He rubbed his body all around to clean them, and right when the left arm's turn came, Bittu noticed something different.
He felt a mix of shock and anger as he observed a tattoo that previously wasn't there. Bittu was startled; he had never entertained the thought of getting a tattoo, having promised this to his parents. He desperately used the water to rub it away, attempting to remove it from his body, but his efforts were futile.
The ice tattoo seemed glued to Bittu's body, casting a shadow over his once joyful bath. His attempts to erase it only resulted in failure. The unexpected discovery left him in no mood to continue his bath.
Disheartened, he emerged from the lake.
Bittu for the rest of the day was in bad mood. He continued his journey without doing anything else.
Bittu stayed in the forest for a total of twelve days before he managed to come out of the forest.
In the forest, he encountered several animals which he killed and from them he got two items.
After killing a wolf he got;
[Item: Granade
Number: 3
Damage: Powerful
Material: Metal, Fiberglass and Cardboard
Weight: Light
Durability: Medium
Special Properties: Shock lv. 1
Description: A hand grenade made by containing excessive gunpowder used to blast a radius of three meters. ]
After killing a hyena he got;
[Item: Handgun
Number: 1
Damage: Average
Material: Iron, Nickel and Chromium
Weight: Medium
Durability: High
Special Properties: None
Description: A handgun made from Iron, made with the sole purpose; to kill. ]
Bittu after coming out of the forest decided eat and while doing so also, see the system messages that he had been ignoring until now.
'Status'
Name: Bittu Sah
Age: 19
Race: Human (male)
Stats:
Strength -> F
Agility -> G
Stamina -> E
Constitution -> F
Spirit -> Locked
Perception -> F
[Abilities: None]
[Alias: None]
[Equipment: Dagger, Handgun]
[Inventory:Wooden bow, Wooden arrow, Granade, Poison]
Bittu after opening his status heard the familiar AI speak.
[ You have new notifications; would you like to see? ]
"Yes, but ignore all the bronze coin message."
[ You have killed an infant stage intelligent deer. You are the first person to do so. You are rewarded with three gold coins. ]
[ You have killed a panther. You are rewarded with one gold coin. ]
[ You have killed a hybrid cheetah. You are the first person to do so. You are rewarded with ten gold coins. ]
........
[ You have killed a wolf. You are rewarded with one gold coins. ]
[ You have killed a hyena. You are rewarded with one gold coins. ]
"What's my current accumulation of coins? "
[ Gold coin: 30
Silver coin: –
Bronze coin: 50 ]
"Well.... It ain't much, but it's my hardwork." Bittu smiled as he looked at his wealth.
Bittu then closed the status and asked a question that has been bugging Bittu for a while.
"Nexus, why have I not gotten any sliver coin till now? I have bronze and gold but, not silver why is that?"
[ Silver coins will be available only after you have been in the dungeon for 91 days. ]
"What..? Why is that? ", asked Bittu, surprised by the revaluation. He didn't even think the AI will answer him the question without a silver coin but it did.
[...]
Getting no reply from the AI, Bittu decided to look at the village that he could see in a distance.
He was currently at a clif from where he could see the village.
Nestled on the edge of the grassy expanse, the village unfolds beneath the observer, emerging as a tapestry of terracotta-roofed houses against the verdant backdrop. Wisps of smoke rise from traditional stone hearths, mingling with the scent of pine from the neighboring forest. The distant murmur of a river and the occasional flutter of flags add a serene melody to the tranquil scene. The village, enveloped in the embrace of nature, feels like a harmonious extension of the sweeping grasslands and the lush forest beyond.
He could see a river flowing beside the village, where it seems the people of the village do agriculture.
"Let's go to the village then... "
He took a turn to get off the clif and then truly get out of the forest.
After five minutes he was out of the forest. He first took a rest, ate for half an hour then decided to move towards the village.
**************
A week before,
In the Sunlight City, Wall Street ;
The Andaz Wall is a notable hotel in the sunlight city. With a sleek and modern design, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere for business and leisure travelers. The hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and is conveniently located near iconic Wall Street landmarks.
Currently in one of the rooms in Andaz Wall, a group of five people were waiting for someone.
The rooms at Andaz Wall Street are elegantly appointed, blending modern aesthetics with comfort. Each room boasts contemporary decor, plush furnishings, and amenities designed for a luxurious stay. Guests can enjoy spacious layouts, large windows for natural light, and well-equipped spaces, creating a relaxing retreat in the heart of the financial district.
A moment later, the door opened and all of their eyes landed on the woman that entered the room.
The woman too sensed the tense atmosphere of the group.
"... Did you get any information about his where abouts?" asked a small girl with a concerned voice and had an innocent face. The girl was obviously Amy.
"... No... " replied Lily in a neutral tone.
".. It like he has vanished." said Max
All the other stayed silent. After a moment of silence, Lily asked, " Has there been any moments from the police? "
"...Yes, The police are now everywhere capturing anyone suspicious. Especially... Especially people from outside the city." said Leo in a worried voice.
"... Sigh.. Everything is going down hills since that incident on the day of the party." Said Laila in a depressed voice.
The room became silent after that.
Lily, then looking at the tension filled atmosphere, said, " No need to be so, sad. We don't have time for that. Looking at the situation we need to increase our strength so that we can survive."
"Yes... These strange incidents indicate that our life won't be peaceful soon." Chained in Leo while looking at everyone in high spirits.
"... I have found a place we can train at... " said Crish looking at everyone.
All the others nodded and then Max said, " Okay, then it's time to practice."
"...Follow me.. " said Crish. He then walked out of the room and the hotel with the others following behind.
