As I followed the directions on the map, heading west from Silverwood, I soon found myself standing in front of a modest but well-maintained lumber shop. The shop's sign, a wooden board with an intricately carved axe and log, swung gently in the breeze. The image was detailed, showing a large axe splitting a log in half, with the words "Timber & Craft" elegantly etched below.
The shop itself was a single-story wooden building, with a large open field adjacent to it. In the field, stacks of freshly cut lumber were neatly organized, alongside piles of wooden furniture in various stages of completion—tables, chairs, and benches. The scent of freshly cut wood mingled with the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest, creating a rustic and inviting atmosphere.
As I approached the shop, a tall, burly man emerged from behind a stack of logs. His clothes were practical and sturdy—brown trousers, a worn, plaid shirt, and a leather apron covered in sawdust. He had a rugged appearance, with broad shoulders and a bushy beard that matched the earthy tones of his attire. His eyes, sharp and alert, focused on me with a mixture of curiosity and friendliness.
"Good day!" I called out, stepping forward with a wave. "I'm Held Bernhard, an adventurer. I'm here for the wood gathering quest as part of the beginners' quest given by Grom Ironbelly."
The lumberjack's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, so you're the adventurer Grom sent. I'm Borin Timberfell, and you've come to the right place."
He extended a hand, which I shook firmly. His grip was calloused but strong, a testament to years of hard work. "Grom's quest is a good way to get started. So, you're here for the wood gathering part, I assume?"
I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, that's correct. I'm ready to get started."
Borin's face softened into a smile as he continued. "The wood you'll need is called silverwood. It's a special type of lumber that's both durable and has a distinctive silver-like sheen on its trunk. It's named after our town for its quality. The best place to find it is in the Silver Forest, just west of here. There's a camp there that's surrounded by runes—a magical stone circle that repels monsters. It's a safe area for gathering, thanks to the protection these runes provide. You won't have to worry about any unwanted encounters while you're there."
He then handed me a sturdy stone axe. "This should be enough for your needs. Just remember to be mindful of the runes—they're there for your safety."
As I took the axe, I felt a surge of determination. This was the first real task in my journey as an adventurer, and I was eager to prove myself. I thanked Borin for his assistance and turned to leave the shop, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement.
Heading towards the Silver Forest, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey ahead. This was not just a task but a step towards mastering the skills needed for my adventure. The idea of working with silverwood and knowing that the runes would keep me safe brought a sense of reassurance. I walked with a steady pace, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in the forest.
With that, I left the lumber shop and set out towards the Silver Forest.
I made my way towards the Silver Forest, following the path laid out on the map. The road was well-trodden, lined with tall trees that swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like whispers from the past. As I walked, I encountered a few lumberjacks heading back to the town, their wagons piled high with freshly cut wood. The lumber was stacked neatly, the trunks showing the faint sheen that identified them as silverwood. The lumberjacks greeted me with nods and waves, their faces weathered but content, a sign of a day's honest work completed.
"Good day to you!" I called out, raising a hand in greeting.
"And to you, adventurer!" one of the lumberjacks responded with a grin. "Stay safe out there."
I waved back, appreciating the camaraderie. The presence of the runes, carved into the fence posts along the road and embedded into the trunks of the trees, filled me with a sense of security. The magic of these runes was palpable, a silent guardian ensuring that the path remained peaceful and free from the threat of monsters. This place was truly a haven, thanks to the ancient magic woven into the fabric of the forest.
The deeper I ventured into the forest, the more the air seemed to shimmer with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The silverwood trees were a sight to behold—towering and majestic, their trunks gleamed with a metallic luster that caught the light, giving the impression of trees made of pure silver. Their leaves, a rich emerald green, contrasted beautifully against the silvery bark. It was easy to see why this wood was so prized; it was not only strong but also carried an otherworldly beauty.
Eventually, the pathway opened up to a small clearing, where I spotted the camp Borin had mentioned. The camp consisted of a sturdy cabin, surrounded by stacks of silverwood logs, all neatly piled and ready for transport. A young lumberjack, no older than me, was busy organizing the wood. He had a lean build, with tousled brown hair and a face that spoke of a life spent outdoors. When he noticed me, he paused and wiped his hands on his trousers before approaching.
"Hey there!" he called out, his voice friendly and welcoming. "You here to gather wood?"
"Yes," I replied, stepping forward with a nod. "My name's Held Bernhard. I'm an adventurer on a gathering quest."
The lumberjack eyed me with mild curiosity. "You got a permit?"
My heart sank slightly—Borin hadn't mentioned anything about a permit. "Uh… no, I don't have a permit. Borin didn't say anything about one. I'm just here to complete a quest for the weaponsmith, Grom."
