= 11 Daylights Ago From Now =
* NO POV *
Vera Kingdom is said to have four warriors with strong will that are superior than Adventurers. The black haired lady heard that from the strange travelling soothsayer before she crossed there.
But once she set foot to the kingdom, she was quite disappointed how none of those warriors are entering the Hallow monster battle event. Most adventurers think this upsetting lady with a bow and arrow is a lone person but, none of them knew her secret.
During the Guild's battle Event of slaying Hallow Monsters, the archer girl was watching the whole commotion using her binocular gadget. She observed how high rank Adventurers were fighting monsters so easily as if it's their daily routine chore. They didn't think of this monster raid as threatening as they should be. They think it's part of the game and the archer understands them.
In fact, all the Adventurers from another world are there not for saving this kingdom but for looting monster materials that could benefit to their equipment. As for a lone archer, she saw a party trying to kill a big Hallow Monster with a shape of Golem. When she raised her hand with a hole gesture and observed the fight, she learned the monster's healthbar was low. This made her glad that she finally got her chance.
With her bow and arrows, she took an aim to that monster and wait for an opportunity to strike. Once the monster's low bar was half closer to death, she strike one arrow and hit the monster's head, killing the Hallow monster for good with an empty bar. At the same time, the other Adventurers who tried to kill that monster was shocked at the sudden arrow strike. They turned their attention to the archer girl, upsetting the fact she stole the big monster's kill.
The archer girl taunt the Adventurers before using her cloak and run off. When someone finished the monster's blow, that person can gain all loots by themselves. If that person is on their team, they can share each loot fair and square. However, that girl chuckled that she's the lone adventurer who gets all the treasure.
Some Adventurers knows her reputation as the Cat Burglar, Deceptive Archer, Kill Stealer, One of the greed Adventurer who prefers to take all the treasure and a Lone Chipmunk who doesn't have friends to party with. When the Archer hides from the furious random group of Adventurers, she climb the tree and finds her next victim.
Another Hallow monster with a low health bar was surrounded by group of Adventurers. The archer girl knew they put up a fight and then, she smirked, taking another aim at the monster's heart. Before those Adventurers killed the dying monster, the archer girl managed to steal the last hit and was marked as the Adventurer who killed that monster. Once the Hallow monster vanished by the black ominous wind, the Archer checked her Adventurer screen from her eyes and saw she earned a lot of experience points and drop materials. So killing that Hallow monster was a success that she happens to get a better loot than before.
When checking her Unique Inventory, the Adventurers who couldn't kill that monster, are trying to go after her. Their expression could tell it's not a good greeting she could imagine. So the Archer fled and leave those Adventurers again. Everytime she pulled the same stunt, the Archer girl was kinda feel sorry for treating them like that. But who cares anyways, there was no rules about not stealing anyone's kill as long as she got everything. Once she's done her escape, she used her cloak, go up to the top and find another Dying monster to steal the kill.
Everything works well. Somehow, the Archer hasn't caught up by those angry Adventurers for killing their prey but, she still able to live for another day.
The looting battle event took two hours for her that she deserves a break. The girl stretched her arms and covers herself by her cloak as she's trying to explore the Vera Kingdom again. She went to the guild and completed her second day event quest, getting rewards and leave directly. She doesn't want any Adventurers to find out about her presence inside the guild or otherwise, she'll get caught up by those angry party victims.
Once she's done with her usual task as an Adventurer, the Archer snapped her finger, trying to wake someone while crossing the festival food street.
"Wake up Orangey, how long are you going to stay slumber? We have things to cover for."
"Uumm.... what?" A Voice calls upon her mind.
Remember when everyone said the archer girl, Rosall is a lone Adventurer who doesn't want to have friends or someone to party with? Well, her secret to that is because nobody can see the only member in their own eyes.
