The blacksmith stood behind his counter, arms crossed, as William scanned the modest selection of weapons laid out before him.
"Here's what I've got," the blacksmith said, motioning to the display.
William bent down to inspect the first weapon.
---
[Name: Logging Axe]
[Quality: Ordinary]
Additional Note: A sharp axe suitable for chopping wood, but not ideal for striking hard objects.
---
He frowned slightly. He wasn't exactly a lumberjack.
Moving on, he picked up another weapon, a simple knife with a dull gleam.
---
[Name: Kitchen Knife]
[Quality: Ordinary]
Additional Note: A mediocre knife, nothing special.
---
William sighed. These were basic tools, nothing more than whiteboard equipment. His current weaponry was already dull and uninspired, and adding another ordinary blade wouldn't change much. As an adventurer, he needed something more. The creatures in the Black Forest were getting stronger, and he knew that without better gear, he wouldn't stand a chance.
"I'm an adventurer," William said, breaking the silence. "I need something more powerful than this. Do you have anything… exceptional?"
The blacksmith scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Well… we keep some special pieces in the back. But they're not for everyone."
Without another word, he motioned for William to follow him to the storage room. The smell of metal and oil intensified as they walked through the workshop and into the backyard. There, placed on a heavy wooden table, lay three weapons. Each one gleamed with a unique aura, their craftsmanship a clear cut above the rest.
---
[Name: Venomous Snake Fang]
[Quality: Excellent]
Additional Note: This dagger was crafted from the fang of a poisonous snake that attacked a young blacksmith while he was chopping wood in the forest. A hunter saved him, and in memory of that day, the blacksmith forged this blade to always remind himself of the dangers lurking in the wild. The dagger is laced with poison.
Effect: Causes bleeding and poison damage over time, weakening the victim with each passing moment.
---
William's eyes widened. A weapon that could poison and bleed his enemies? This was the kind of deadly edge he was looking for. But the blacksmith wasn't done yet.
He picked up a battle axe, its steel head glinting dangerously under the light.
---
[Name: Battle Axe]
[Quality: Excellent]
Additional Note: This steel battle axe once belonged to a patrolman who died protecting Moonlight Village during a full moon night ten years ago.
Effect: Frenzy – Temporarily increases all attributes by 30% for five minutes, followed by a weakened state for an hour where all attributes drop by 50%.
---
William felt a chill run down his spine. This weapon could turn a fight in his favor… but the downside was equally dangerous. The power it granted came at a steep price.
Finally, the blacksmith rested his hand on a long, elegant spear.
---
[Name: Knight's Lance]
[Quality: Excellent]
Additional Note: This spear was wielded by a knight from the Kingdom's guard who came to the Black Forest to suppress a disaster a decade ago. Though the knight never returned, his spear stayed behind, a symbol of his sacrifice.
Effect: Piercing – Can bypass certain magical defenses, dealing powerful penetrating damage.
---
"These… are incredible," William murmured, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Good stuff, huh?" the blacksmith said with a chuckle. "But they come with a hefty price."
William's excitement quickly faded as the blacksmith listed the costs. The Venomous Snake Fang was 70 silver coins, the Battle Axe was reserved for the village patrol, and even if he could buy it, it would cost him 80 silver coins. The Knight's Lance? A staggering 2 gold coins; far beyond his means.
William's heart sank. "I'm an adventurer… but I'm poor. I can't afford any of this."
The blacksmith chuckled again, softer this time, as if he understood all too well. "Even the plain ones cost a bit. One to three silver coins for the basics."
William grimaced. "I barely have enough for those."
The blacksmith's expression softened as he sighed. "Tell you what, there may be another way. You heard about Little Bob?"
William shook his head. The name didn't ring a bell.
"The Black Forest… it's cursed," the blacksmith began, his tone grave. "Little Bob is one of our best hunters. He went in there some time ago, and no one's heard from him since. His sister, Little Red Riding Hood, hasn't been the same since he disappeared. She's restless, always worried. If you could find any clue about Little Bob's whereabouts, I'd give you any weapon you want from my collection."
William's eyes widened. Even the Knight's Lance?
The blacksmith nodded, his face serious. "Yes, even the spear."
The temptation was immense. A weapon like that could make him unstoppable. But the Black Forest was a perilous place, crawling with monsters and dangers that no ordinary adventurer could survive. Going in there at his current level? It was practically a death sentence.
William weighed his options. The reward was huge, but so was the risk.
"Well…," William muttered under his breath, "it seems I have a lot to think about."
The blacksmith nodded, turning back to his forge. "Stay safe out there, adventurer."
