As Axel strolled back along the dusty path, his mind buzzed, wondering what to do now. He was hoping he would receive another quest but so far nothing had happened, and he still had no idea what the points were for other than ranking up. Maybe it really was just for ranking up.

Axel was still quite lost on a lot of things. Shaking his head, he just hoped Fen would give him an answer, and hopefully not charge him from it.

Feeling unsure of his next move and with his body still aching all over from the previous encounters, Axel made the decision to press on along the path, past the crystal, to at least discover what lay beyond the Pig O' Battle zone. It seemed like each area housed a different monster. First was the Air Fox, followed by that shining deer thing, and then third was the Pig O' Battle. Who knows what could be in the next area?

It was not long before Axel saw the end of the path and what lay beyond. The forest had made its way to a portal leading to another town. Hanging above the portal, a sign proudly declared:

WELCOME TO TILLAGE TOWN!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM 9 AM - 6 PM AT EVERY HOUR FOR NEWCOMERS

GATHER AT THE CENTRAL SQUARE

NO FEE REQUIRED

Important announcement? I guess I'll go there. I just hope they don't make me surrender all of my stuff again like last time.

The town may have been smaller compared to Pavhorn, but it was no less lively. The streets buzzed with life with numerous food carts nestled along the streets hawking their goods, mainly selling various wheat-based delicacies from freshly baked bread and pastries to savory dumplings and noodles. Against the backdrop of the town, windmills stood tall. The constant breeze that filled the town gently spun the blades, creating a rhythmic whooshing noise.

Wooden structures, mainly housing shops, lined the cobblestone streets. Their architecture mirroring one another with brown roofs and beige walls.

With the enticing aroma of fresh baked goods wafting around the area, Axel's stomach began to rumble, reminding him that he had not eaten since yesterday. Led by the delicious scents, he found a stand selling steamed buns stuffed with meat and vegetables. To Axel's delight the buns were in the shape of the Pig O' Battles that were abundant in the previous area, aptly named 'Pig O' Buns'.

Another round of slaughtering later and he received a buff.

[Buff Received: Mood Elevation - Rank F ]

He certainly felt happier after having something in his belly, even if it did cost him 30 [Gold Coins] or roughly one-tenth of what he earned from half a day's work. Despite the elevated mood offered by the buff, there was still a sense of dread looming over him. Axel still had to worry about the cost of dinner and accommodations, after that, he still had to save up to pay for a search. Lunetta probably wouldn't even be in the city of Pavhorn, it's been years since she entered the barrier after all, but some information would be better than none.

Shoving that thought aside, Axel made his way towards the Central Square, trailing alongside the throng of newcomers. Upon his arrival, he saw there were people gathered around the center stage, waiting for the knight atop to announce whatever important information he apparently possessed. As always the knight was without a helmet and possessed a halberd, standing at attention.

The knight glanced at the clock tower adjacent to the square before addressing the assembled crowd.

"Congratulations newcomers on making it to Tillage Town and gaining a class. You have taken your very first step into your new life. Venture forth into the unknown and explore the lands in hopes of finally taking down this accursed barrier. Every day brings countless discoveries, so fear not. Even areas deemed fully explored may hold secrets yet unearthed. Don't assume that each zone you pass through only contains two portals, for there are hidden portals lurking in secluded spots. I'm sure some of you must have stumbled upon these portals during your short journey here."

Murmurs filled the air at the announcement of the hidden portals. This was news to Axel, he wondered where the other portals could have led to, and whether his big sister stumbled upon them too.

"But, let us turn to the matters at hand. I'm sure that you know that to access certain areas you all need a high enough rank."

More murmurs and nods filled the square.

"But what you all don't know is that some areas, along with the rank requirement, require you to defeat especially strong monsters. Stronger than anything you have faced so far. These monsters have been coined Boss Monsters, and to leave Tillage Town you will have to defeat said Boss Monster."

As the knight's words sank in, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Worried glances were exchanged as everyone digested this new set of information.

The knight raised a hand up, prompting the crowd to be silent.

"I can assure you that these monsters are not infallible. They have their weaknesses just like any other monsters out there. However, their defenses and abilities surpass anything you've encountered thus far. Normally access to information about Boss Monsters comes at a cost, but for your first Boss Monster the king has been so gracious as to release the general information for free."

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

The knight began to pace across the stage, "The very first Boss Monster is a giant spider named Dreamspinner. Be wary of its two main abilities. The first one is called [Sleep Fang] where the spider injects its venom into its targets using its fangs, incapacitating and putting anyone infected into a deep slumber. Second, is its [Thread Shot]. The Dreamspinner is able to shoot highly sticky webbing from its rear end, so do your best to avoid those attacks. Creating a party is recommended, and if you join the Order of the Horn we guarantee that you will be thoroughly prepared to face this and any future challenges. Members of the Order of the Horn also receive additional information and strategies to face the Dreamspinner free of charge."

