In a quiet forest glade, bathed in moonlight, a sturdy tent stood, spacious enough for three. Outside, around a crackling fire, Daisuke and Zephyr sat, enjoying a simple meal.
Shadows danced in the firelight as they savored the warmth and each other's company. Nearby, a wooden table held the leftover ingredients from their stew. The warble of the nocturnal species could be heard all around. While Zephyr wrestled with a bone, Daisuke regarded him with a smile.
[Name: Zephyr
Level: 31 | EXP: 38,578/150,156 (25.69%)
Race: Divine Beast
Species: Wolf
HP: 6680/6680 | MP: 1329/1329 | Attack: 269 | Defense: 157 | Satiety: 100/100 | Loyalty: 44/100
Strength: 204 (+34) | Constitution: 96 (+30) | Agility: 120 (+30) | Intelligence: 180 (+30) | Dexterity: 75 (+30) | Courage: 42 (+30)
Stat Points: 0]
Nice! He gained two whole levels while he was out on his own. Sylvia and the others didn't send a return note, but since Zephyr is relaxed, everything must have gone smoothly.
As his chain of thought trailed off, Daisuke turned his attention to his own Status Window. As he examined the numbers, he unconsciously laced his fingers beneath his chin, his expression grave, as if grappling with an existential crisis.
[Name: Haxks
Species: Human
Level: 32 | EXP: 29,804/160,000 (18.62%)
Class: Dual Blader
Affiliation: Adventurers' Guild | Merchants' Guild
Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races
HP: 4516/4516 | MP: 553/553
Strength: 83 (+21) | Stamina: 129 (+22) | Agility: 155 (+35) | Intelligence: 42 (+10) | Dexterity: 35 (+75) | Composure: 24 | Indomitable: 14 | Perception: 5
Stat Points: 0]
After the fight with Ranger, he had reset his stats again and redistributed them back to normal to emphasize speed and endurance. Thankfully, he had committed the ratio to memory and allocating the points could be done in bulk, so it wasn't too much of an arduous task.
But that was besides the point.
There's no doubt about it, he thought gravely, tightening his grip. The Stat Reset skill is a balance breaker; it's not supposed to be in the game.
Stats were the bedrock of a player's abilities, serving as the cornerstone that defined their strengths and weaknesses. They served as a blueprint to measure one's standing against adversaries and to strategize effectively, overcoming obstacles and securing victories.
But in the face of the most strategic minds and the grandest plans, Daisuke remained an anomaly. With the inexplicable ability to reset and reallocate his stat points at will, he was practically equipped for any situation. At the drop of a hat, he could alter his build to emphasize Physical or Magical Attack, Defense, Dexterity, Agility, and beyond.
But was it okay for him to have this kind of power?
He distinctly remembered the moment when Goddess Seraphina and Αφινίτη, or the Goddess of Harmony, came to the rescue when he was about to be permanently canceled by the hands of Ranger.
The Goddess of Harmony was already an enigma in his mind, but now with the sudden appearance of Seraphina, his confusion deepened. Two goddesses—each shrouded in mystery—had chosen to act on his behalf, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was entangled in something far larger than he had ever imagined.
What exactly did they want from him? Were they just as involved in other people's lives, or was he just an anomaly in their plans? And more importantly, did they hold the key to unraveling the mystery of his existence?
Setting the thought aside, Daisuke glanced down to the 100,997 gold in his possession. Just a few weeks ago, such wealth would have been nothing but a distant dream. Yet now, he had generously gifted Reeza with over 60,000 gold, a substantial amount of mana crystals, and a magic bag valued at least over 45,000.
If his past self were to witness such a display of generosity now, he would surely be in for a shock. And if he learned that he could now afford to eat anything he desired, it would likely be enough to give him a heart attack. So why then, did the realization fail to excite his current self?
As memories of Dusthaven wove in and out of his mind, Daisuke gained a profound understanding. Just as he had forgiven Reeza, he realized the importance of extending forgiveness to Brek and the others. Moreover, he felt compelled to find a way to guide them back onto the right path.
Contemplating the tragedy that had befallen Reeza's family, Daisuke couldn't help but reflect on his own mother's passing and the fact that he hadn't managed to spend much time at her grave. He understood that he wouldn't be able to fully move on or enjoy his success until he sorted out his past.
"Then that's what I'll do," he declared aloud, pushing to his feet. "I'll return to Dusthaven to tie up loose ends before journeying to the capital to seek out a blacksmith."
Zephyr paused his assault on the bone to tilt his head curiously.
Daisuke smiled, leaning in to tousle the pup's head. "What'dya say, Zephyr—do you wanna tag along and visit my hometown with me?"
"Rawrwu!" the canine responded enthusiastically, spinning around in a circle.
"Atta boy!" Daisuke exclaimed. "Tomorrow, we'll head back into town to see what the guild wants. Then, we'll stock up on supplies before we hit the road."
"Arf!"
***
Daisuke chuckled as Zephyr struggled to lick the last bit of barbecue sauce from his nose. "Can't say I didn't deliver on my promise," he murmured playfully, pushing open the double doors of the Adventurers' Guild.
"Ruff~"
Inside, Daisuke's gaze quickly settled on a familiar figure. Amidst the adventurers, the man stood tall and proud, his posture exuding dignity as he regarded everyone over his nose. The perpetual scowl on his face suggested he considered everyone beneath him, and he didn't even try to hide it.
As Daisuke approached the counter, the man's patronizing gaze fell upon him. Its intensity reminded him of the man he had seen on the rickshaw taxi while he was on his way to the apothecary. The concealing cloak and the expensive armor and weapon that gleamed within confirmed it was the exact same person.
