As I approached the runemaster, fate intervened with a collision.
"Apologies," I muttered instinctively.
Before me stood a figure of robust stature, bearing both shield and scar, who met my gaze with understanding.
"No harm done, but watch your step," he replied calmly.
Relief washed over me. A rebuke or blow could easily have been the response.
"Indeed, my apologies once more."
"Vorn, let's not tarry; the quest awaits," came a call from his comrades.
"Of course," I acquiesced, watching him depart.
His role, evidently a stalwart protector, sparked hope for a compatible ally.
In the distance, Lenia's melodic incantations filled the air. I turned to behold her, captivated momentarily by her ethereal grace.
[...]
After witnessing the fiery surge from her rune, I dared to approach her.
"Would you consider joining me on a quest?" I ventured.
Silence greeted my inquiry, followed by her averted gaze.
"Excuse me," I persisted.
"No need for false courtesies. I'm aware of my limitations," she retorted bitterly.
"I didn't intend to belittle you," I hurriedly clarified.
"Then why approach me? Your Shu is formidable; what use could I possibly be to you?" she countered.
"I require your specific talents," I admitted.
"Find someone else," she dismissed, attempting to leave.
I reached out, halting her departure.
"It's not healing or strength I seek; it's your elemental prowess," I implored.
Her disbelief was palpable. "Why would someone with your Shu require elemental buffs?"
"I'm unable to harness a specific element," I confessed.
Her silence spoke volumes, echoing the realization that our quest would be far more challenging without the aid of that particular element.
"Apologies, if it's not your interest, I understand," I conceded.
Returning to Lloyd's side, I found him awaiting my decision.
"I'm in," I declared, only to catch the runemaster's voice trailing behind.
"Are you certain?" I inquired, turning to face her.
With a subtle nod, she affirmed, "...yes."
"Then it's settled. Now, we just need a tank," Lloyd interjected.
"Where do we find one? Seems like everyone here's already paired up," I pondered aloud.
Lloyd chuckled. "Fear not, I know a tank who owes me a favor. He'll come through. You two stay put."
With that assurance, Lloyd departed, leaving the two of us in temporary solitude. Seizing the opportunity, I engaged the runemaster in conversation.
"We've yet to exchange names. I'm Ken," I introduced myself.
"I'm Lenia," she introduced herself.
"So, can you bestow upon me the ability to wield elements?" I inquired.
"In a manner of speaking. I channel Shu into runes, granting you access to an element that aligns with your essence," she explained.
"Ah, I see. That'll prove invaluable," I acknowledged.
Just then, Lloyd arrived with his tank companion.
"Meet Seth. We go way back to my early days as a guardian," Lloyd presented.
"Nice to meet you both. I'm Seth," the tank greeted.
"I'm Ken, and this is Lenia," I introduced us.
"Shall we embark on the quest?" Lloyd proposed, and we unanimously agreed.
We retrieved the quest paper and submitted it to the receptionist, who duly recorded our names before we set out.
Prior to our departure from the city, we stopped by a nearby shop to purchase storage items.
The shopkeeper greeted us warmly. "Ah, welcome, guardians."
"Lloyd, my man!" he exclaimed. "Need something from me again?"
Though his smile seemed friendly, there was an unsettling aura about him.
"N-no, not this time," Lloyd stuttered nervously.
Surveying the array of accessories purportedly enhancing Shu, I inquired about storage items.
"Any storage options available?" I asked the shopkeeper.
"Of course," he replied, producing several small bags from a cupboard.
"I have several options, each with a corresponding price based on storage capacity," the shopkeeper explained, presenting a variety of bags.
[Bags]
Capacity: 5 m³
Price: 10 Gold
[Bags]
Capacity: 20 m³
Price: 40 Gold
[Bags]
Capacity: 50 m³
Price: 90 Gold
[Bags]
Capacity: Infinite
Price: 600 Gold
As Lloyd and Seth deliberated over the selection, I made a decisive choice.
"We'll take the 600 Gold one," I declared.
Their reactions were nothing short of astonishment. "What!? Where do you think we'll get that kind of coin?" Lloyd exclaimed.
"Are you out of your mind? We're not made of gold, mate," Seth added.