Taking a cab they arrived at Via del Corso. While on the way, they were checked several times by the cops.
Via del Corso is a vibrant and historic street. Lined with elegant shops, cafes, and boutiques, it stretches from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. The avenue is renowned for its shopping opportunities, featuring both international brands and local stores. As you stroll along, you'll be surrounded by stunning architecture, including churches and palaces. It's a bustling thoroughfare that beautifully combines the ancient charm with modern energy.
After arriving in the area, they then moved towards a alleyway. There a man was standing.
Crish talked to the guy for a while. He then took out something from the pocket and showed the man. The man then looked at the group and started to go further in the alleyway without saying anything thing more. Crish then gestured for the others to follow suit.
After a walk of five minutes, everyone arrived at a small restaurant. There the man was talking with another man. He then took out something from his pocket and pointed his finger at the group.
The other man looked at the group for a while and then gestured for the group to follow behind him.
He then got into the kitchen but seeing no one follow him, he said in a horse and loud voice
"What are you waiting for..? Follow me. "
The others that were baffled that they were brought to a seemingly ordinary restaurant when they had come to train came to their senses and followed the man. They decided since they have come a long way let's go through it till the end.
The man then opened a secret door on the floor at the back end of the kitchen and told them to follow him.
The group was surprised but obliged and got underground.
They went inside easily but didn't know that their life wouldn't be the same when they come out of here.
************
At the same time, House of gold ;
Hidden behind a bookshelf adorned with leather-bound classics, the secret room in the palace exudes the opulence of the 1920s. Bathed in the soft glow of Art Deco lamps, the room boasts rich mahogany paneling and a polished parquet floor. Velvet drapes cascade from the ceiling, concealing a small, intimate bar stocked with crystal decanters and the finest liquors of the era. Plush, burgundy armchairs surround a circular table adorned with an ornate chess set, where whispered conversations and clandestine gatherings unfold in the midst of jazz melodies that permeate the air.
A gorgeous woman walked inside the secret room.
"Lady Caroline" said the butler making his lady aware of his presence.
Caroline acknowledged and then said," Have they arrived? "
"Yes. They are waiting downstairs." replied the butler.
Caroline didn't reply but made her way towards one of the room with the symbol '弓' on it.
She then walked inside the room.
The room, Art Deco influences prevail with geometric patterns, luxurious burgundy velvet curtains, and polished mahogany furniture adorned with brass accents. A vintage gramophone plays jazz in the background, casting a warm glow from a low-hanging Tiffany-style lamp.
Inside the room a total of fifteen people were sitting while talking amongst them. One think to notice was that most of them were young people while some middle aged.
All of them noticed one of the twin flower get in and became quite and only looking at her. One would expect lust and perverted gaze directed at the beautiful median when a group of boys staring at her but no, that was not the case, all of the boys and three men were looking at the woman with respect and a bit of fear because of reasons only known to them.
Caroline looked at the group of men and said, " I will get straight to the point. "
" You will be sent in for a last training before you are ready to handle that exploration. Remember this is the most important part of the training. Take it seriously because this is what will decide how long you last at that site. "
" Here some money, enjoy for three days and get to this location." She said as she handed tham a pouch of coin and a card. Surprisingly, it's the card of the exact place Lily and group has gone to.
The men then stood up and said, " Yes, Lady Caroline."
Caroline after saying all she had too, left the secret room and the secret space.
She then went to her sisters room only to find Liu Sheng there. Her face made a disgusted expression the moment she laid eyes on this man but quickly hid it and said to the man.
" What are you here for Liu Sheng? " she said in a cold voice.
"Ohh, Lady Caroline. Of course I am here to meet Manisha." said Liu Sheng with smirk.
" Why don't you leave my sisters shadow and do something a man should? " Caroline said slightly angry looking at his smirk.
" What do you mean, Lady Caroline? " Liu Sheng said with an ignorant expression.
Just as Caroline was about to talk further, Manisha walked out of her room. Manisha's eyes laid on both her sister and Liu Sheng but she first looked at Lui Sheng and said in a caring voice while ignoring her sister.
" Brother Liu, what brings you here? "
"Ohh,it's nothing. I am here just to meet you." said Lui Sheng in a teasing voice. Manisha blushes hearing him.
Caroline looking at the unfolding sence had a dark and angry expression.
" Manisha, I need to talk to you for a moment." Caroline said while suppressing her anger.
" Sister Caroline, we can talk later. I am busy right now. " Manisha said in a plain voice as she held Liu Sheng hand and moved.
Caroline who was caught by her sister's response was surprised. Her sister has never ignored her so bluntly . She was dazed so she didn't stop them and just watched as her sister was brought away by Liu Sheng.
After a while when she organised herself sadness and warth took her mind and she was depressed. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't seperate her sister with that scum of a man.
She with a bad mood left the place and went to her own room.
***********
At the present time,
Bittu who was on his way to the village has changed his path and was heading towards the river.
He did so, because he was very dirty right now which will obviously not make a good impression on the people of the village. So, Bittu has decided to take a bath first and then head to into the village.
After two hour walk, Bittu managed to arrive in the rivers vicinity. Bittu put his clothes near a rock and then jumped into the river.
Bittu was so carefree because he has checked the water and saw no one and nothing in the river. So, he could focus on his bath.
As Bittu was taking a bath, he heard a voice in the distance. Bittu thought he was hearing things so he shrugged it off. But he heard it again a while later and this time clearer.
Bittu immediately came out of the river and quickly put on his clothes. He wore his pants but he didn't have the time wear his shirt before he saw....