Dawn crept into the forest like a wary traveler, its soft light shimmering through the leaves and branches. The towering trees seemed to stretch and awaken, casting dappled shadows on the ground below. Aric and Su Jing remained perched high on a sturdy branch, keenly aware that their hunters had not lost interest. Below them, the Radfang King and its pack circled ominously.
"As you can see, the light is growing stronger," Su Jing whispered, her eyes glinting in the newly lit morning air. "Radfangs are not as keen in the daylight."
"Any suggestions on how we can use that to our advantage?" Aric's words were tinged with hope.
"We need a diversion—a way to mislead them." Su Jing said, her eyes scanning the leafy terrain below.
Suddenly, Aric snapped his fingers, "What about a wind spell? I could use magic to carry our scent away, throwing them off our trail."
A grin flickered across Su Jing's face, "Excellent idea. Do it."
Aric's fingers danced in the air, tracing the arcane gestures for the wind spell. With a hushed murmur, he unleashed the magic. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying their scent deep into the forest, away from their precarious sanctuary.
"We wait," Su Jing declared, clutching her weapon tightly, eyes focused below.
Minutes dragged on like hours, their breath held as they watched the pack sense the wind. Finally, the Radfang King lifted its nose, sniffed the air, and cautiously led the pack in the opposite direction.
"It's working," Aric sighed, his body relaxing for the first time since the chase.
"We're not clear yet," Su Jing warned, "We should go the moment they're sufficiently far."
When the pack had moved a safe distance away, Su Jing signaled, "Now."
Both of them nimbly descended the tree, adrenaline refueling their weary muscles. They hit the ground and broke into a sprint, leaves crunching and twigs snapping underfoot as they weaved through the labyrinthine forest.
Just when they thought they were safe, a monstrous growl echoed behind them—the Radfang King had sensed the ruse and was giving chase, and it was terrifyingly fast.
"Run faster!" Su Jing yelled, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and urgency.
The forest was a blur as they dodged trees and leapt over roots. Aric felt the Radfang King's growl reverberate in his very bones; the predator was closing in.
Suddenly, they burst into a clearing. Pausing for just a second, they shared a quick, understanding glance—they had to keep moving. The forest behind them erupted with the snarls of the Radfang King as it too broke into the clearing. But the bright, open daylight seemed to daze it momentarily, buying them precious seconds to disappear into the forest on the other side.
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The Mercenary Guild of Survivor's Sanctuary was abuzz with activity as Aric and Su Jing walked in. Sarah, the receptionist, looked up and grinned.
"Ah, the daring duo! How did your hunt go?" she inquired, intrigued.
"More exciting than we hoped," Su Jing replied, exchanging a glance with Aric.
Sarah's eyebrows rose. "How so?"
"We had a run-in with a Radfang King and its pack," Aric explained.
Sarah's eyes widened. "You met a King? And lived to tell the tale?"
Su Jing opened her pouch and took out two Radfang fangs. "We didn't manage to take down the pack. But we did deal with a couple of them."
Sarah inspected the fangs and nodded. "Well, it's not the bounty we expected, but it's impressive given what you were up against. Congratulations, you've passed the guild exam."
She handed them each a guild emblem, a bronze dagger crossed over a shield. "Welcome to Survivor's Sanctuary's Mercenary Guild."
Aric affixed the emblem to his tunic, beaming. "So we're official mercenaries now?"
"Yes," Sarah confirmed. "You can now accept quests and earn rewards. You're part of the community."
Su Jing attached her emblem to her armor. "Finally!! What quests are available for rookies like us?"
Sarah gestured to a board filled with parchment papers. "Take your pick. You'll find various quests suited for newcomers."
Aric examined the board, his eyes skimming over the quests. "Looks like we have options."
Su Jing joined him, her eyes narrowing, but then shook her head "Let us leave it for now. We just had a life and death experience. There will be plenty of chances to take up a quest later"
Aric turned to Su Jing, nodding. "Yup, let's head back to the inn for now. Later on, we can visit the library. I really wish to know more about this world"
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Before going to their own room, Aric and Su Jing decided to pay Li Fei and Li Hua a visit first.
*Knock Knock
But there was no answer
"Let's leave, maybe they are sleeping..."Aric suggested, pulling Su Jing away. but Su Jing was having none of it.
With a light push inn's door creaked open. Beds were neatly made, and no personal belongings were in sight. Aric looked around the small chamber, then back at Su Jing, whose eyes tightened in disappointment.
"Can you believe this, Aric?" Su Jing asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "We spent a good deal of plasma core to save them, and they're gone without a word."
Aric shrugged, "We didn't buy them as slaves; we gave them their freedom. What they choose to do with that is up to them. But yes, a 'thank you' or a 'goodbye' would've been polite."