Aside from strong warriors, Rosall can see the spirit of the Bow that she formed a party with. A gnome spirit who acts as a mentor to her may be valuable but the way she speaks with rambles and loud noises are the only thing she secretly despised.
"Where are we again?" The voice wondered as they shapeshift into a small form of a child with illuminating light covered by their body. It was a spirit form who happened to woke up from a slumber dream. Right now, only Rosall can see her floating around beside her.
"At the Vera Kingdom, Betty. They say it's a joyful festival for ten days and battle event for Adventurers. It's easy to find a better loot than wandering around the world."
"I see." The Spirit Betty looked around her surroundings and understand this place. She thought up a moment to help her friend, "Let me think, maybe we could try those foods while talking about their cultures. I happened to know a few games from those merchants over there and they're so good!"
"Oh, do pray tell then. What kind of games?" Rosall felt intrigued as she listened to the spirit's suggestion
"Easy! The first one has a shooting game where you-"
*Growls*
Betty knew where that stomach growling noise came from and she took a look at Rosall, whose face became red, "Pfft.. Maybe I could tell you about their treats first.."
The spirit's voice was shaking to resists her laughter as her mouth was covered and looked away. She pointed the food stores nearby to make sure Rosall can find a good place to eat.
"Make sure they're edible, please." Rosall said with a cold tone.
So the Adventurer and her spirit guardian explored the Vera's Festivitiy booth and their food store. The spirit suggests a good restaurant where they can find fresh goods made by proffesional chef. However, Rosall wanted to dine in a quiet place so she guide them somewhere in the corner.
They happened to find a small restaurant by a special chef making pizza and potato foods. Rosall also finds two kids running around and taking the boss chef's food away. It's like they're stealing their foods but five minutes later, the kids and the chef returned with an enthusiastic customer with them and offered them food. She knew those kids were able to advertise those strangers despite doing a thievery criminal actions.
Even still, the Adventurer finds it amuse to watch strange things happen around the town. It's better to take action instead of lazing around, that's what she thought about. The moment she went inside the restaurant and ordered some specialty, Betty suggests to choose either the Roast Potato or Grilled Chicken. The spirit prefered a simple dish to make her full instead of eating delicious treat that could addict to buy more.
Hearing her suggestions, Rosall choose the Roast Potato and eats it. The two of them had a good time in a lovely sunshine day, where every townsfolk pass by and enjoy their joyful festivities in this lovely kingdom. Rosall admits that this place is good for relaxing if only, there were no Hallow monsters outside.
The archer felt they spend their relaxation time at twelve daylights and she decided to try out some merchant games on the street. At first, Betty cheerfully agrees her idea until when they pass by the cleaning fountain, she stopped by and stared at the Merchant store.
"Rosy Rosy, take a look." The spirit clinged to Rosall, who wonders what she's curious about. "I think there's a spirit over there. Her Mana power is strong. I believe she's trying to use her magic."
Really? A spirit mage cheated on merchant's minigames? What a suprise. Rosall would call it unfair but she believes looting Adventurer's prey and stealing their points is not different than that. She has no right to complain.
Rosall was curious to meet that spirit but Betty gasped, looking down that her expectations have failed.
"That spirit's gone now. Their Mana presence went disappear after trying to get connect them. Maybe they sense where we are and fled? If only I was careful, we could've asked for help."
"Don't worry about it, we still have plenty more time to find it. No need to rush Betty."
Now that a strange presence was left from them, Rosall continues to search for some interesting games made by those people in this world. For some reason, taking the Shooting challenge is one of her favourite games that she decided to try it out.
Betty cheered for her as a spirit concealment ally while the audience watch how this 100 Hits game performs. The rules of this shooting game is simple, hit the Blue Targets many times until you beat the high score. Rosall saw the current score was eighty nine and she pet out a smirk before a merchant staff handed a toy crossbow for her.
Once the game has set, Rosall was ready to strike and aim at the Blue marks. The only thing that gets in her way is the number of competitors who participate this challenge at the same time. There was a guy with a long hat, who doesn't look tough but has a secret aura that Betty warns her.
