As the group and Liam continued walking, the rain poured down relentlessly, making the path slippery and difficult to navigate. With each step, Liam grew more uncomfortable, sensing the change in the atmosphere around his new companions.

The group exchanged furtive glances, nodding in agreement when they felt the time was right. Their leader, a burly man with a patchy beard, suddenly lunged at Liam with a dagger in hand. Caught off guard, Liam barely had time to react as he narrowly avoided the blade, stepping back on the slippery ground.

His temporary travelling companions revealed their true intentions, quickly surrounding Liam with weapons drawn, their eyes gleaming with avarice. The leader sneered at Liam, his voice dripping with venom. "Hand over your pack, boy. Do as we say, and we might just let you live."

As the group surrounded Liam, they prepared to attack with an array of weapons. Isolde, armed with a bow aimed an silvery arrow at his heart, while another man with a wickedly curved sword slashed at him from the side. A blade of water begins to form from the edge of his sword. From the corner of his eye, Liam could see a third member ignite his fists in an orange glow. Steam rises from his fists as raindrops impact the rapidly forming fireball.

Adrenaline and light energy surged through his body, and suddenly the deadly attacks appeared to slow down.

Liam sidestepped the watery blade's vicious arc, while simultaneously twisting his body before the arrow could pierce his chest.

He quickly turned his attention to the incoming fireball. With a burst of agility, he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the searing heat and the deadly flames. The fireball sailed past him, illuminating the dark, rain-soaked forest in a burst of red and orange. He felt a surge of pride in the accomplishment but knew he couldn't afford to dwell on it.

With a thumping heart and energy flooding through his legs, Liam raced toward the group.

As he passed the archer, a flash of light detonated near her shocked face. The bandits took a moment to blink stars from their eyes before beginning their chase. Isolde paused to shoot at the retreating teen's back but missed, her vision still blurry and filled with black spots.

They chase for a few minutes but as the distance grows between them, he quickly moves beyond effective range.

After managing to escape from the bandits, Liam's heart pounded as he sprinted down the muddy road, his mind racing. The adrenaline that surged through his veins seemed to lend him an extra burst of speed. His senses were heightened, allowing him to navigate the rain-soaked road with ease despite the lingering sense of danger. He knew that he had to put as much distance as possible between himself and the bandits.

As he moved further along the road, the rain continued to pour, turning the earth beneath his feet into a slippery mess. The soft sounds of creatures seeking shelter from the downpour echoed from the nearby forest, adding to the ominous atmosphere of the wet road. Despite his brush with danger, Liam couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the landscape, with raindrops glistening on leaves and petals, catching the dim daylight.

Liam's thoughts occasionally drifted to the bandits he had narrowly escaped. His instincts told him that they were not the type to give up easily, and he knew that he had to remain vigilant until he reached the safety of the city. This spurred him to quicken his pace, his boots splashing through puddles as he raced down the road.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Liam spotted the familiar silhouette of the city walls in the distance, and relief washed over him. He pressed on, his pace steady and determined, as the city grew nearer with each step.

As Liam approached the city gates, his breathing heavy and legs aching from the long journey, he resolved to report the attempted robbery to the guards on duty.

As Liam approached the city gates, the guard on duty, a burly man with a stern expression, spotted him and waved him over. Upon recognizing Liam from the previous day, his stern demeanour softened slightly.

"Welcome back" he greeted. "You look like you've been through quite an ordeal. What happened out there?"

Liam took a deep breath, still feeling the remnants of adrenaline coursing through his body. "I was attacked by a group of bandits on my way back from the Whisperwood Forest. They tried to rob me, but I managed to escape."

The guard's face darkened, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently. "Can you describe the bandits? How many were there? Any distinguishing features?"

Liam nodded, providing a detailed description of each attacker, including their weapons and the magic they used. "There were three of them – a woman who used a bow and two men with elemental magic. One of them was called Isolde. I think they might target other travelers or adventurers as well."

The guard scribbled notes in a small notebook, his expression grave. "Thank you for reporting this. I suspect it was an attack of opportunity you because of how green you are, they though you would be an easy catch."

Liam thanked the guard, appreciative of his diligence. "I'm glad I could help. Just make sure to spread the word so no one else falls victim to their attacks."

The guard nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "We will. You should go and get some rest. You've had a rough day."

Liam agreed, grateful for the guard's understanding, and made his way into the city, relieved to have made it back to safety.

Soaked from the rain and feeling the lingering effects of his harrowing encounter, approached the alchemist's shop with a sense of accomplishment. He had survived the treacherous journey and completed his mission, clutching the precious moonblossoms tightly in his hand.

Liam made his way to the alchemist's shop, located in a quaint and bustling area of Farandor. The shop was nestled between an cobbler and a herbalist, with a busy market square just around the corner. As he walked down the cobblestone streets, he could see a small park nearby, with a beautifully carved stone fountain at its center, where children played and townsfolk gathered to relax.

