THE SYSTEM I MADE
chapter 8
"Breaking Bounds: The hunt begins"
[North east; Market square]
Alex had carefully planned this outing, knowing exactly what he needed from the market square. The horse carriage, though plain and unremarkable, served its purpose well, ensuring he wouldn't draw unwanted attention upon arrival. As the carriage rolled to a stop, the knight assigned to guard him spoke.
"Young Master, we have arrived," the knight announced, his tone respectful yet vigilant.
"Thank you," Alex replied briefly, his voice muffled slightly by the nondescript brown hoodie robe he wore to conceal his identity. The simplicity of his attire was strategic, allowing him to blend in with the crowd.
"No need to accompany me. I'll be fine. I just want to buy one specific item, and then we'll head back straight to the Eldraine Estate without any trouble," Alex said, his tone reassuring yet firm.
The knight hesitated, his sense of duty clashing with his orders. "Alright, Young Master, but I'll be watching from a distance," he finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.
"Suit yourself," Alex responded, stepping out of the carriage with a swift, confident motion. He adjusted his robe slightly, ensuring his face remained hidden, then made his way towards the bustling market square.
The market was alive with activity; traders called out their wares, and the smells of exotic spices and fresh goods filled the air. Alex navigated through the crowds, his eyes scanning for the specific shop he had in mind. His mission was clear, and he was determined to execute it efficiently and return without incident.
He made his way to a quaint mask shop tucked between a boisterous tavern and a busy blacksmith
Upon entering, the shop's bell chimed softly, and the owner, an elderly man with a twinkle in his eye, greeted him warmly. "Welcome, stranger! Looking for a mask to hide away from the world or to become someone else for a day?" he chuckled, eyeing Alex's hooded figure.
"Just browsing for something unique," Alex replied, his voice muffled under the robe.
The owner clapped his hands with delight and began pulling out boxes from behind the counter, displaying an array of masks. Each mask was more elaborate than the last: some were adorned with feathers, others with shimmering stones, and a few with intricate runes.
Alex leaned closer, feigning interest in a particularly flashy one, and murmured for AIDA's assistance. "AIDA, scan these, please."
"Scanning," AIDA's voice echoed as it replied through nueral communication. The interface before Alex's eyes lit up as data streamed in, analyzing each mask's properties. The masks varied greatly in abilities—from enhancing charisma to offering minor protective enchantments.
Then, a mask in the corner caught his eye. the mask Alexander noticed was stark white, adorned with intricate patterns that gave it an almost ethereal appearance. Its design featured subtly horrific elements, enhancing its mysterious allure. The craftsmanship suggested it was not only for disguise but also a piece of art, embued with sound magic to alter the wearer's voice.
"Ah, that one?" The owner fetched it, dusting it off lightly. "It's not as flashy as the others, but it possesses a unique charm—imbued with sound magic. It can alter the wearer's voice."
AIDA's readout confirmed its abilities: Voice Modulation - Adjustable Settings. Alex nodded subtly. "I'll take this one."
"Excellent choice! That mask has been with me for a while. I'm glad it's found someone who appreciates the art of subtlety," the owner said as he wrapped the mask carefully.
Transaction completed, Alex slipped the mask into his robe, thanked the owner, and stepped back into the cacophony of the market, his new acquisition safely hidden.
Alex climbed back into the carriage, his new purchase safely secured in the system's virtual inventory. The knight, curious about Alex's activities in the market, couldn't help but inquire as he settled into his seat. "Young master, may I ask what you bought?"
Alex pulled a small item from his pocket, a red heart stone, shimmering under the carriage's dim light. "Just something I needed for...a project," he replied vaguely, handing the stone over for the knight to inspect. The knight nodded, understanding not to pry further, and handed it back.
As the carriage rumbled towards the Eldraine Estate, Alex watched the heart stone dissolve into nothingness in his palm—a mere projection to satisfy curious eyes. He accessed the inventory option on his system interface and gazed at the mask now listed among his possessions.
"Now that I have this," Alex murmured to himself with a hint of determination in his voice, "today is the day." The pieces were in place, and an unknown plan was set into motion.
(10:00 PM)
Alex stood alone in the secluded training chamber of the Eldraine Estate, draped in a dark robe that obscured his features completely. In front of him, the interface of the system hovered, glowing softly in the dim light. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the virtual screen, and pulled out the mask he had acquired earlier from the inventory. Slipping it over his face, his identity vanished behind the eerie white facade adorned with intricate, slightly horrific patterns. His voice, now altered by the mask's imbued sound magic, resonated differently, almost unrecognizable.
"Are you sure, Master, that this is the best and only way?" AIDA's voice echoed through the room, tinged with a digital concern.
"Yes," Alex's voice modulated through the mask, "if I can't level up in the open, then I'll level up in the shadows."
"Show quest options," he commanded, his eyes scanning the various missions popping up on the screen. Among them, a particular quest caught his eye — a mission involving a tribe of orcs located in the perilous Emberfall Forest. The quest read: 'Defeat the Orc Clan – E rank.'
"Do you accept this quest?" AIDA inquired, the confirmation prompt blinking expectantly.
"Yes," he replied without hesitation.
With the quest accepted, Alex made his way out of the estate. Under the cover of night, his figure was barely a shadow against the sprawling grounds of the Eldraine Estate. His steps were quiet, his presence almost like a whisper against the cool night air.
The journey to Emberfall Forest was fraught with danger, but Alex was determined. As he approached the dense, looming trees of the forest known for its dark magic and treacherous creatures, a sense of anticipation built within him. Tonight, he would face the orc clan, not as Alexander Eldraine, the scrutinized young master, but as a masked avenger rising from the shadows.