The arrow, like a shadow of vengeance, soared through the air, cutting through the wind with deadly precision. It found its mark, embedding itself into the goblin's heart. The creature crumpled to the ground, a pitiful tableau of life extinguished. "Ranged proficiency increased," the disembodied voice proclaimed, echoing through the caverns of Hayes's mind. A month had passed since his forced arrival in Xaudia, and he was only beginning to decipher the cryptic mechanics of this enigmatic realm.
Hayes stood amidst the aftermath of the skirmish, surveying the slain goblin with a mixture of satisfaction and cold detachment. The grass beneath his feet seemed softer than any he had known, a stark contrast to the brutal reality of his existence. "Serves you right, you little prick," he muttered, delivering a final, disdainful kick to the goblin's lifeless form. The loot, stained with the blood of the fallen, was now Hayes's to claim.
As he made his way back to the town, the haunting memory of betrayal lingered in his thoughts. The town, a sanctuary of sorts, harbored a guild known as Merkage. Hayes, a ranger among the myriad classes of Xaudia, had unofficially aligned himself with this guild. The receptionist greeted him warmly, though her kindness couldn't penetrate the cloud of vengeance that shrouded Hayes's every step.
"Welcome back, Hayes," the receptionist acknowledged, her words a mere echo in the vast emptiness of Hayes's newfound purpose. He deposited the loot on the table, the spoils of a merciless encounter with creatures that were once alien to him.
A nonchalant voice cut through the air, "Hey, the newbie's back." Collin, a guild member, greeted him with casual banter. Hayes retorted, "Not a newbie anymore, Collin. I've been here a while now." His gaze remained fixed on the quest board, a portal to opportunities that might lead him closer to vengeance.
He overheard a familiar voice, Jack, extending yet another invitation to join a group. "You can't solo hunt; it's dangerous," Jack warned. "Jack, I appreciate it, but I prefer working alone," Hayes responded, shutting the door on camaraderie.
"We got a C-rank quest," Jack announced, hoping to draw Hayes into their fold. The prospect of better rewards seized Hayes's attention. "Fine, but just this once and only once," he conceded , a smirk playing on his lips. The promise of wealth and the tantalizing possibility of escape along with his desire of revenge fueled Hayes's willingness to entertain the idea of collaboration.
.........................................................................
The early morning sunlight cast long shadows as Hayes found himself at the meeting point, his sleepless nights etched on his face. "Hey, Hayes!" Jack's voice echoed through the crisp air. The group comprised Rach, a magic swordsman, and Archer, a towering paladin.
Their journey took them through a changing landscape, transitioning from a vibrant forest to a blanket of snow near the mountains. Goblins and hobgoblins fell before their onslaught, loot accumulating with each battle. As they approached the dungeon, curiosity lingered in Rach's eyes.
"Why do you do it, Hayes?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity. The question lingered in the air, and for a moment, Hayes was lost in his own contemplation. "For money and loot," he replied, the simplicity of his answer leaving an awkward silence. " as well as to get revenge on someone who betrayed me and slit his throat," Hayes added, each word a frozen dagger that hung heavily in the cold air. with that Hayes had shut down the conversation
Finally reaching the dungeon, an ancient structure marked with an ominous eye, the group prepared to enter. Hayes's unease heightened as the door slammed shut, trapping them in an otherworldly arena. The symbol on the floor sent shivers down his spine, and before he could voice his concerns, a voice boomed.
"I am a servant of Cthulu. Who dares address me?" the figure declared, and chaos ensued. The boss room materialized, revealing an eerie symbol. "Guys, we need to lea—" Hayes's warning was cut short as the monster sealed their fate. The monstrous figure executed Jack with ruthless efficiency. lopping off his head without feeling.
"How pathetic," the monster sneered, its gaze shifting to Archer. The paladin, fueled by rage, unleashed a dazzling attack, "holy smite" it's power glowed golden and provided a huge explosion but it proved futile. The monster emerged unscathed, mocking Archer's feeble attempt at resistance. Rach, witnessing the horrors unfold, screamed in despair as the monster mutilated her slitting her throat and slicing her legs off so she couldn't walk off, leaving her to drown in her own blood.
Hayes, rendered helpless, could only watch as the monster approached. In a desperate bid for revenge, he unleashed a torrent of arrows, a futile defiance against the looming darkness. The monster retaliated with a brutal slap, sending Hayes careening into a wall. Ribs cracked under the impact, and as Hayes lay broken, he spotted a glimmer of hope—a scroll. With manic determination, he ripped it off Jack's lifeless form.
"Fire bomb, bitch!" Hayes bellowed, his voice carrying the weight of retribution. The room erupted into a blinding explosion, consuming both Hayes and the monstrous foe. As consciousness faded, guilt gnawed at his soul. The victory was tainted by the lives sacrificed for his insatiable greed.
"Congratulations. First boss defeated. Title granted: The Greedy One." The voice echoed in Hayes's mind, the hollow reward of a merciless triumph.