The young man scratched his head, seeming to mull it over. "Well, if you're an adventurer and on a gathering quest, that's different. Name's Jack Oakheart, by the way. No permit needed for adventurers, but if you were planning on taking up lumberjacking as a side gig, you'd need to register with the Merchant Guild. Once you do that, you'd be allowed to gather wood deeper in the forest, where the quality of the material is even better."
I blinked in surprise. "A second job? I didn't know you could do that."
Jack chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Most don't. I'm just a lumberjack managing this camp, so I don't have all the details. If you're really interested, head over to the Merchant Guild near the town hall—north side of Silverwood. They can tell you more. But for now, let's stick to the task at hand."
I nodded, mentally filing away the information about the Merchant Guild for later. "Sounds like a plan. I'll focus on this quest first."
"Good call," Jack said with a smile. He gestured for me to follow him as we walked a short distance from the camp, deeper into the forest. The silverwood trees here were even more impressive up close, their trunks gleaming in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above.
We stopped at a spot where several trees were ready for harvesting. Jack positioned himself next to one of the silverwood trees. "Alright, watch closely. Silverwood is tough—one of the sturdiest woods around these parts. You need a firm grip and a strong swing. It's a great way to build up your strength if you're looking for some physical training."
With that, he raised his axe, gripping it with practiced ease. With a swift, fluid motion, he swung the axe, striking the tree with a solid thunk. The blade bit into the wood, sending a few silver splinters flying. Jack repeated the motion, each swing precise and powerful. After six swings, the tree shuddered and toppled over with a resounding crash, its silver bark gleaming even in defeat.
I stared, impressed. "That was… pretty amazing."
Jack grinned, stepping back and gesturing for me to take a turn. "Your turn, adventurer. Don't worry if it's tough at first—everyone's got to start somewhere."
Feeling a bit more confident, I gripped the axe and squared up to the tree. Taking a deep breath, I swung with all my might.
Thunk.
The axe bit into the wood but barely made a dent, and the impact sent a shockwave up my arms. The reverberation left me momentarily stunned, my hands numb from the jolt.
"Ouch," I muttered, shaking my hands out.
Jack chuckled, clearly amused by my struggle. "Not bad for a first swing. But try to keep your arms loose—let the axe do the work."
I nodded, a little embarrassed but determined not to give up. I adjusted my grip, taking his advice to heart, and swung again. This time, the axe bit a little deeper, though it still felt like I was trying to chop through solid metal. It took me nearly thirty swings to finally bring the tree down, and by the end, I was drenched in sweat, my muscles aching from the effort.
"Well done!" Jack said, clapping me on the back. "Silverwood's no joke. Took you a bit, but you got there in the end. That's what matters."
"Thanks," I panted, wiping the sweat from my brow. I couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride despite the struggle. It was my first time chopping wood, after all, and even though it had taken me much longer than Jack, I had succeeded.
Together, we cut the fallen tree into manageable planks and loaded them onto a small wagon that Jack had brought over. The whole process took about thirty minutes, but with Jack's help, it went by smoothly. As we worked, I found myself enjoying the manual labor—there was something satisfying about the physicality of it, the simple rhythm of chopping and stacking.
"Not bad for a first-timer," Jack remarked as we finished up, giving me an approving nod. "You've got some strength in you. If you ever want to take up lumberjacking, I think you'd do just fine."
I smiled at the compliment, feeling a bit more confident in my abilities. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for all the help, Jack."
"Anytime," he replied with a grin. "Now, you'd better get that wood back to Borin. Good luck with the rest of your quest."
With a final wave, I began heading back to the lumber shop, the wagon creaking as I pulled it behind me. As I walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. It had been challenging, but I had learned a lot—and more importantly, I was one step closer to completing my quest. I couldn't wait to see what lay ahead.
As I made my way back to Borin's lumber shop, I felt a sense of pride. It hadn't even been an hour since I set out for the Silver Forest, and here I was, already returning with the required silverwood. When I approached the shop, Borin greeted me with a look of surprise, his bushy eyebrows rising in acknowledgment of my quick return.
"Well now, that was fast!" Borin said, his voice booming with approval. "Let's take a look at what you've brought."
I handed over the stack of planks I had cut from the silverwood tree. Borin inspected them carefully, running his rough, calloused hands over the smooth surface of the wood. He nodded approvingly as he examined the distinct silver sheen of the planks. "These are in good shape—fine work, especially for someone new to lumbering."
"Thanks," I replied, a bit of pride swelling in my chest. "I tried my best out there."
Borin chuckled. "Well, you've done well. But for Grom's quest, you'll only need a few sticks. Let me craft these planks into something more manageable for you."