A noble? What business could he possibly have at the guild? Surely, they have enough soldiers to deal with a few monsters on their own.
Ignoring the man's murderous gaze, Daisuke stepped into the line at the counter, patiently waiting his turn to speak with Thalia.
"Haxks!" she exclaimed, her excitement overshadowed by more pressing matters. "Why didn't you respond to the summons you received yesterday? This is really important!"
Daisuke frowned, evidently annoyed. "The last time I checked—"
Before he could deliver his snappy retort, the clerk seized his hand, exchanged a nod with her replacement, and briskly began leading Daisuke up a flight of stairs behind the counter.
***
"It's an utter tragedy, what befell Alaric and his family," said Guildmaster Baldin, his voice heavy with sorrow. As he stared into his tea cup, he could almost envision the man's once-jovial expression reflected on the surface of the beverage.
Professor Bayley's ashen gaze shifted to the girl behind the desk opposite the man, her jade green eyes somber as they stirred with a distant memory.
"Lord Beaumont… he embodied the very essence of nobility," she murmured, her voice like velvet despite her grief. "He was patient, patriotic, and stood firmly against discrimination and needless violence."
Guildmaster Baldin nodded thoughtfully. "He also embodied the true essence of a man—he paid little heed to the pretentious and hypocritical social norms of the upper class.
Instead, he preferred rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty while building a strong rapport with his people. He was an extremely charismatic and honest man."
"…But young Soren," Professor Bayley began, his voice tinged with sadness, "he didn't deserve this; he was merely a child."
The girl's eyes shimmered with emotion as she reminisced about the little boy who was like a younger brother to her. He was a beautiful soul just like his father and had a very bright future.
"Mrs. Beaumont made the most delicious cookies," she confessed with a wistful smile. "Soren and I would gather flowers in exchange for her to make us more cookies. She was always so kind, almost like the mother I never had."
The Guildmaster mirrored her smile, his eyes warm and nostalgic. "My Elowen always dreamed of having children," he said, holding her gaze. "You bear a striking resemblance to her in her youth. You both exude an extraordinary radiance."
The girl blushed, her gaze dropping at the unexpected compliment. "I-Is that so? Your wife… where is she now?" she asked without thinking.
The man's expression tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "She—"
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.
Three consecutive taps resounded on the door before he could react. With a calming breath, he exchanged a glance with his esteemed guest and Professor Bayley before signaling for the expected visitor to enter.
"A-Apologies for the intrusion," stammered Thalia as she proceeded into the room with a silver-haired boy in tow. "I've brought him as requested."
The clerk's cheeks flushed with color as the young girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes flashed her a warm smile.
"Th-Then I'll take my leave now," Thalia sputtered, giving Daisuke a gentle push further into the room before bowing politely and quickly disappearing behind the door.
Daisuke barely managed to prevent himself from falling flat on his face, his irritation mounting by the moment. Ever since he stepped foot into the building, he had been chewed out and dragged around like a rag doll without any clue of what was going on. Was anyone ever planning on filling him in?
"Care to explain why I'm here?" he asked, doing his best to contain his annoyance, even as he scanned the room.
"It's hard to believe you only recently escaped that dungeon," the Guildmaster remarked, a bemused expression crossing his face.
Daisuke's eyebrow twitched, his patience wearing thin. "If you don't have anything important to say, then I'm leaving."
"I'm amazed you single-handedly managed to wipe out the Mhaledictus."
Daisuke's fingers stilled just before cupping the doorknob. Then he turned, his expression cautious. "How did you—"
The Guildmaster gave a sly smile. "A little birdie told me."
Daisuke's forehead creased, butterscotch eyes burning.
Professor Bayley cleared his throat, evidently more attuned to the boy's exasperation than his colleague. "Information is the lifeblood of any organization. Over the years, the guild has cultivated a vast network, ensuring we have eyes and ears in every corner."
Daisuke's eyes narrowed. The fact that the guild has known and done nothing must mean that, just like the Merchants' Guild, they're a neutral organization that solely focuses on their fundamental goals.
Still, they could have at least informed the lord of Wonderelle—or, similar to Dusthaven, could it be that the lord here is also corrupt?
"You've really outdone yourself again, young Haxks," Professor Bayley praised with genuine warmth. "Well done! Your progress has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm incredibly proud of your growth."
"As requested," the Guildmaster said, his voice tinged with respect. "In recognition of your remarkable achievement, I'm pleased to announce your promotion from F-rank to E-rank. Thalia has already been informed, so be sure to visit her and update your guild card before you leave today."
Daisuke nodded. "Thanks."
"No, thank you," the professor said, smiling as he bowed respectfully. "You've done a tremendous service for us. The Mhaledictus has been a blight on our town for far too long."
"If you've got eyes and ears everywhere," Daisuke said, fixing his gaze on the Guildmaster expectantly. "Is there any information you can share with me about them?"
The professor's expression soured. "You likely have more information than we do," he admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. "All we know is that they go by the name Mhaledictus—a highly organized crime syndicate engaged in prostitution and slave trafficking. Beyond that, our knowledge is sadly lacking."
"We've consistently faced hurdles in obtaining further information, but perhaps that's about to change," said the Guildmaster, his fingers interlaced beneath his chin. "The group you dismantled was merely a small-time gang seeking to align with the Mhaledictus. However, we now have a lead that might provide us with substantial insight into this elusive organization."
"Haxks," Professor Bayley began, motioning towards the girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes. "I'd like you to meet Lumielle Arabella Celeste Ainsworth—she's the princess of Lunarel."