"Actually, I have the funds," I revealed.
Their disbelief was palpable as they exchanged stunned glances, their voices reduced to murmurs. With determination, I made the purchase and approached Lenia, who remained engrossed in examining accessories within the shop.
"Would you like to pick something up?" I offered Lenia.
"No, it's unnecessary," she replied quietly.
"It's no trouble. Choose something to enhance your Shu," I insisted.
Lenia briefly glanced at a necklace before shaking her head and turning away.
"Truly, there's no need," she reiterated before departing the shop without another word.
I couldn't shake off the puzzling encounter. "What's with her?" I wondered.
Deciding to purchase the necklace Lenia had eyed, I approached the shop owner.
"Hey, Lloyd, Seth, let's get this quest underway," I urged, interrupting their murmured conversation.
Dragging them out of the shop, I spotted Lenia admiring the flowers nearby.
"Why does the rookie have all that gold, and we're scraping by..." Lloyd muttered.
"How does he even..." Seth began before I cut in.
"Enough chatter. We don't complete the quest, we don't earn. Let's move!" I reminded them sternly.
"Right! Quest time!" they exclaimed in unison, bolting towards the city gate.
As Lenia and I walked side by side, I contemplated giving her the necklace, but decided to hold off for now.
'Hmm, better wait for the right moment,' I mused to myself.
At the city gate, Lloyd and Seth awaited our arrival, eager to embark on the quest. With our group assembled, we ventured beyond the city walls to commence our journey.
"Lloyd, where's our target for hunting Grey Wolves?" I inquired.
"We're heading to Lupo Forest. It's teeming with low to mid-level monsters, including Grey Wolves. With any luck, we'll encounter them swiftly and complete the quest efficiently," Lloyd explained.
"And our route?" I pressed.
"To reach Lupo Forest, we must traverse Verde Forest," he outlined.
***
"Shall we begin?" someone proposed.
"No rush. Let him acclimate to his current level first, then we can gauge his capabilities with a few tests," another countered.
"But that'll delay our plans," came the dissent.
"Patience. We'll proceed later to avoid raising suspicion," the voice of reason prevailed.
In a shadowy chamber adorned with offerings, clandestine discussions unfolded, shrouded in mystery.
"Understood..."
***
Upon entering Verde Forest, we encountered fellow guardians stationed as sentinels, likely part of a mission to safeguard the settlement from encroaching monsters.
"Hmm, must be one of those protect-and-patrol quests," I speculated inwardly.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, a cluster of slimes came into view. Curiously, I aimed a kick at one of them.
*buk*
"It feels like I hit something," I remarked, puzzled by the unexpected impact.
"Seth, brace yourself," Lloyd's voice cut through the air.
Perplexed, I glanced around, searching for any sign of danger.
"What's happening?" I wondered silently.
Lloyd's signal prompted us to prepare for an imminent threat.
"Kriieeh!"
A goblin emerged from the dense foliage, its malicious intent clear. With instinctive reflexes, I drew my sword, readying myself for combat.
"Hold on, that sword..." Lloyd's voice trailed off, his surprise evident.
Before I could ponder his reaction further, the goblin leaped into action, but Seth intercepted its attack just in time.
"Ken!"
"Got it!"
Channeling Shu into my blade, I unleashed a swift strike, severing one of the goblin's arms.
"The sword... it feels different, more potent," I noted inwardly, sensing a surge of enhanced Shu coursing through me.
"Kriieehh!!!"
"Blar!"
Lloyd's spear sailed through the air, finding its mark with lethal precision, causing the goblin to erupt in a violent explosion.
"Remarkable," I muttered, impressed by the display of strength.
"Thank the stars no one's harmed," Lloyd breathed a sigh of relief.
"Strange to find goblins in this area. It's usually clear of them," Seth observed, directing his query to Lloyd.
"Let's proceed cautiously," Lloyd suggested, his tone tinged with caution.
"Agreed," I concurred, eager to uncover the mystery lurking within the forest.
As we advanced further, a grim sight greeted us: a collection of lifeless bodies strewn across our path.
"What in blazes is this?" I exclaimed, my curiosity piqued.