Alex could hardly believe Aurora's offer and was genuinely excited about the prospect of learning a new Tier-5 spell.
"I have a simple request for you—nothing impossible. It's something within your capabilities."
"Exactly what is the task? Why such a sudden request?"
"You just need to increase your mana regeneration speed. It's a simple request, right? You can achieve it with the help of your system, correct?"
Hearing Aurora's request, Alex frowned, a thought troubling him.
"If you can't do it, that's okay. It was just a personal wish of mine. Don't worry, I'll still teach you other spells." She quickly added, her voice tinged with a hint of panic.
"It's not that I don't want to increase my mana regeneration speed; it's just that I can't, at least not right now. I don't have enough points to upgrade."
Aurora sighed in relief, recalling, 'Well, he did mention that these upgrades use some sort of currency exclusive to that system, which he earns by completing its quests and killing monsters.'
"Well, I didn't have any other plans. I guess I can take on a quest from the Adventurer's Guild and earn some points in the process."
Reflecting further, Alex realized, 'Now that I'm an E-rank adventurer, I can take on some minor missions outside the city. With these few days off, I have the perfect opportunity to explore.'
Having made his decision, Alex spent some more time with Aurora, knowing he would be leaving her alone for a few days.
'Is it just me, or was she less clingy today than she used to be when I left for days? Yet, she seemed excited and happy when I agreed to her request.'
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Arriving at the Adventurer's Guild, Alex made his way to one of the empty booths and inserted his adventurer's ID into the machine.
Now that he was promoted to E rank, he could access a wider variety of quests. The quests were categorized into four main types: Monster Subjugation, Find and Collect, Investigation and Reconnaissance, and Community Assistance.
The first three categories were straightforward. Monster Subjugation involved hunting down specific creatures. Find and Collect required gathering particular items or resources. Investigation and Reconnaissance entailed gathering information on suspicious activities, scouting enemy positions, or investigating mysterious occurrences in the region.
The last type, Community Assistance, was the least popular. It paid less and was often considered menial.
These quests typically involved helping community members with tasks like repairing buildings, resolving disputes, or providing aid during emergencies.
In the vast sea of quests, one stood out to Alex. It was labeled as both Investigation and Reconnaissance and Community Assistance.
This quest had been posted three months ago by the village chief of Opal Village and was commissioned by the guild. The client had made a request to the guild, which then initiated the quest under its name, deeming it a matter of public concern.
These types of requests typically offered low pay, and sometimes the guild would issue gift cards or coupons instead of direct payment.
As a result, this quest, ranked E, had been neglected by adventurers due to its low pay and seemingly dull objectives.
In such cases, when a quest, concerning public had remained untouched for 90 days, the guild had to take action. They would either try to pass it on to the city guards or randomly assign it to an adventurer.
Today marked the 90th day since the quest had been posted, and Alex decided to take it on. There was no particular reason for his choice; he was simply intrigued by the details. Moreover, he—or rather, the previous Alex—had a connection to Opal Village.
Determined and curious, Alex accepted the quest, ready to uncover what awaited him in Opal Village.
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Opal Village was a border village close to Alex's hometown, Ludwig Town. Ludwig Town served as a rest stop and merchant hub for Opal Village, acting as a bridge between the village and Lunar City.
To reach the city, travelers had to pass through Ludwig Town. Opal Village, primarily a farming community, sold its produce to merchants in Ludwig Town, who then transported it to the bustling markets of Lunar City.
Alex's parents had run a food store in Ludwig Town, where they also sold fresh produce and grains from Opal Village. Years ago, when a monster horde attacked his hometown and killed his parents, Opal Village had also suffered from the onslaught.
Reflecting on the past, Alex sighed. 'By taking on this quest, I can help Opal Village and gain some experience points along the way.'
Helping Opal Village wasn't solely out of the goodness of his heart; there was a practical reason behind his choice. This quest provided an opportunity to visit a familiar place and earn valuable experience.
Knowing the trip might take three days, Alex decided to stock up on supplies and essentials before heading out.
'I should also check the train schedule. I don't want to miss it and waste my time today.'
With that in mind, Alex made his way toward the station. Fortunately, he didn't have to travel on foot to the village, as a train departed for Opal Village every day.
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In the evening, Alex arrived at the railway station of Opal Village. The station was simple and unremarkable, serviced by only one train a day.
Upon disembarking, Alex made his way to the village chief's house to announce his arrival and begin his quest.
The village was eerily quiet and seemingly deserted. The houses were shut tight, and there were no shops or peddlers in sight. Street lights and outdoor lights were off, as if there was a power outage.
'It's only evening, the sun has just set. Why does this place feel like a ghost town? There's not a trace of a single living being in sight.'
Alex ventured deeper into the village, but the streets remained empty, even in the center of the village.
'How am I supposed to find an inn to stay at and locate the village chief's house? Is this strange atmosphere related to the peculiar request?'
While struggling to navigate this deserted village, Alex's enhanced hearing picked up voices coming from a nearby house.
"Where are you running to? I told you many times not to go outside once it gets dark!" A woman scolded.
"But Mom, I left my teddy bear outside. I can't sleep without it. It's just in the garden." A little girl pleaded.
Alex followed the voices and finally found some villagers—a mother and her young daughter. The mother was trying to stop her child from going outside, while the girl struggled to retrieve her toy.
"Ahem, hello there, miss." Alex greeted, hoping to gather some information.
The mother and daughter initially didn't notice him. Startled by his presence, the mother pulled her daughter back protectively.
"Wh-Who are you? Don't you dare come any closer and harm my little girl." she warned, her voice trembling.
While the mother stood defensively, the little girl peeked out from behind her and asked, "Woah! Are you a ghost, mister? Mommy, is that what you were talking about?"
Alex was baffled by their reaction. 'Why is she so wary of me? And what strange ideas are going through this little girl's mind?'
He raised his hands to show he meant no harm. "I'm sorry to startle you. My name is Alex, and I'm here on a quest from the Adventurer's Guild. Can you tell me why the village seems so deserted?"
The mother relaxed slightly but remained cautious. "A quest from the guild? You should talk to the village chief. He'll explain everything. His house is at the end of this street, the largest one."
"Thank you." Alex replied, relieved to have a direction. He gave the little girl a reassuring smile before heading toward the village chief's house, determined to uncover the mystery behind the village's eerie silence.