The moment this shooting game starts, Rosall was already aiming and shooting at the Blue targets five times before the others tried. She already loaded her arrows ten seconds before shooting again. The others did their best but Rosall takes the first lead, which the audience find it interesting that a mere girl has sharpshooting skills. However, she was not alone. There was someone who took more hits and trying to compete her.
The long hat guy loaded small arrows even faster and hit those Blue targets without a miss. He was so quick to reload those arrows and shoot again. Before he empties the arrows, the Hat guy stared at Rosall, giving her a smug like he's looking her down.
"What's the matter, little girl? Can't get a good shot?"
"This guy..." Rosall's face went furious as she reloads the arrows from the crossbow and shoots more target. This time, she didn't missed and hits more aggressively.
Rosall doesn't want to admit that her reason for her blood boiling up is because of this stranger challenging her. He may be fishy but going up against a lady with range attacks is not to be mess with.
The long awaited challenge has finally ended and most of the competitors couldn't beat the highest score except those two, the Archer girl Rosall and the Long Hat Man. The two sharpshooters were waiting for the results as they stared at the Merchant host. Even if they
[92] and [92]
In other words, a Draw. The audience cheered for the results whereas those two have different reaction. The Long hat man clapped his hands while twitching his mouth. Betty could've sworn he frowned for a moment before he smiles back like those normal audience reaciton.
"What an outstanding match, never thought I meet such a wonderful archer in the place like this. You must be quite talented for an Adventurer, right?" The hat guy smiled gently, offering a hand.
Rosall leaned his hand and receive a gentle shake. The two tried to respect their match with a polite offer. "Thank you for the compliment. You did a very well job as well. I hope we get our rematch someday."
"I'm looking forward to that." The Hat guy chuckled as he bowed down like a gentleman.
Rosall, on the other hand, was disturbed how the points are matching in this random shooting game. It's like her opponent was playing with her on purpose. He could've easily beat her but he backed down and let them take the same point. Even though it's not a losing result, Rosall could still feel defeated and broke her pride for taking this opportunity right into the opponent's game. If only she's fast enough to hit more targets, the archer couldn't feel this complex emotion right now.
= The Prophecy by the Wind's Guidance =
*NO POV *
Vera Kingdom
A joyful kingdom with ten day festivals that happened every month. Their rules were held by the King and Queen from the Royal Family. Those who obtained pure blessings by the Joy Spirit are the chosen four warriors who were born with Vera bloods.
The Kingdom was filled with good decorated flags, traditional and fragrant flowers with their townsfolk greeting newcomers and offering good hospitality. The unique side of this place is their protection, only strong warriors like Nadventurers and other races can see those invisible barriers covering around the kingdom. It looks like this barrier can protect this place from demon and evil spirit invasion.
Thanks to a barrier protecting the kingdom, the people inside were safe and no harm was done to this place. Right now, business in Vera Kingdom hasn't made enough progress since the last visitors were amateur merchants. But now that the King and Queen hosts a ten day festival, they would hire a good batch of merchants who provide fun games and wonderful goods.
WatchTowers and royal guards are working everyday as a way to preserve and protect their kingdom. The Adventurer guild can welcome both Adventurers and Nadventurers to participate in their battle event while visitors and travelers can get free service in one day without troubles.
Everyone says this Joyful kingdom has nothing to worry about. No monsters or disguisers will come at morning and night as long as a Barrier in this kingdom is strong enough to protect them.
Except, one of them happened to see the future by dreaming when the wind blew around him. The masked merchant, Asher, is not apparently a normal guy who sells goods and entertains guests. He's a mysterious guy who can talk to the wind, learning their fate and using them in battles.
The wind may be lifeless ominous presence that considers a friend and enemy but sometimes, their soft breeze can visualize an omen that can change his fate. A chance to change his future.