William didn't hesitate, figuring this side quest was harmless; no penalty for failure, so why not? He could take his time, explore, and see if anything came up regarding Little Bob. For now, he shelved that thought and focused on getting supplies. He headed to the village's general store and bought some iron bullets for his weapon, spending four copper coins.
Satisfied with his small purchase, William decided to stroll around Moonlight Village. The village was small but full of life, a quiet place where the hustle and bustle of adventurers didn't quite fit. As he wandered, his curiosity was piqued by a small, unassuming building, a pharmacy.
---
[Hint: You met a pharmacist.]
---
As William stepped inside, a sharp herbal scent filled the air. Behind the counter stood a man with a troubled look on his face. His furrowed brow and the deep lines of worry on his face told a story of a man grappling with an issue he couldn't quite solve.
"Adventurer," the pharmacist greeted with a sigh, "I'm an excellent doctor, you know. I can craft all sorts of potions, potions to heal, to cure, to strengthen. But why… why is no one buying my medicine?"
William raised an eyebrow. It wasn't hard to see why. Moonlight Village was calm, peaceful. The villagers seemed healthy, content in their routines. Why would they buy medicine when there was no reason to?
The pharmacist didn't wait for an answer and shook his head, his frustration palpable. "No one sees the need for it now. They think they're safe."
William said nothing, though in the back of his mind, he figured it wasn't his place to tell the truth. After all, this was the only pharmacy in the entire village. The pharmacist's business woes weren't his problem.
Instead, he turned his attention to the shelves behind the counter. The pharmacy was stocked with an impressive array of potions and remedies, ranging from disease cures to wound treatments. There were even antidotes for poisons. However, the prices weren't exactly adventurer-friendly.
---
[Bandage: Medical bandage soaked in magical potion. Restores 50% of energy over three hours and an additional 30% within ten hours.]
---
[Energy Potion: A magical concoction brewed from rare herbs. Restores one unit of energy.]
---
William examined the shelves carefully. The bandages seemed like a good deal, 50 copper coins for a bundle. He figured they could serve as a stand-in for health potions. In this world, when you got seriously hurt, it wasn't as simple as gulping down a potion and instantly being back to full health. Here, recovery took time. Those bandages might just be a lifesaver.
As for the Energy Potions? Those were far pricier, sitting at a steep 1 silver coin each. William shook his head, knowing he couldn't afford to splurge.
He picked up two bundles of bandages, figuring that would be enough for now. After all, this game was unforgiving. A serious injury could take weeks to heal fully, so it was better to be prepared.
After purchasing his bandages, William casually asked, "I heard Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother is sick. Did she buy any medicine from you?"
The pharmacist's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Little Red Riding Hood? No, she hasn't. But you do know she's a witch, right? She wouldn't need any of my medicine. And as for her grandmother...," the pharmacist paused, his voice lowering. "Her illness isn't something my potions could cure. She'd need the help of the Witch of the Misty Forest for that. The Black Forest's curse… it's too strong."
The pharmacist's eyes seemed to darken as he continued. "Mark my words, adventurer, the Black Forest will bring disaster to this village. Sooner or later, the peace we've enjoyed will crumble, and everyone will finally see how important my potions are. If only they'd believed me ten years ago… maybe the knight would still be alive. But next time… next time, I'll be ready."
---
[Hint: Beneath the peaceful surface of Moonlight Village, a hidden crisis looms. The pharmacist is certain that the events of ten years ago will repeat, and his failure to save the knight still haunts him. Now, he eagerly awaits the day his potions will prove their worth.]
---
William left the pharmacy, slightly disturbed by the man's ominous prediction. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but something about the way the pharmacist spoke gave him a sense of unease. As if the village's calm was just a fragile illusion.
His eyes were drawn to another building in the distance; a church. Unlike the grand, ornate structures he'd seen in other cities, this one was modest, almost shabby. The stone walls were weathered, and the roof sagged in places. It was clear the church hadn't been maintained in years.
---
[Church: A sanctuary dedicated to the gods. In this magical world, the church and the monarchy share power. However, the church in Moonlight Village has gone unrepaired for a decade.]
---
Curious, William entered the church, his footsteps echoing in the empty hall. The atmosphere was heavy with an almost forgotten reverence. In front of the altar stood the priest, a thin, sallow-faced man who looked as worn as the building itself.
"Adventurer," the priest greeted him, his voice soft but weary. "The border town is not safe for adventure right now. But if you insist on heading into dangerous lands, I can offer you my blessing. It may not be much, but it could help you survive the perils ahead."