I watched as Borin expertly cut the planks into fine sticks, each one perfectly uniform in size. It was clear he had done this countless times before. Within moments, he had crafted ten sticks and stacked them neatly in front of me.
"There you go," Borin said, handing me the stack. "This should do for what Grom needs."
I carefully packed the sticks into my bag, making sure they were secure. As I did, Borin pointed toward the edge of the town, beyond the lumber shop.
"If your next stop is Taron's miner shop, you're almost there," he said, gesturing with a nod. "Just a few steps more and you'll be at his place. You can even see it from here."
Following his direction, I looked up and spotted the miner shop in the distance. It was a squat, sturdy building, with a line of miners waiting outside, each one with carts and sacks full of freshly mined ore. The place was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere of the lumber shop.
"Thanks for your help, Borin," I said, handing back the stone axe he had lent me. "I appreciate everything."
"Anytime, lad. Good luck with Taron—he's a tough one, but you'll manage."
With a final wave, I turned and headed toward the miner shop. As I approached the miner shop, I saw its sign hanging above the entrance. The shop was called "Stone & Ore". The sign was a rugged piece of wood, etched with an image of a pickaxe striking a boulder, sending shards of stone flying. The logo was simple but effective, with the name "Stone & Ore" prominently displayed in bold, sturdy letters.
The shop was busy, with miners lined up to sell their hauls. As I joined the queue, I noticed the lively atmosphere, with the clinking of metal and the murmur of conversations filling the air. The building itself was a solid, stone structure, reflecting the nature of its business.
When it was my turn, I faced Taron Stonefist, the dwarf in charge. Taron was exactly what I'd imagined a dwarf would be like—short, but with a solid, muscular frame that spoke of years spent in the mines. His long, gray beard was braided and adorned with metal rings, and his dark brown eyes were sharp and focused, giving him a no-nonsense air. He wore a heavy leather apron over a simple tunic and trousers, with steel-toed boots that looked as sturdy as he was. A metal headband protected his forehead, and a pickaxe was slung casually over his shoulder, like it was an extension of himself.
I introduced myself, saying, "My name is Held Bernhard. I'm an adventurer here for the beginner's quest from Grom Ironbelly."
Taron gave a single nod, his expression barely changing. "So, you're the new adventurer taking on Grom's quest," he said, his voice gruff and steady. "Aye, you've got the look of a newbie about you."
His straightforwardness took me a little off guard, but I quickly composed myself. "That's right. I'm here to gather some stones."
Taron studied me for a moment, then gave a small grunt of approval. "You'll be gathering stones from the boulders scattered around the grassfield on the outskirts of the Silverwood, before you enter the Silver Forest. The area isn't protected by runes, so there's always a chance of running into monsters. But it's still safe enough during the day with all the miners around."
I nodded, taking in the details. "Sounds straightforward enough."
He continued, "The stones you'll be gathering aren't ordinary—they're infused with mana. It'll take some effort to mine them, but that's what this is for." He handed me a stone pickaxe, its weight reassuring in my hands. "Better get started while the area's still crowded with miners. It's safer that way."
"Got it," I replied, appreciating his no-nonsense attitude. This was clearly a dwarf who valued hard work and efficiency.
With the pickaxe in hand, I stepped out of the shop, ready to tackle the next part of my quest. As I made my way toward the grassfield, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was another step in my journey, and I was eager to prove myself again.
The outskirt of the west Silverwood awaited, and with it, the challenge of mining mana-infused stones.
As I arrived at the outskirts of Silverwood, the landscape opened into a sprawling field dotted with large, scattered boulders. A handful of miners were already hard at work, their pickaxes striking the stones with rhythmic clinks. I could see the focus in their movements, the strength and precision of seasoned workers. When I approached one group of miners, they quickly waved me off, pointing out that I should find my own boulder. It seemed that was the unspoken rule of the area—every miner for themselves.
Determined, I walked further until I found an unoccupied boulder. It was large, rough, and jagged, its surface glinting faintly in the sunlight. There was no one here to guide me, unlike the organized camp of the lumberjacks, so I decided to mimic what I had seen the other miners do.
Gripping the stone pickaxe, I took a deep breath and swung with all my might, feeling the impact reverberate up my arms. The boulder chipped slightly, but it was clear my efforts barely made a dent. I tried again, adjusting my grip, using some of the techniques I'd learned when chopping wood earlier. But despite my best efforts, I wasn't making much progress.
Frustration began to creep in. Was I doing something wrong? I knew these boulders were infused with mana, but I hadn't anticipated they would be this tough. As I was considering my next move, one of the miners who had been working nearby approached me.