As he approached the alchemist's shop, he noticed the enchanting scent of various herbs and potions wafting from the open door, mingling with the aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted meats from the nearby market stalls. The building itself was charming and old, with wooden beams supporting the structure and intricately etched glass windows that cast an array of colors onto the street.

Liam weaved his way through the crowd of people, a mix of shoppers, merchants, and fellow adventurers. He couldn't help but admire the various street performers, including a fire-breather and a juggler, who entertained the gathering crowd. The atmosphere was lively and infectious, with laughter and conversation filling the air.

Despite the excitement surrounding him, Liam kept his focus on reaching the alchemist's shop. He passed an impressive statue of a local hero, holding a sword aloft, that stood guard over the entrance to the market square. The square was filled with a cacophony of sounds, sights, and smells that further accentuated the thriving nature of this part of the city.

Finally, Liam arrived at the alchemist's shop, stepping over the intricately designed mosaic that adorned the entranceway. Pushing the wooden door open, he entered the dimly lit, yet cozy interior. The walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of potions, herbs, and mysterious artifacts, while the alchemist himself busied himself behind the counter, grinding and mixing ingredients in a mortar and pestle. With a sigh of relief, Liam stepped further into the shop, prepared to deliver the precious moonblossoms.

As Liam approached the alchemist, he held out his mission parchment and the carefully wrapped bundle of moonblossoms. The alchemist looked up from his work, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Ah, you must be the young adventurer who took on the moonblossom mission. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, extending a hand to Liam. "I'm Alaric, the resident alchemist of Farandor."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Liam shook Alaric's hand, feeling a sense of accomplishment upon completing his first mission. "It's nice to meet you, Alaric. I'm Liam," he replied with a smile. "I've successfully gathered the moonblossoms you requested."

Alaric carefully took the bundle from Liam, unwrapping it to examine the delicate flowers. His eyes lit up in admiration. "These are a little battered but mostly fine. This one is almost unusable, but the rest are OK.” He indicates to a particularly bruised flower.

“Ahh sorry about that, I met a group of travellers on the road when I was making my way back to the city from Whisperwood Forest, they tried to rob me.” Liam explained.

Alaric nodded understandingly as Liam recounted the details of the bandit attack he had narrowly escaped. "That must have been a harrowing experience," the alchemist said with a hint of concern. "But given the circumstances, it's impressive that you were able to secure the moonblossoms at all, let alone bring them back in such good condition."

Liam felt relieved that Alaric was not disappointed in the slight damage to the flowers. "It was a close call, but I managed to outrun them and get to safety," he said, grateful for the understanding. "I just hope the damage to the flowers won't affect your work too much."

Alaric offered a reassuring smile. "These flowers are more resilient than they appear. I'll still be able to extract the necessary essence from them, despite the minor damage. It should be enough for an entire batch of high-grade healing potions. You've done an excellent job, Liam."

Alaric handed Liam a small pouch containing the promised reward for the mission. The coins inside jingled as Liam accepted the pouch, feeling the weight of his hard-earned reward. "I'll also make good on my promise to provide you with one of the potions made from the moonblossoms," Alaric said, smiling warmly. "It will take a few days to complete the extraction process and create the potion, but once it's ready, you're welcome to come by and pick it up."

Liam pulled out the yellow singing flower he had picked up in the Whisperwood forest and showed it to Alaric. "I found this while I was out there, too," Liam said. "Do you know what it is? And does it have any value?"

Alaric's eyes widened in surprise and interest as he examined the delicate, vibrant flower. "Ah, this is a Harmonia Blossom. Quite a rare find! These flowers are known for their unique ability to emit a soothing melody when they catch a breeze. Some people believe the gentle hum has healing properties and can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Alaric thought for a moment and then added, "You know, I could actually turn this Harmonia Blossom into a basic spiritual elixir for you if you're interested. It should help strengthen your connection to your spirit and potentially boost your powers."

Liam's eyes lit up at the prospect. He had never heard of such an elixir before, but the idea of enhancing his spiritual connection and abilities was too intriguing to pass up. "That sounds amazing, Alaric. What would it cost me?"

“Well if you give me everything you retrieved, I will pay you below market rate, 50 silvers for the entire bundle. But I will make you the elixir for free.

After considering the offer for a moment, Liam decided it was worth it. "Deal. Let's do it," he said with determination.

"Excellent!" Alaric exclaimed. "Give me a few days to work on the elixir and healing potion, and I'll have it ready for you. I'll notify you when it's complete."

Before Liam left the shop, Alaric took out a small inkwell and quill from one of the cluttered shelves. "Let me sign your quest writ as proof that you've completed the mission," he said, taking the writ from Liam.

Alaric carefully dipped the quill into the inkwell and signed his name in elegant script, then handed the writ back to Liam. "There you go, all done. Make sure you present this at the Vanguard Coalition to receive proper credit for your work."

Liam thanked Alaric once again and carefully folded the writ, placing it securely in his pocket. With his mission complete and the promise of a spiritual elixir to look forward to, he set off towards the Vanguard Coalition.