The time Asher packs his things up, the wind suddenly calls him out, circling around in corner as he blinked and dreamed of their good and bad omens. It seems that Asher visualise the Adventurer guild in Vera Kingdom that was in good pieces until three seconds later, the sky turned crimson red and there was a silhouette of a hat guy standing in front of the guild, then touching their walls.
The more Asher watches this guy, the more he learns of his motives - to plant a bomb inside those Walls and blow them up when all the invited Adventurers are inside. Not only that but he saw another vision of the victims, or the Adventurer's reason to go to the guild.
It seems those guild members create a quest for the Adventurers to join the banquet and stayed there until morning. If they break those rules, their eyes would turn red and received a minimum punishment like getting headaches or losing experience points.
Going inside the banquet might be a good celebration reward for everyone but Asher saw there was a reason to lure them. He saw the Hat guy's motive of blowing all the Adventurers inside and invading this kingdom. Not only that guy's problem but he saw another visual future sight where the trapped people outside the guild have been attacked by some unknown organisations.
"The Grimms"
Five members who will take the kingdom down. One of them is the traitor of humanity, the others have their contract while the leader is their nightmare fuel.
The moment Asher tried to see them closer, the leader shifted their red eyes to them, raising their hands and ending their visions. He suddenly blinked back and was surprised to feel the wind vanish when he woke up. This is getting out of hand, he clenched his fist and realised the danger they were going in if they stayed any longer.
"Old man, we have a problem!" Asher called his merchant partner. "Our lives are on the line, we should get out of here. Tell Christer we packed our things and go."
With that sudden order, Old Man Zed crossed their arms and shook their heads. "Remind me what nonsense you think will convince me to leave? We were so close to fulfilling our deal with our Guild master and you, serious about leaving this place, boy?"
"Of course, I don't care about this Real Hero, prince or some Expedition team coming to this country but, all I want to do is help you two escape from this coming danger." Asher said as he grabbed his shoulder with his serious tone."Please, we don't have much time left. A storm is coming!"
"So you're saying you wanted Christer and I to escape while leaving the lives of customers behind this with the coming danger?" Old Man Zed is still not buying it. Asher was frustrated that his warnings couldn't reach him.
"..I'm not saying that. I just... can't bear to lose you guys." He looked down and hoped his honest words could follow him.
"Whatever it is, I won't leave. If Christer heard this, I bet he wouldn't leave this either. You know how stubborn we are, boy." He's right. Asher won't deny Christer would be selfish enough to stay and protect strangers. Even so, he wants to protect his friends but at the same time, he needs to survive no matter what.
"If that's what you want, I'll-" Asher's mind made a conflict to wonder who's side he is on. To save his friends or himself? He couldn't stop thinking about those enemies he visualises when they're going to invade this kingdom in a few minutes. "They're getting closer..."
Asher can't help but try to beg Old Man Zed to evacuate with him. The Old man declines as usual and they argue for ten minutes. He wanted to beat him until the wind called him out, making him remember the "Grimms" actions of destroying this kingdom. To stop his fear, he turned his back and hopped on the carriage.
"I'm going!" Asher muttered, not bothering to look at the Old Man before he continued, "Tell Christer to meet me outside in ten minutes if you two change your mind."
"If it's leaving the townsfolk, we're not going to follow you, Coward." Old Man Zed warns him, which Asher starts to feel remorse for his friend.
"Hmph. Be my guest then, Nevulia."
When the two merchants split, no one noticed their conflict happening but someone witnessed everything. The warnings, the separation and the foreshadow danger, they heard all of them. They were just passing by until they heard an argument and thought it was interesting to listen.
The kids wearing townsfolk costumes didn't know that the case was going to be worse soon. As innocent children, they only worried about two friends getting split up.
The Orange twins who claimed themselves as the Jackalls have decided to explore more before they focused their goals.
A goal to take something inside the Vera Kingdom.