= The Event Quest =
* WINGS POV *
Inside the kingdom, the people weren't aware of the monsters and Lilia's blasting magical powers that were happening a minute ago.
I was surprised that they didn't bother the dangers behind their walls but, seeing the joy, laughter and their busy days of working with other people seems fine with me.
As for the three of us, we didn't have time to think of other people.
"Couldn't imagine we have to fight those Hallows on the way here. Such a stressful situation going on here" I complained a bit while feeling tired.
"For real." Lilia's voice sounds deep like she wants to sleep. "Walking all the way here was not what I signed up for. I mean, I could use some good hospitality break from my Lamp, Rayleigh!" The Lady in Elegant dress said as she glared at the green haired man who didn't show concern.
"No need to boil up, you helped me a lot with this mess. If it wasn't for this place, I would've done those monsters a long time ago without summoning you." Rayleigh said as he looked at the areas in a cold fond.
Lilia stopped walking and stared back at the Green haired man. She started to grow concerned and asked, "You mean to say, your elemental powers are weakened?"
Rayleigh nodded back and whispered in reply "Maybe. But I can still make it"
Lilia placed her hand on her forehead and sighed, "So stubborn as always, Green Guy. Anyways, can we head out to their Inn already? I'm getting hungry."
"Since when do spirits have hunger issues?" I asked, tilting my head.
"You're one to talk, Little Maverick." Lilia replied as she crossed her arms.
Lilia never fails to reveal her lack of hiding secrets. As a matter of fact, Master Rayleigh couldn't handle her mouth and he can't control her properly.
I'm also glad the people around us don't care what we're talking about. Rayleigh had almost wanted to smack her head and lecture her but I can tell he has no plan to do that, not yet, I guess.
And speaking of that, my origin of being a Maverick is really serious not to reveal it in public. Otherwise, all the people in this kingdom would kick us out.
Anyhow, Master Rayleigh, Lilia and I went out to scout the Vera Kingdom. I noticed flags and banners on the side of their houses and market stores around the street.
Lilia heard that today is a festival celebrated for the noble prince's 14th birthday. She also explained to me that Vera Kingdom is a kingdom of romance, joy and prosperity, where people laugh under the sunny days. She used to visit this place a long time ago.
The Kingdom where royalties control their clean environment, organise their culture, festivals and also, it is a good place to dwell with both adventurers and merchants. One thing I find it amazed is how Lilia said about how unique this kingdom is,
"It's a peaceful town with no tragedies."
My heart beats up and I feel impressed by how far this kingdom survives many decades since the Demon Lords and their monsters are trying to invade this world.
I mean, all those times we travelled from the north to the east side, we always encountered ruined villages, and three kingdoms that have been lost. No survivors and Master Rayleigh kept looking for clues to find the ones who started those destructions.
Unbelievable, to think this time, they finally found a good place to rest. A good kingdom to watch out and prepare if something happens like those previous kingdoms they travelled with. I feel like we happened to make it on time.
But all the people aren't aware that they're neighbour kingdoms and villages were slaughtered. I wonder if their expedition teams don't want to inform them for the sake of their smiles and laughter. Or it could be not interrupting their special time in the upcoming festival.
While watching those Vera citizens happy in the middle of their Festival day, I noticed my Master looks serious like he hasn't felt relaxed since the day they stepped foot in this kingdom.
On the other hand, Lilia raised her head and sensed an elemental curse somewhere on those houses. I can't tell what this spirit is trying to convey in her mind but, I feel like it's something to do with my Master getting weaker.
Speaking of Master, I know he can sense danger to his surroundings, long range and he can find enemies hiding in the shadows. Maybe he's trying to find them, or maybe not?
It seems the moment I laid my eyes on him, he pointed in the direction to the Guild near the market and told us to check the quest. He doesn't look as concerned as before.
"Oh, I forgot to mention you two. We'll be staying here for one day. Try to enjoy the festival as soon as we finish checking this guild." Rayleigh said, which Lilia clenched her fist and was against this.
"Are you kidding me?! Can we just stay here for three days? We haven't had a good night's rest ever since we walked on our travels for two weeks!"
