Back at the hidden zone, Axel began his descent into the caves. This time, however, he was more well-equipped and entered a less populated sub-world at the crystal.

He had chosen to ignore the quest he had received the moment he set foot away from Tillage Town. [Exterminate: Crystal Deer] was the [Quest] that had popped up, but he could deal with that after getting his gear.

Diving into the cave he found his first target, a Juvenile Timberstone Tree. It was dragging itself using its tentacle-like roots to who knows where, but now Axel was going to drag it to its grave.

With a surge of newfound confidence aptly provided by his new gear, Axel dashed forward toward the creature. In response, the tree recalled its roots, coiling them up before launching them at Axel.

As the roots came forward to greet him, a strange idea, almost suicidal, popped into his head. The only way to grow stronger would be to surpass his limits, and to surpass his limits he had to know where they lay first.

I just hope I don’t regret this.

Axel activated [Copper Body] and carried on charging. The four roots sprang at him, looking to impale him. He [Blocked] the first three roots, using both his swords, and came to a stop bringing his blades down. He took a deep breath and willed his eyes open, watching the root come closer with speeds that were unbefitting of a tree. The fourth root stabbed him in the shoulder or at least attempted to because surprisingly… It felt like nothing.

Axel felt the impact of the root on his shoulder which caused him to take a step back as it struck him, but other than that nothing. No pain, no wound, no injury, nothing. The only thing he felt was the tightness in his chest as more memories attempted to resurface.

Brushing aside his tumultuous thoughts, Axel rushed forward once more. A second wave of attacks came at him, but this time he let his swords remain at his side as he continued his charge. This time with another idea in mind.

Axel tried his best to dodge the incoming roots, awkwardly contorting his body, weaving around the numerous limbs that sought to claim him as nutrients. Despite his efforts, several roots managed to strike him, but they merely served to impede his progress rather than halt it entirely.

After enduring multiple strikes to his body, Axel found himself standing face to trunk with the Juvenile Timberstone Tree.

This sword better be worth it.

With [Strength Boost] activated, Axel [Slashed] at the monster, his sword digging a quarter of the way into the wooden monstrosity. Continuing the assault, each successive swing drove deeper into the tree until it began to sway ominously. With a resounding creak, the whole thing started to collapse sideways. Just like the others, before it could touch the ground, it disappeared into loot for him to collect.

[Juvenile Timberstone Tree was slain. Gained 10 points.]

"Yes!" Axel cheered, jumping up and down, pumping his fists up in the air.

He was elated. The fight was over and he had survived. His brand-new armor set did not disappoint and saved him from what would have been a world of hurt. With his new sword in hand, bringing down the tree felt effortless. Everything seemed to be going his way.

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Venturing deeper into the caves, he slew all the Juvenile Timberstone Trees he encountered. Progressing deeper into the cave was faster the second time around, no doubt due to his new equipment. Finally, he came across his target, the Adult Juvenile Timberstone.

Axel charged in once again, and the tentacle-like roots sprung into action. Through a series of swift movements, he had somehow managed to dodge, duck, dive, and dip away from the wave of attacks. Then the leaves of the tree started rustling, Axel thought it odd since there was no wind down in the caves, and then he remembered. He dove behind a stalagmite and avoided the hail of leaves that wanted to pierce his very being.

Can't believe I forgot about that.

The barrage ceased, and Axel took the opportunity to [Slash] the stalagmite in front of him. The first hit was stopped around the halfway point, the second one separated it from the ground, and the third one gave him the shield he needed with the sword being embedded through the rock.

With a new shield in hand, Axel charged forward again. The sounds of rocky leaves on the glowing stalagmite filled the cavern as the two collided. Leaves ricocheted off the shield, unable to puncture the makeshift defensive wall. Another wave of root attacks collided with the stalagmite, shattering it into a burst of glowing pebbles. It did not matter, as Axel was now within striking distance of the tree.