William studied the priest's tired expression. It was clear that this village, for all its outward peace, was a place with secrets.
The priest gently touched William's forehead, and a cool sensation washed over him as soft, silvery moonlight seemed to flow from the priest's hands. It shimmered between his fingers, enveloping William in a quiet, calming light.
"This is the blessing of the Moonlight Goddess," the priest whispered, his voice low and reverent. "May it guide and protect you."
---
[Hint: You have received the Blessing of the Moonlight Goddess.]
---
[Blessing of the Moonlight Goddess: Under moonlight, your physical abilities will slightly improve, your hunting skills will sharpen, and your spirit will become calmer and more resolute. The blessing lasts for one day.]
---
William blinked, surprised. He had wandered into the church on a whim and received an actual, tangible benefit. Though the effects seemed minor, they were still useful.
This is no small thing, William thought, his earlier indifference fading. He hadn't taken the gods too seriously before, but now he saw the power of the church in a new light. Bowing once more, this time with more sincerity, he offered his respect to the deities housed within the humble walls of the church. Though the Moonlight Goddess had blessed him, she was only one of the many gods worshipped here.
Funny enough, despite Moonlight Village bearing her name, the Moonlight Goddess had no particular connection to this place. The village's name was common, so much so that William remembered the Scarecrow telling him that there were at least eighty villages with the same name scattered across the world.
---
With a final look at the worn-down church, William stepped outside, leaving Moonlight Village behind. He wasn't in a hurry to head to Iron Mine Village just yet. First, he needed to gather more materials for his next venture into the dangerous Black Forest.
Better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, William reasoned, his mind turning to the Black Crow Feathers he needed to collect. He wasn't sure how many would be enough, but the more he gathered, the better. He also needed to level up before tackling anything more dangerous, his current strength simply wasn't enough for the challenges ahead.
He made his way back to Crow Hill, where he had hunted the night before. Now, in the light of day, the hill was much quieter, devoid of the eerie atmosphere that had haunted it during the night. Without the cover of darkness, wild monsters were harder to lure out. Still, William knew he had to start somewhere.
Cautiously, he ventured into the woods, his footsteps barely audible as they crunched softly on the fallen leaves and twigs. After a short while, he spotted his first target, a dark figure perched high in a fir tree. A black crow, its feathers glossy under the daylight, was napping while standing on a branch.
Perfect.
William pulled out his slingshot, loading it with one of the iron beads he had bought earlier. He aimed carefully, taking in the distance and wind direction. Then, with a quick flick of his wrist, the iron bead shot forward with a sharp whoosh.
---
Bang!
---
The black crow fell from the tree, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. But it wasn't dead. Its body flailed as it screeched, sending leaves and debris flying in every direction, its wings beating wildly like a frantic, broken fan. William didn't waste a moment. He quickly loaded another bead and fired again, putting an end to the bird's frantic movements.
---
[You killed the magical creature Black Crow, experience +3!]
---
[Experience value: 6/15]
---
The numbers floated briefly before William's eyes. He needed 15 experience points to level up from level 3 to 4, and he was nearly halfway there.
---
[Your talent for killing to prove your way has taken effect and improved slightly.]
---
[Your physical value +0.03! Your mental value +0.03! Your energy value +0.03!]
---
Satisfied with his progress, William moved forward, his eyes scanning the area for more crows. Soon enough, he spotted another one and repeated the process, taking it down with ease. These creatures seemed to be common in Crow Hill, and William took advantage of that, continuing his hunt.
As he was preparing to go after his third crow, he felt something shift. Just as he readied his slingshot, three black crows suddenly burst from the trees, cawing loudly as they swooped toward him. Their beady eyes locked onto him, and their sharp talons glinted in the sunlight.
---
Damn! William's heart pounded as the crows charged at him in unison.
The first crow lunged at him with a terrifying speed, its claws slashing at his arm. William barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side. The second one attacked from behind, its beak aiming for his head. He ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as it missed by inches. But the third crow was relentless, striking him with its claws, drawing blood from his leg.
Pain shot through William's body, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to panic. His mind raced as he tried to form a plan.
I can't take them all head-on... William realized quickly. He needed to be smarter about this.
Spinning around, he quickly reloaded his slingshot and aimed at the nearest crow. With a swift release, the iron bead struck true, hitting the bird square in the chest. It let out a shriek and fell, injured but not defeated. Without hesitation, William focused on the next one, dodging its attacks while keeping his distance.
His breathing grew labored as the fight dragged on, but William knew he couldn't afford to slow down. If he hesitated for even a moment, the crows would overwhelm him.