"Don't get the wrong idea. We're not here for a holiday. We're just scouting but," Rayleigh paused as he looked a bit serious, staring at the two, "This place reeks of Traitors. Watch out for them."
Lilia and I remained silent. We were expecting to relax after seeing a good place to rest. We were supposed to enjoy this live festival in this clean kingdom but after hearing the danger nearby, we couldn't help but worry about the worse outcome. Rayleigh did it, he ruined our expectations. Again.
He noticed our unexpected sadness reaction and he sighed back, "No need to get scared of."
This didn't help us as Rayleigh tried to come up with ways to cheer us up. He thought up with a blank expression and said,
"As for the good things, I heard from the townsfolk that some famous strongest knight will be coming back from an expedition today. They're holding the banquet at the same time as the prince's birthday."
Rayleigh looked at the plaza center and turned his eyes to the middle tower where the royals come in and show themselves for their speech. He also came up with an idea, "Maybe we could try and ask them if we have time."
Rayleigh made a small smile before instructing us to wait outside while he went inside the guild to check the bulletin board.
If this were an adventurer passing by or those who don't know him, everyone would think he's one of the travelling adventurers from other places coming to find quest notes to earn money.
But to us, it's a whole different story. In fact, Rayleigh is NOT an Adventurer but an ordinary Traveler from the Greens, the Guardian and my Master I serve.
I may be a beginning adventurer working solo, but the green haired man who was looking for the quest is just a travelling guardian who is not involved in this guild.
Lady Lilia thought he made me used as a tool to get in touch with the Adventure guild and their quest but, to my answer, it is my choice and I don't regret it.
In fact, my master made me learn how to fight and follow the rules of this adventure quest. He made me learn the outside world and their history between normal living people, people from other worlds and red eyes called the Adventurers, demons and other races.
I respect my Master Rayleigh so much. No matter how much he used me or treated me as a kid, I will always follow him and repay his debt in the future. As for Lady Lilia, she hates my master so much that the time we spent without him is her time to spill out her honest reviews of him,
"This guy always says negative stuff that ruins our mood! Like Come On! I just wanted to enjoy human festivals! It's been a long time since I've seen such happy moments like this! Just what is he? An Overprotective Guardian?!" Lilia said as she stomped the cement ground.
I always look up at her but on the other half, I see her like a child upset about her favourite food getting stolen. So I sighed and said, "As a matter of fact, he is one of the Guardians. It's best not to question him."
Lilia crossed her arms and glared at him, "Oh, you think he's right? Wings, can't you at least spare him some talk and complain to him?!"
"Calm down, Lady Lilia. I don't think it's necessary to upset my Master. I've already gotten used to this." I scratched the back of my head and chuckled with a small smile, which didn't please her.
"Oh please, now you're siding with him." Lilia said, turning away from me.
"Of course not, I have the same thought as you." I answered honestly as I watched her turning her head back to me. Before I continued, I looked at the joyful people on the market streets and smiled genuinely.
"I may not be human, nor an experienced adult like you. But I do want to enjoy human festivals. And smile and laugh, like them."
Lilia observed me quietly for ten seconds and suddenly, she slapped my back and nodded back with a small giggled, "Don't worry. You'll do that someday! As a big sister and lady of the trio, I'll try to show you what sweets they have in their marketplace."
"Really?" I wondered if it's true. Lilia's hand is on my shoulders and her other hand pointed at the marketplace with a cheerful smile on her face.
"Food and Drinks on me, of course!" Before the two of us made our way to that area, a familiar voice spoke behind us.
"I hate to break it to you but I got two quests from the Adventure Board."
Lilia and I stopped and looked at Rayleigh who was holding two adventure quest posters with a blank expression. On the other hand, Lilia twitched her eyes and sighed, gesturing her hand to shoo him and turned away.
"Ehh, can we do this another time? We have a festival of street foods to catch up."
"I don't mind that. I am only here to give you this battle quest while I'm working with the other one." Rayleigh said as he put one of the quest posters inside his cloak.
"You're not an adventurer and hated them but you're eager to try those quests. What's the catch then?" Lilia grinned as she crossed her arms and was curious about Rayleigh's plan.