As Liam walked towards the Vanguard Coalition, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dissonance. The bustling city streets were alive with merchants calling out their wares, children playing, and people going about their daily business. The atmosphere was vibrant and peaceful, a stark contrast to the dangerous encounter he had faced just hours before.

He observed the people around him, wondering if any of them had ever faced a situation like his. Would they be able to understand the fear and adrenaline that coursed through him during the attack? Perhaps beneath their calm exteriors, some of them had their own tales of narrow escapes and thrilling adventures.

The warm sunlight filtering through the clouds began to dry his clothes as he continued walking, and the smells of freshly baked bread and roasting meats from nearby food stalls filled the air. The city's energy seemed to envelop him, and slowly, the lingering tension from his earlier ordeal began to dissipate.

Liam approached the bread stall, which was bustling with activity. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, drawing him in. The stall was manned by a burly man with a bushy mustache and a warm, welcoming smile. Despite the crowd of customers clamoring for his attention, the stall owner took the time to greet Liam with a hearty "Hello there!"

"What can I get for you, lad?" the man asked, wiping flour-covered hands on his apron.

"I'd like half a loaf of this one, please," Liam replied pointing at a tasty looking piece, his stomach rumbling at the sight of the golden-brown loaves displayed in various shapes and sizes.

"Ah, you've got an excellent eye for quality," the stall owner said, selecting a particularly crusty, aromatic loaf for Liam. "

As the man handed the warm bread to Liam, their hands brushed for a moment, and the man's grip was surprisingly gentle despite his burly appearance. Liam smiled, grateful for the kind interaction, and handed over the required coins.

"Thank you," Liam said, inhaling the mouthwatering scent of his purchase.

"You're welcome, and enjoy!" the bread stall owner replied, his eyes crinkling with a genuine smile. "Come back anytime!"

Even in a world filled with uncertainty, danger, and adventure, there was comfort to be found in small acts of kindness and the sharing of good food.

As Liam savored the warm, crusty bread from the stall, his thoughts turned to his life and the events that led him to this point. He thought about the years he spent growing up in Erathia, feeling the sting of being an orphan and the constant struggle to fit in. In those early years, he had no idea about his latent powers, and life was challenging, to say the least. Despite the pain it caused him, he realized that those hardships had shaped him into the person he was today, instilling in him a resilience that would serve him well on his new path.

His thoughts then drifted to the day he discovered his abilities, a day that changed his life forever. Liam had always been told that his father had died in battle, but deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. He couldn't help but wonder if his father's mysterious fate was somehow tied to his own latent abilities or if there was a deeper purpose to his powers.

As Liam took another bite of the delicious bread, he contemplated the uncertainties of his future. He knew that there would be dangers and trials ahead, but he also understood that these experiences would help him grow as an individual. The growing mystery in his mind surrounding his father's fate had become both a source of intrigue and a driving force for him, pushing him to grow stronger.

Liam took the last bite of his delicious bread and wiped his hands on his trousers, making sure not to leave any crumbs behind. He could see the impressive building of the Vanguard Coalition ahead, its entrance bustling with adventurers coming and going.

As he entered the guild, the familiar sight of the main hall greeted him with its high ceiling, roaring fireplace, and people mingling. Liam's eyes fell on the receptionist, a familiar friendly face behind the counter.

"Hi Isabella," Liam said as he approached her, offering a warm smile.

Isabella looked up from her paperwork, and her face lit up when she saw Liam. "Hey Liam! How did your mission go? You're back sooner than I expected," she said, genuinely interested in his experience.

Liam chuckled, "It went well, aside from a little encounter with bandits, but I managed to escape and complete the mission."

Isabella's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Bandits? I'm glad you're alright! I told you the wilderness can be dangerous. It's good to see you back in one piece," she said with a touch of concern in her voice.

"Thanks, Isabella," Liam replied, handing her the signed quest writ. "I appreciate your advice."

Isabella took the writ and started processing the completion of Liam's mission. As she did so, they continued to chat about his adventure and the events of the day.

While Isabella busied herself with processing the completion of his mission, Liam's mind wandered back to the encounter with the bandits. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and gratitude for his newfound abilities. The way his perception of time slowed down during the attack had been astonishing, allowing him to dodge potentially lethal blows.

He recalled the feeling of adrenaline surging through his body as he evaded the arrows, the water blade, and the fireball. It had been a near-death experience, but in those moments, he felt more alive than ever. Liam knew that his improved reaction time and heightened senses were a direct result of his connection to his spirit, and the practice he'd been putting into his meditation.

As Liam thought more about it, he realized that his powers had not only saved his life but had also given him an edge that many other adventurers might not have. It was a unique gift, and he knew he needed to nurture it, to hone his abilities further.

He also understood that his close brush with death was a reminder of the many dangers that awaited him in the world outside the city. It was a humbling lesson that reinforced the need for caution and vigilance on his journey. He was glad that he did not stay and fight, as in a three against one he would surely get tired first and lose the battle.

As Isabella finished processing his mission and rewarded him with a smile. She confirmed that his record has been updated with to show one successful copper ranked mission completed.