!!!Regional Announcement!! !
A player has triggered a 3-Star Gold Quest entitled "The Creatures of the Void", the game have an update within 1 natural day, players will be automatically logout after 10min.
The players on the Riverdale Town and other nearby towns of the region where shock to the sudden announcement.
For the meantime, Denim logout from the game and waited for the game to be updated. 1 natural day means 2 days in the game. Time flows slower than the game compared to real life.
After the game update, Denim Lab, now Shadow Splitter of the Lunar Knights, stood on the balcony of his new quarters within the guild hall. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the courtyard below, where other guild members trained, strategized, and shared tales of their adventures. For the first time in a long while, Denim felt a sense of belonging.
Yet, beneath the surface of his newfound camaraderie, an unease lingered. Memories from his past life, the betrayals and losses, continued to haunt him. He knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down, even among friends.
The following morning, Erik called a meeting in the guild hall. The atmosphere was tense, and the usual chatter was replaced by murmurs of concern. As Denim entered, he noticed a large map spread across the central table, dotted with markers and notes.
"Good morning, everyone," Erik began, his voice steady but grave. "We have received troubling reports. It seems that the game update might be related to the quest "Corruption of the Forest" completed by our recent member Shadow Splitter, the corruption we encountered in the forest was not an isolated incident. Similar disturbances have been detected in other regions."
Denim's eyes narrowed. "What kind of disturbances?"
This was different compared to his past life where the corruption of the forest was later completed rather than being completed earlier and that was because of him and his teammates doing.
According to the Intel gathered from his past, the quest "Corruption of the Forest" was considered a difficult task in comparison to the other quest of its difficulty equivalent. The quest Denim had completed was considered a 1-star Silver-ranked Quest, and its difficulty may rival a 3-star Gold-ranked Quest. There were a total of 3 rank difficulties presented to the early stages of the game which were Bronze, Silver and Gold rank having each rank separated with a 1-star, 2-star, 3-star that may indicate the level of difficulty. For example, the difficulty of a 3-star Silver-ranked quest was more difficult than a 1-star Silver-ranked quest.
Therefore, the difficulty of the "Corruption of the Forest" may not seem be as simple as it says.
"Wait, could it be the butterfly effect in completing the task so early? "
Based on Denim's memories of his past, there were countless players died on the quest after someone completed it later. Completing it on the infancy stages of the game might trigger a butterfly effect or maybe a hidden quest that can be triggered upon finishing the quest early.
"Monsters, much stronger and more organized than usual, have been attacking villages and trade routes," Erik replied. "We believe there's a coordinated effort behind these events, something—or someone—stirring the dark forces."
Miya, Balmond, and Zhouxin exchanged worried glances. Denim felt a surge of determination. This was more than just a series of quests; it was a battle for the safety of their world.
"Erik," Denim spoke up, "we can't just react to these attacks. We need to find the source of this corruption and eliminate it."
Erik nodded. "I agree. That's why I've assigned a special task force to investigate. Shadow Splitter, given your recent success and leadership, I want you to lead this mission."
Denim felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "We'll get to the bottom of this. You can count on us."
The team set out at dawn, equipped with new gear and supplies. Their first destination was a small village called Woodrow Village, which had recently been under siege. As they approached, they could see the aftermath of the attacks—burned homes, scattered belongings, and frightened villagers.
Denim and his team met with the village elder, an old man with a weathered face and weary eyes. "Thank you for coming," the elder said. "We've never seen anything like this. The creatures... they seemed to be driven by some dark purpose."
"Can you describe these creatures?" Miya asked, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Twisted and monstrous," the elder replied. "They were led by a figure cloaked in shadow. He seemed to control them, directing their attacks."
Denim's heart skipped a beat. A cloaked figure controlling the monsters? It sounded eerily familiar. "Did he say anything? Give any clues about his intentions?"
The elder shook his head. "He spoke in a language I couldn't understand. But there was something about him... a presence that filled us with dread."
The team left Woodrow Village with more questions than answers. Denim's mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. As they traveled to the next affected area, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was all connected to his past.
Their journey took them through rugged landscapes and perilous territories. They fought off numerous attacks, each one more intense than the last. The creatures they encountered were unlike any they had faced before—stronger, smarter, and more relentless.
One evening, as they set up camp, Zhouxin approached Denim. "I've been thinking about what the village elder said," he began. "A figure cloaked in shadow, commanding dark forces... it sounds like someone who has mastered forbidden magic."
Denim nodded. "Yes, it seems to be likely the void creatures doings."
In his previous life, there was a dark evil race—The Void Creatures—known for their dark arts and ruthless tactics. They were sadistic, cruel, and evil, and if someone from this race has returned, but that was too soon for it to reveal themselves.
Zhouxin's eyes widened. "Void Creatures, the ruthless race known for their violence according to the libraries? That could explain the sudden rise in organized attacks. This would be our first time to see such evil creatures. We need to find out if there's a connection between the quest we completed to this incident."
This might not be simple as expected
Denim muttered to himself.
The next day, they reached a decimated stronghold, once a bastion of defense against dark forces. The signs of battle were evident—charred remains, broken weapons, and an eerie silence. As they explored the ruins, Denim felt a familiar chill.
In the central chamber, they found what they were looking for: a symbol etched into the stone floor, a black star entwined with dark tendrils. Denim's blood ran cold. "This is it. The mark of The Void Creatures."
Miya stepped forward, her voice filled with resolve. "So this they were hiding, and the culprit behind those violent attacks to the village."
Denim nodded, determination hardening his features. "We need to stop them before they plunge our world into darkness. But first, we need more information."
Returning to the guild hall, they reported their findings to Erik. The guild master listened intently, his expression growing graver by the minute.
"This is worse than we thought," Erik said. "The Void Creatures were formidable opponents known for their smart tactics and forbidden magic and they grew smarter and stronger as they fight players and consume a part of their souls. If they're indeed behind this, we face a grave threat. No, even the whole world will be in grave danger"
Denim met Erik's gaze. "We need to gather allies, strengthen our defenses, and prepare for the worst. But more importantly, we need to find their leader and cut off the head of the serpent. Without the serpent, the void creatures will be in a disaray without a leader"
Erik's interest was piqued by what Denim said, "You seem to know very well about these void creatures, how did you know all of that?"
Denim felt silent for a moment due to what he had said, he might never explain himself out how he gather this kind of Intel because this was something that can be learned from the libraries of holy cities of their world and only a handful leaders of guilds had visited such place, much less a normal beginner player like Shadow Splitter.
"Okay forget about that,Shadow Splitter I will assign you once again to the team to lead this charge. We'll support you in every way we can."
Denim felt relieved after going out of that tensed situation.
I must become more careful to everything I say, they must not learn my secret that I am a reincarnator or else, I'll be in big trouble.
As he left the meeting, he reorganized his thoughts and strategies. The newly for med brotherhood between him and his teammates bearing the Lunar Knights Guild would be crucial in the battles ahead. With determination and hope, Denim Lab prepared to confront the shadows of his past and prepared himself for the fortuitous encounters that may happen to his new path as a gamer and a reincarnator.