Master Rayleigh handed the other quest poster to me and said, "I'm planning to let Wings deal with this quest. It's a rushed battle event that takes place outside the Vera Kingdom. Some travelling Adventurer and Nadventurers are gathered up to deal with those Hallow Monsters, who are trying to invade that kingdom."
Hallow Monsters? You mean the ones we attacked early? There's more of them?
He continued explaining his purpose, "It's best to use your skill and deal with those beasts by yourself. You can team up with someone or a Nadventurers perhaps. The rewards depend on how strong is the Hallow beast you killed. And there's no need to rush since this event only lasts for every night."
Lilia and I checked the quest poster and by the looks of them, Master Rayleigh was right about the rules.
Battle Quest: Defend the Vera Festival
Defeat the Hallow Monsters outside the Vera Kingdom during Daylights.
Rewards: Depends on type of Hallow Monsters and Numbers you killed
=Limited Rush event=
Adventurers/Nadventurers: Good for everyone in certain waves.
3 days ago started but 2 days left before they expired
Lilia kept observing that quest and then, she thought up of something, "So this battle event? Is it still going on three days ago? Sounds suspicious on why they're attacking right now."
She turned and observed the people in Vera Kingdom again. "And yet, those people don't seem to be aware that their country is in danger."
"Because they believe those Adventurers. They knew they could keep those guys off the lair while they're partying." Rayleigh answered, giving a disappointed sigh. He looks at me and back to the quest poster I'm holding. "Wings, it's up to you whether you want this quest or not. I won't stop you."
When my Master tries to consider me, I think about whether accepting this event was okay or not. I'm not the type to jump on straight and fight monsters for fun, nor am I wanting to gain new powers and help them. But even still, the more I looked at the Vera townsfolk and their innocent people celebrating their time in their happy town, I managed to make up my mind.
"I'll probably deal with that after Lady Lilia showed me this place." I answered politely. I knew rushing there for adventure could exhaust my mind but, I still want to learn what Lady Lilia wanted me to know good and fun things about this place. Besides, there are few adventurers who can keep up with this quest. It's not like those monsters can take them out.
"Good." Rayleigh nodded back and then, he turned to the spirit elegant lady, "As for you Lilia, I got a request."
"If it's for summoning me out of nowhere again, I'll pass. You sure put up a bad timing and almost got my lamp broken by those beasts. I don't care if you're in danger because I'm not here, I won't trust you to hold them again!" Lilia said as she crossed her arms and turned away from him, trying to ignore his ways again.
"It's fine, I'll let Wings hold it for you. Aside from that, I need you to stay inside the Vera Kingdom. Do not go to their houses, nor their Castles and Caves. I need you to stay with the people and watch out for any troubles and backstabbers. Think you can do that?"
Lilia heard his request and watched him trying to lean and shake her hand, she grinned back and replied, "As long as I get to enjoy this festival, of course I will."
She took his hand and shook it, thus accepting the deal. "Is that all?"
"Everything's clear. You guys enjoy this place while I have an errand to deal with this quest."
When Rayleigh began to turn left and leave us, something thought up of my mind and I tried to ask him,
"Before you leave Master, what is the other mysterious quest you h-"
"DINE AND DASH! Quick! After them! Get those brats!" An old man shouted nearby, which drew their attention.
Lady Lilia and I checked on the situation and saw an angry middle aged man with a wooden spoon, who was trying to catch.. two children?
It appears those two children are holding two bowl plates of pasta with tomato sauce. I can smell they are warm and delicious but, seeing those two holding those foods in the street is a theft crime.
Those people around them did not notice because they were so busy with their festival and market ongoing works. Even adventurers are in a rush to head outside for their battle event while others think of it as a joke. Which leaves it to us.
"Hey, Thief!" I decided to head out and stop those children from committing a theft. Before I chased them, Lilia waved her arm and stopped me from going after them.
"Wait." Her smirk expression tells me she was amused by this scene, but I started to lose my patience and gritted my teeth.
"Those kids are getting away with stealing from the chef. We should help him!"