One by one, he reminded himself. I can do this.
With his focus honed, he fired again, taking out the second crow. Finally, it was just him and the last one. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, but he remained steady. One last shot, and the final crow fell to the ground, defeated.
---
[You killed the magical creature Black Crow, experience +3!]
---
[Experience value: 9/15]
---
Bruised and bloodied but victorious, William wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the sting of the crow's talons still lingering on his leg.
"That was close..." he muttered to himself, his heart still racing. He had learned his lesson; he couldn't afford to be careless, especially when dealing with magical creatures that could strike at any moment.
But he wasn't deterred. This was just the beginning. With each battle, he grew stronger, and the path to becoming a true adventurer became clearer.
After all, there were still many more black crows in Crow Hill.
These were no ordinary birds; the black crows of Crow Hill possessed a dark, twisted magic that could warp the minds of the unprepared. William had heard the Scarecrow's warning before. The crows often gathered in flocks, preying on travelers, feasting on the dead. Their shrill cries were like a death knell, bringing bad luck wherever they echoed.
Many had tried to rid Crow Hill of these creatures, but deep within the forest lurked the Black Crow King, a being of immense power who could repel all attackers. William knew that his hunt last night had been a dangerous gamble, not the smooth process it appeared to be. Just killing a few crows had been enough to make him uneasy.
Now, with each step, he worried about encountering a larger swarm. The black crows were no small birds; they were massive, their size comparable to ducks or geese on Earth, but much more dangerous. Their beady eyes gleamed with intelligence and malice, and their wings beat like war drums as they swooped down at incredible speeds.
As William realized they were gaining on him, he acted quickly, firing two projectiles behind him. One crow fell, its body crashing into the dirt with a thud, but the others seized the moment, closing the distance between them. Before he knew it, they were only five or six meters away, and a strange dizziness washed over him. His vision blurred, and the world seemed to slow as if the crows were casting some kind of enchantment.
---
[Hint: The black crows of Crow Hill possess a magical ability to bewitch the mind, causing confusion and dizziness.]
---
William's head spun, the dark shapes of the crows warping in front of his eyes. But he gritted his teeth and fought through it. His spirit value was already high, and with the recent upgrades to his stats, he could barely resist their magic, holding onto his clarity by a thread.
With a quick motion, William launched another two projectiles. One struck its target, another crow falling from the sky, but the last one, the most aggressive of the bunch; dove at him with terrifying speed. Its sharp claws raked across his skin, leaving deep, bloody gashes on his arm and chest. Pain shot through him, but his reflexes kicked in.
William grabbed one of the crow's wings with all his strength, slamming the creature into the ground. It screeched and thrashed, trying to break free, but he wasn't done. With a growl, he swung the crow into a nearby tree with a sickening crash. The bird still struggled, flapping its wings weakly, but William smashed it into the tree again. And again. And again.
After more than a dozen brutal hits, the crow finally lay motionless, its body a bloody mess. William panted heavily, adrenaline pumping through his veins. The sudden silence was almost deafening.
---
[You killed the magical creature Black Crow, experience +3!]
---
[You killed the magical creature Black Crow, experience +3!]
---
A series of notifications flashed before William's eyes, bringing a sense of relief. He had done it. He had survived. The black crows were vicious, and their magical abilities made them even more dangerous, but the rewards were worth it.
---
[Your talent for killing to prove your way has taken effect and slightly improved.]
---
[Your physical value +0.03! Your mental value +0.03! Your energy value +0.03!]
---
[Your level has been raised to Level 4.]
---
[Experience value: 3/25.]
---
[You have obtained 3 attribute points, which can be distributed freely.]
---
William smiled to himself, feeling the surge of strength coursing through his body. Without hesitation, he distributed his newly earned attribute points evenly across his physical, spirit, and energy stats.
---
[Physique value: 4.3 (3.2+1.12)]
[Spirit value: 4.9 (3.8+1.12)]
[Energy value: 4.2 (3.1 + 1.12)]
---
Refreshed, William stretched his sore limbs, feeling stronger than before. Four crows down, and although the battle had been risky, the rewards were more than worth it. The thrill of leveling up, the rush of power, it all made him eager for more.
With renewed determination, he set his sights on the next group of magical creatures.
"I kill, I kill, I kill… kill, kill, kill!" William whispered to himself, a wicked grin on his face as he continued his hunt through Crow Hill. His journey was far from over, and the more he fought, the stronger he became. The Black Forest, the Iron Mine, and even the Black Crow King himself, he would face them all in time.