With his [Wood Infused Stone Sword], he relentlessly slashed away at the tree, deftly evading the roots' feeble attempts to strike him as he circled around. Halfway through the tree, Axel had an epiphany, he began to use the [Wooden Training Sword] in his left hand to [Slash] away at the stony trunk, going at it from both sides. It was not as fast but it was still extra progress.

Eventually, the two blades met and the tree began to fall, and just like all the rest it faded into loot and points for Axel to collect.

[Adult Timberstone Tree was slain. Gained 18 points.]

[Basic Dual Wielding Proficiency - Rank E → Rank D]

I still don't get what this skill does. Maybe it means I can swing two swords better?

Axel pondered on the nature of his skill as he ventured forth in search of his next victim. More Adult Timberstone Trees were felled by his blade. The [Wood Infused Stone Sword] made hacking away at the tree far easier, and now that he could actually use two swords to attack, he felt like he could deforest the whole cave if he put his mind to it.

It took Axel the better part of a day to collect 31 [Wood Infused Stone], the first time around, but now he managed to get the same amount in 2 hours. Most of it was spent spelunking down the cave in search of his prey.

With his goal more than complete, Axel had to decide whether to head back or continue diving into the depths. It was not a hard choice. Axel had to rank up his skills and he was already out here fighting monsters, so why not? Plus he could sell the extra materials dropped, not like he had any more use for them.

More hacking and slashing away later and Axel decided to call it quits. He still had to collect his earnings from this morning and it was getting late, at least that was he guessed. It was not exactly easy to tell what time it was while stuck inside a dimly lit cave.

***

As evening descended and the moon cast its bright glow over the streets, the farmers' market remained bustling with activity. Despite the late hour, crowds of people were still engaged in their nightly shopping and lively haggling. Axel made his way back to the same stall where the inspection had taken place, there was a long queue. The line was predominantly filled with individuals clad in red fur armor, a stark contrast to the light pink leather armor Axel wore.

Like Axel, those wearing pink were shuffling in place, their heads twisting and turning as they realized that everyone else wore a different kind of armor. While a part of Axel worried about standing out, another new part emerged. One that questioned whether he made the right choice of armor. If everyone was wearing the Air Fox Armor Set, was it objectively better than the Pig O' Battle Armor Set?

The same lady from earlier in the day continued to man the stall. She worked with practiced efficiency, examining each tag that she was given and cross-checking with a list on the table. Upon verification, she marked off the list, tore up the tag, and then proceeded to dispense the [Gold Coins] from her own [Inventory].

Axel's disappointment was palpable as he received a sum of 221 [Gold Coins]. He had hoped for a larger haul. Nevertheless, it was a decent amount, enough to cover the cost of his shield and three nights' accommodation at the inn. If only he were wealthier, life would be so much easier.

.

With nothing else on the agenda, Axel checked back into Blue Rose Inn for another night of rest. After dumping his bag in the room, collecting the meal voucher, and changing into more casual clothing, Axel departed to the dining area.

He was hoping to see Fen at the bar, downing a mug of beer, but he was nowhere to be found. Maybe he was just seated elsewhere? Axel scanned the room, looking from table to table. Sweeping the entire hall twice, glancing over each person, watching them as they ate, laughed, drank, and talked, but he could not find Fen or anyone he recognized for that matter. The only thing he recognized from his survey of the area, was the [Hearty Stew] that was going to end up in his belly.

Not losing hope, he went back out to the reception area.

"Uh, hi. Do you happen to know where Fen is?" Axel asked the female receptionist.

"Oh, Fen? He's probably at one of the inns in Pavhorn. Work stuff, you know?"

"Work stuff?"

"Work stuff." She nodded.

"Alright, thanks."

Axel headed back to the dining area, a bit disappointed. Fen was probably spending his night recruiting people just like how he tried to do it to him. Axel got his meal and went to bed, hoping to bump into Fen the next day to get more answers resolved.