"Watch closely." Lilia said, trying to make me wait and I heed her words. The kids who stole food went to the stranger who looked like a travelling outsider and was passing by.
I observed those two brown haired children giving those stolen foods to him with a bright smile.
"Here you go, Mister." They said it at the same time, which left the stranger confused.
"Get back here you little bra-"
Before the chef continued to get them, the stranger stopped him and held his shoulder and stared at him with an impressed tone,
"This is delicious! Where did you get this?" The stranger asked the chef, holding the food that he ate in one bite.
The chef startled when looking at the stranger's sparkled eyes, getting excited over his work.
"Oh my good sir, I'm sorry if those children are-"
"What are you talking about? This food is great! Can you make some more? I'll pay you double!"
The stranger in elegant clothes dragged the chef to find his stall, hoping to serve his food like the ones he received from those two peculiar children.
The chef was bewildered but he showed the stranger his restaurant. He didn't expect the stranger to really give him double the price when he served the next extras.
Seeing the stranger and the chef at the food stall, I realised they are getting along well. Not only that but the stranger is in fact, a rich person that the chef eagerly serves more.
"Now I get it" Lilia looked at me as she hid, put her hand on her chin and chuckled, "Hehehe, my boy Wings, this is what is called, an Advertisement."
"Advertisement?"I asked with a confused face. It is the first time I heard that word and Lilia tried to explain and demonstrate it, which made me learn that thieves from before are the reason the chef's business has grown new customers.
"Those children could put up a plot to help the chef to earn his business. I don't know their motives but they sure got a hand to perform well. That reminds me-" Lilia looked at my side and surprised,
"Hey! Where did Rayleigh go?" She turned her head, trying to find my master but he was nowhere to be seen. All she could see was me and the townsfolk, celebrating their morning festival.
"He already left." I said as I scratched my head. "I didn't sense he was going."
"Well, forget about him. I think it's up to us to spend time in this wonderful place." Lilia pointed out the joyful festival with a bright smile.
Before I joined her, we stumbled upon adventurers who were rushing on the way from the Guild to the outside. There were four of them while wearing protection gear and different weapons. I can tell they were ready to fight that event quest that Master Rayleigh talked about.
"Hey! Those monsters are stronger these days. Maybe we're on the higher wave!"
"What are we waiting for? Come on and help them out! It's up to us, Adventurers to the rescue!" One of them replied back as I watched them heading towards the battlefield outside the kingdom.
I knew they were taking that event quest seriously and I am aware most Adventurers can handle this but then, I.
"Lady Lilia, I-"
When I looked back at the elegant lady with concern, Lilia noticed my expected plead reaction and nods back,
"It's okay, young boy. Go." She pushed me in the same direction as those adventurers. This made me more emotionally worried about her promise.
"Are you sure? What if you're alone?"
"Don't worry, your master told me to keep an eye on humans and never leave this kingdom, right? If so, you don't have to worry about me." She smiled back and led her hand to my shoulder to have a face to face.
"Go there and have fun, young Wings. Nadventurer or not, you have a journey to go on. Sharpen your blades and ready to fight, Rayleigh and I believe you'll get stronger when you try your best."
Hearing her encouragement sparkles my eyes. Lady Lilia always gives some good and happy advice to enjoy life. I smiled back and waved a hand before turning her back and heading to the quest.
"Thank you, Lady! I promised I'll come back for you."
When I stepped outside and held my dagger weapon, running to the battle, something bothers me in my mind.
If...
If only....
If only I could turn back and help Lady Lilia.
If only, I ignored those adventurers and stayed with those defenceless people who bring joy and smiles around the town. Maybe none of the biggest problems will happen.
For some reason, that problem happened after I went outside the kingdom for four hours.
When I came back, trying to protect a certain important someone, the Vera Kingdom was on fire, chaos consumed the dark sky and another thing that I feared the most, Lilia is not coming back.
I tried to summon her back by shaking her usual magical lamp but she won't come out. Not only was she not there but I couldn't contact my Master. Are they gone? Just like that? Am I gonna be alone? Again?
What happened after the 9 Daylights timeline?
I have a bad feeling about this.