hound to follow.
As predicted, the hound launched itself forward, a flash of movement that would be impossible to follow with the naked eye. Just as it neared Nix, Roni activated the Slick Seed, planting it into the ground ahead.
The moment the hound hit the slick patch, its paws slipped out from under it, sending the creature tumbling. It yelped in surprise, momentarily losing its balance. Nix seized the opportunity.
“Now!” he shouted, launching his [Toxic Quills] at the hound. The quills shot forth, aiming to immobilize the creature as it struggled to regain its footing.
Despite its agility, the Flickering Hound managed to evade most of the quills by rolling to the side, but still got hit by a few. The hound let out a low growl, its movements becoming sluggish as the toxins began to take effect.
“Keep it there!” Roni shouted, firing a [Binding Arrow] to keep the hound pinned down. The arrow struck true, embedding itself into the ground next to the creature, releasing vines that wrapped around its legs.
With the hound temporarily immobilized, Nix rushed forward, his weapon raised. “We need to finish this before it breaks free!” He prepared to strike while the hound was still dazed.
As Nix and Roni worked together, the battle became a dance of precision and timing. They exploited every moment the Flickering Hound was hindered, landing hits where they could. It was a relentless struggle, and despite the hound's quick reflexes, it was clear they were wearing it down.
Finally, with one last charge from the Flickering Hound, it broke free from Roni's vines, but Nix was ready. He lunged forward with Morning Wood, slamming the bat down on the creature’s side, driving it back into the patch of slick ground again.
“Now!” Roni shouted, firing another [Boom Arrow], the explosion sending shockwaves through the clearing as it struck the Flickering Hound, causing it to stumble once more.
With the beast reeling, they moved in, knowing they had to finish the job. Nix followed up with a rapid series of attacks, utilizing his [Phantom Hands] to grip and control the creature, while Roni aimed her arrows with precision.
Finally, they landed a decisive blow, and the Flickering Hound collapsed onto the slick ground, defeated. Nix exhaled deeply, glancing at Roni, who was equally breathless but exhilarated.
“We did it!” Roni exclaimed, a wide smile breaking across her face.
Nix nodded, but as they caught their breath. After collecting the Hound's Fur. Nix asked "Roni, why do you think the job employer wanted this Fur?" Roni touched the fur. hmm, "I thinks its a good material for making a camouflage good for hiding in the dark and leaving no scents." Nix agreed with her analysis. He glanced back toward where he had seen the thugs earlier.
Nix took a deep breath, as he had a hunch about the *Hope* quest. “Roni, what were the exact descriptions for the Retrieval Quest we saw earlier?”
Roni frowned in concentration, recalling the details. “It mentioned a group of thugs who stole some equipment and a marked meeting site for anyone who takes the job. The quest specified that the target was near Mulan Field.”
Nix's expression shifted as a realization dawned on him. “Wait... those thugs look familiar. They’re the same ones from the alley that bullied that boy. It’s possible he made the quest.”
Roni nodded slowly, considering his words. “It could be, but there are tons of people out there who place requests. We can’t assume this is connected to him.”
“True,” Nix agreed, his determination hardening. “No matter what, a target is a target. We need to focus on hunting them down. First, we should follow them and gather information about their abilities before we make any plans on how to confront them.”
As they rested for a moment, Nix and Roni took the time to recover from the recent battle, preparing to track the thugs while keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of trouble.