Orion awoke to an unusual sight on his interface: multiple new quests had appeared simultaneously, a first-time occurrence that marked a significant shift in his adventures. The system notifications detailed each quest:
[ System Notification: New Quest Accepted! ]
[ Quest: Dungeon Ascension ]
[ Objective: Upgrade one of the Dungeons ]
[ Difficulty: A-Rank ]
[ Reward: Calculated on completion ]
[ System Notification: New Quest Accepted! ]
[ Quest: Decade Dominion ]
[ Objective: Become the Keeper of 10 Dungeons ]
[ Difficulty: A-Rank ]
[ Reward: Calculated on completion ]
[ System Notification: New Quest Accepted! ]
[ Quest: Leveler's Leap ]
[ Objective: Reach Level 10 ]
[ Difficulty: E-Rank ]
[ Reward: Basic Inspection Skill ]
The first quest, "Dungeon Ascension," tasked Orion with upgrading one of his dungeons, a challenge indicative of his new role as a Keeper. The A-Rank difficulty signified the complexity of this task, requiring strategic planning and a deep understanding of the dungeon's mechanics.
"Decade Dominion," the second quest, expanded upon his Keeper responsibilities. It called for Orion to extend his guardianship to a total of 10 dungeons, a demanding feat that would test his abilities to manage and nurture multiple domains and include substantial amounts of fighting.
The third quest, "Leveler's Leap," seemed more straightforward. Orion needed to reach level 10, a typical milestone for any awakener. However, the reward, the Basic Inspection Skill, was unusually valuable. This skill, rarely available in the Store System, and even rarer in the market. It would allow Orion to inspect some low level items and resources.
Orion sat down, contemplating the quests laid out before him. The first, "Leveler's Leap," seemed the most straightforward. With his current experience at [12430/25000], reaching level 10 wouldn't be a difficult task. This progression was a natural part of his journey as an awakener, and the reward, the Basic Inspection Skill, though rare, would soon be his.
However, the other two quests, "Dungeon Ascension" and "Decade Dominion," were more complex and time-consuming. The "Dungeon Ascension" quest, with its A-Rank difficulty, indicated a substantial challenge. Upgrading a dungeon was a task Orion had never attempted before. He knew that meeting the energy requirement was just the first step in the upgrade process. The full scope of what was needed to elevate a dungeon's rank was still unknown to him. If no dungeons had ever risen in rank before, successfully upgrading one could be groundbreaking, potentially making headlines in the awakener community.
The "Decade Dominion" quest posed a significant challenge. To become the Keeper of 10 dungeons required not only locating and securing these complex labyrinths but also effectively managing and nurturing them. This task would necessitate a considerable degree of combat proficiency, strategic planning, and careful management of resources.
Orion recognized a fortunate aspect of the quest: it did not specify the ranks of the dungeons he needed to acquire. This meant he could strategically target and claim lower-ranked F and E dungeons, making the quest more feasible. While these dungeons might not be as prestigious or challenging as higher-ranked ones, managing multiple dungeons of any rank was a formidable endeavor that would test his skills as a Keeper.
Orion acknowledged that the quests signified more than just his personal advancement; they also underscored the system's interest in the evolution of dungeons themselves. It became clear that his progression as an awakener was intertwined with his role in developing and managing these dungeons. The system was not only guiding him to enhance his own abilities but also encouraging him to play an integral part in the growth and transformation of the dungeons under his care.
Understanding the magnitude of the "Dungeon Ascension" quest, Orion realized that this was not a challenge he could tackle alone. The sheer scale of upgrading a dungeon, particularly in terms of the energy requirements, was daunting. To elevate even a rank F dungeon to a higher rank would require resources far beyond his current capacity, potentially running into millions, if not billions, of credits. Such an undertaking was beyond the scope of what he could achieve single-handedly.
This realization led Orion to consider a more collaborative approach. He recognized the need to expand his network and alliances within the awakener community. To gather the necessary resources and knowledge, he would have to delve deeper into the social aspects of his role, something he had largely navigated on his own until now.
The Adventurers Guild, with its vast network of skilled individuals and access to a plethora of resources, appeared as a logical starting point. Climbing the ranks within the Guild would not only increase his standing but also open doors to new opportunities, resources, and potential allies.
Furthermore, Orion contemplated the possibility of joining a clan or corporation. Such organizations often had access to extensive resources and collective knowledge that could be pivotal in his quest to upgrade a dungeon. Being part of a larger group would also mean sharing the burden of resource acquisition and benefitting from the collective experience of other members.
The path ahead was clear. Orion needed to step out of his comfort zone and engage more actively with the awakener community. Building relationships, forming alliances, and possibly joining a powerful group were now essential steps in his journey. As he prepared to embark on this new phase of his adventure, Orion felt a mix of apprehension and excitement. The challenges were immense, but so were the opportunities. It was time to forge new paths and alliances, opening up a world of possibilities in his quest to ascend as a Keeper and a formidable awakener.
Realizing the importance of integrating into the broader awakener community, Orion decided his first action would be to delve into the missions offered by the Adventurers Guild. In the past, he had often overlooked these missions, primarily because many of them required the submission of boss drops as proof of completion. As a solo awakener focused on amassing wealth and resources, sacrificing valuable boss drops was a luxury he couldn't afford.
However, his circumstances had now changed. With the pressing need to expand his network and resources for the "Dungeon Ascension" quest, participating in these missions appeared to be a strategic move. It was an opportunity to demonstrate his skills, earn recognition, and possibly forge alliances that could aid in his quest to upgrade a dungeon.
Selecting this mission, Orion prepared himself for the journey ahead. The Bloody Forest, with its dense foliage and dangerous inhabitants, was a formidable location, but he was ready for the challenge. The mission would not only contribute to his objective of climbing the ranks in the Adventurers Guild but also provide a valuable opportunity to test his upgraded skills and abilities.