"But as I had said before, what they do now is up to them. I will not save them again"
Su Jing sighed, "I guess you're right. But still, I cannot believe that people like that duo exist."
"Let's go to the library; maybe we'll find something to take our minds off those thankless people."
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They found themselves at the doors of Survivor's Sanctuary's vast library once again. The two-story stone building was a haven of knowledge amidst the chaotic world outside. The moment they entered, the distinct smell of old parchment filled their noses, mixing with the scent of wood polish and aged leather.
"Back again, I see," greeted the librarian, Mr. Relius, his eyes twinkling behind rounded glasses. "What are you young folks looking for this time?"
Aric exchanged a look with Su Jing. "Actually, we're interested in the history of this world, post-apocalypse. Also, it is awkward to call you librarian all the time. Could you tell me your name?"
Mr. Relius chuckled, "Ah, history, the teacher of life. Come this way. The name's Relius, by the way. Relius the librarian"
The librarian led them to a section filled with old manuscripts and tattered books. He picked one up, dust floating off its cover like a mist. "Here, 'A Chronicle of Our Times,' this should cover most of what you're curious about."
Su Jing took the book cautiously as if it might disintegrate at any moment. She opened it and began to read aloud, "Mankind grew exponentially but on feeble roots. Technology, politics, and military power became our idols until they crumbled during an era of terrorism and wars. The nuclear apocalypse that followed was the severe pruning of those weak roots."
Aric chimed in, "So, how did settlements like Survivor's Sanctuary come to be?"
"Resilience," Mr. Relius said softly. "Humans are incredibly resilient creatures. From the ashes of the old world, people rallied together. They fought against the horrors that had evolved in the wake of the apocalypse, forging new societies, like Survivor's Sanctuary, in the process."
Su Jing's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "And the Houses of Power that govern these settlements? Who are they?"
Mr. Relius hesitated. "Ah, well, that information is not accessible to individuals of your status, I'm afraid. Even I am not clear on that. Only people with power, status or strength can access that information"
Aric and Su Jing shared a glance, both their curiosities piqued but unfulfilled.
"Thank you, Mr. Relius," Aric said, placing the book back on the shelf.
"There's something else, actually. We came across the term 'Evolvers' during our Mercenary registration. Could you shed some light on that?" Su Jing asked
Mr. Relius raised an eyebrow, his interest visibly piqued. "Ah, Evolvers. That's a subject people either avoid out of ignorance or discuss with great enthusiasm. Come, let's sit."
They moved to a reading nook, its plush armchairs inviting them to sit and indulge in a meaningful conversation.
Mr. Relius began, "Evolvers are individuals who have broken the limits of the human body. They possess various kinds of abilities, depending on their unique mutations."
"Mutations? Are they natural?" Su Jing queried.
"Some are born with these mutations; others develop them over time, often after surviving extreme circumstances. There are even cases of evolvers unlocking their abilities through rigorous training or some unique catalysts," Mr. Relius clarified.
Aric leaned forward. "How do these abilities manifest?"
Mr. Relius chuckled. "Ah, the possibilities are endless. Some possess immense strength; others have elemental affinities, like controlling fire or water. Some even possess psychic or telepathic abilities."
"Are there ranks among them?" Su Jing added, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Indeed. Evolvers are generally classified into five stages, from Stage 1 to Stage 5. Each stage signifies a level of mastery over their abilities and brings a new layer of complexity to their skills. For example, a Stage 1 Evolver with an affinity for fire may only light a candle, but a Stage 5 could, theoretically, summon a firestorm."
Aric nodded, absorbing the information. "What about second-generation Evolvers? Do their powers amplify?"
"A keen question," Mr. Relius smiled. "Yes, when both parents are Evolvers, their offspring—known as 2nd Gen Evolvers—usually inherit a combination of abilities or, in rare cases, an entirely new power. They're often more potent and reach higher stages faster."
Su Jing interjected, "I assume they enjoy a high status and respect?"
"Absolutely," Mr. Relius affirmed. "Many of them hold crucial roles in governance, military, or other organizations. For example, our current Military Commander, Lady Seraphina, is a Stage 5 Evolver with telekinetic abilities. Then there's Alden Storm, a young prodigy and a 2nd Gen Evolver, who's already reached Stage 4 with his power to manipulate time on a limited scale. They're looked upon as heroes and leaders."
Aric's eyes shimmered with a newfound understanding and a tinge of aspiration. "Thank you, Mr. Relius. You've given us a lot to think about."
Mr. Relius stood, leading them back to the door. "Knowledge is meant to be shared, young ones. I hope you find what you're looking for, in books or within yourselves."
"Thank you, Mr. Relius. You have been a great h..." Aric's words were cut short as he heard a loud commotion on the streets as the approached the door
"That's ... "Su Jing exclaimed.
"Yes, that is indeed Li Hua. Let's go and take a look." Aric said.