Axel couldn't help but roll his eyes as he caught wind of the recruitment pitch. They haven't exactly been subtle about trying to recruit people to their ranks. Not wanting to hear the spiel, and definitely not wanting to join their ranks, he veered away from the crowds and set off to recce for an inn to rest for the night.

Whilst navigating through a street of identical kingdom-owned inns, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Is that you, Axel?"

Axel turned and was surprised to see Fen.

"Oh, hey Fen," said Axel.

"I didn't expect to see you here so soon. How've you been?" asked Fen.

"Honestly? I'm tired and aching everywhere, but it's fine. And what do you mean by so soon? I literally saw you last night."

"Just expected you to hang out in Pavhorn a bit longer and try to get used to things, ya know. That's what most people do. Maybe even finish up that Air Fox quest before venturing out a bit further."

"But, I did finish it. Exterminate 50 Air Foxes, right? I also just did one for the Pig O' Battles."

"You did? And you're still wearing... that?" Fen gestured at his clothing.

"What's wrong with my clothes? Is there like dirt on it or something?" Axel tried to inspect his clothing but couldn't find any visible stains.

Fen stared at him dumbfounded for a moment before letting out a sigh.

"You did pick up whatever items the monsters dropped, right?" asked Fen,

"Uh-huh. I need the [Gold Coins] to pay for stuff, don't I?" Axel's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Not just the coins, other stuff like the [Featherlight Pelt] and [Pink Pig Hides]. If you did really complete the quest, just like you said you did."

"I did. Not sure what to do with them, and since you're here… So what do I use them for?" asked Axel.

Fen just shook his head.

"You really should just join a guild, Blue Rose is always recruiting," said Fen.

"What does joining a guild have to do with items?"

"Because Axel, remember that little introduction by the knights on the first day? It was just a little teaser, an appetizer into all the weird and different stuff there is inside the barrier. They won't just tell you everything, they'll let you experience the world for a bit and when you realize it's far too difficult for you they'll recruit you into the Order and then you'll just be another soldier for the king."

"Isn't that what you're doing? With the guilds and stuff," asked Axel.

"Ok, fair. But we're not as predatory as the Order of the Horn. Almost everything here in the starting areas belongs to them and they charge stupidly high prices unless you're a part of them. Then once you're in, you're in for good. Deserters don't really live long. At least most guilds let you leave alive."

"Cool, but what does that have to do with items?" Axel said in a deadpan tone.

"Right, right. Sorry, I ended up ranting a bit. Basically, if you join a guild or even the Order of the Horn for that matter they'll teach you more about the new ways of life here. For items specifically you can either sell them or you can use them to craft equipment. Like new weapons and armor," said Fen.

"Ohhhh, that makes sense. Where can I do that? Sell, that is,” asked Axel.

"Don't you want to make a new set of armor? It can literally save your life."

"I've made it this far with what I've got so I think I'm good," said Axel.

Fen placed his hand on Axel's shoulder, a concerned expression on his face. "Trust me, Axel, use the materials to make better gear. You can sell the extra stuff later. I'm sure those instructors must have mentioned about the [Defense] and [Attack] stat. Easiest way to raise that is to just use better equipment, it will literally make life so much easier. Honestly, I have no idea how you killed 50 Air Foxes and 50 Pig O' Battles with basically zero armor and just the basic weapon with only that wound the other day."

"A lot of dodging, blocking, attacking and breaks in between," said Axel.

"Thanks for that, you just described 99% of fights.”

"I mean you did ask."

"Never mind that just please go get some armor made. And promise me that you won't go fight the Boss Monster until you've ranked up your skills a bit," pleaded Fen.

"Right, I wanted to ask you about that too. What do the ranks mean? I know E is better than F, and that better is I guess better, but nothing else."

"I’ll explain it only if you promise me to go get armor.”

“Ok, fine. I will,” Axel said.

“Good. So basically the higher the rank, the better the skill. More damage, faster cast times, and less mana used. Just overall improvements really, then once you hit the highest rank the skill may or may not evolve."

"Got it. But, um, what's mana?" asked Axel.

"To put it simply, it's just the energy needed to use skills. The more skills you use, the more mana you use, the more tired you feel afterward," explained Fen.

"Is that why I'm always so tired after each fight?" Axel exclaimed.

"Yup, just don't overdo it and you'll be good. Head over to Smith Street over there and please, please, please get some equipment crafted. Of course, as a member of Blue Rose, I recommend our guild's shop."

"Thanks, Fen. You've been a real help."

"No problem and remember Blue Rose is always recruiting and we'll make sure you're well looked after. If you wanna find me I'll be at the Blue Rose Inn tonight. Also, if you haven’t got a place for tonight I recommend our inn, we’ve got top-notch service."

"I'll consider it, Fen. See ya." Waved Axel as Fen walked off.