He was a grizzled man, older and seasoned, with a knowing look in his eyes. "You look like you're struggling, kid," he said with a rough voice, a hint of amusement in his tone. "New around here, aren't you?"
I nodded, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Yeah, first time mining these boulders. I didn't expect it to be this tough."
The miner chuckled. "These aren't just ordinary stones, lad. They're mana-infused. Taron must've mentioned that, right? You're not just hitting a rock—you're going up against something with its own energy. You need to use your mana if you want to make any real progress."
His words reminded me of what Taron had said earlier, but now the importance of mana became clearer. "So I have to channel my mana into the pickaxe?"
"Exactly," the miner confirmed. "You've got to let your mana flow through your body and into the tool. It'll strengthen your strikes, make the pickaxe an extension of yourself. That's how you break through these stones."
As he explained, a realization dawned on me. Mana wasn't just for combat or spells—it was the essence of life in this world. Magic Users, Enhancers, and everyone else tapped into this mystical energy in their own way. It was the force that powered everything, even the most mundane tasks. For me, an Enhancer, channeling mana into my body was second nature. It's how I fought, how I survived. This wasn't any different.
I couldn't help but grin, feeling a rush of excitement. "I think I've got it."
With newfound confidence, I closed my eyes and focused on the flow of mana within me. I guided it through my body, feeling it surge into my arms and hands, then into the pickaxe. The tool seemed to hum with energy, growing lighter in my grasp.
The miner watched with a raised eyebrow as I opened my eyes, now glowing faintly with the power I was channeling. "Let's see what this can do," I said, more to myself than to him.
I raised the pickaxe and brought it down with all the force I could muster, my mana-infused strength amplifying the blow. The pickaxe connected with the boulder, and a loud thud echoed across the area. The sound was deep and resonant, causing several of the nearby miners to pause and look over in surprise.
A large crack appeared in the boulder, spreading from the point of impact. The miner beside me whistled, clearly impressed. "Well, I'll be damned. You've got some strength there, kid."
I smiled, the thrill of success energizing me. "I'm an Enhancer," I said simply.
The miner grinned back, giving me a nod of approval. "That explains it. Enhancers always make the best miners when it comes to these stones. How about we share this boulder? It's big enough for both of us, and I could use a hand."
"Sounds good to me," I agreed, feeling a sense of camaraderie as we started working together. With our combined efforts, the boulder began to yield its treasure, chunks of mana-infused stone breaking free with each powerful strike.
As we worked, we chatted about small things—mining techniques, the best places to find rare stones, the daily life of an adventurer versus that of a miner. I introduced myself properly, and he did the same. His name was Bronn, a veteran miner who'd been working these fields for years. He had a dry sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge about the land, making our task pass quickly and enjoyably.
Once we had gathered enough of the mana-infused stones, Bronn and I headed back toward the "Stone & Ore" shop together, our packs heavy with our haul. It had been a productive day, and as we walked, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I had not only completed another quest but had also learned more about how mana played a role in daily life, beyond the heat of battle.
This world had much to teach me, and I was eager to learn it all, one quest at a time.
With Bronn's help and the cart, we finally arrived at the miners' shop, the Stone and Ore Emporium, our haul of mana-infused stones in tow. The shop was bustling as usual, with miners lining up to sell their finds. The air was thick with the scent of earth and metal, the clattering of tools, and the gruff conversations of seasoned miners.
We joined the line, waiting patiently as it inched forward. The atmosphere in the shop was lively yet methodical—everyone knew their place and purpose. I glanced at Ron, who seemed at ease, accustomed to the routine. I was grateful for his company; mining those mana-infused stones had been much easier with someone who knew the ropes.
Finally, it was our turn. We stepped up to the counter, where Taron stood, his sharp eyes immediately recognizing me.
"Ah, it's you," Taron said, a note of surprise in his voice. "Didn't expect to see you back so soon. You've done well for a newbie."
I smiled, feeling a bit of pride well up inside me. "Bronn helped me out a lot, but yeah, we got it done. Figured I'd bring these stones back as soon as possible."
Taron nodded, turning his attention to the stones on the counter. With practiced ease, he sorted through them, separating the three shards needed for Grom's quest from the rest.
"For Grom's quest, you'll only need these three shards," Taron said, setting them aside. "The rest of these… I'll buy them off you. Fair price, of course."
He pulled out a small pouch of coins and counted them out in front of me, the metallic clink of each coin adding to the satisfaction I felt. When he handed them over, I could feel the weight of my efforts resting in my palm.
"Thanks, Taron," I said, pocketing the coins. "And thanks for the pickaxe too. Here, I'm returning it."
I handed back the stone pickaxe he'd lent me, the tool that had helped me accomplish the task. Taron took it with a nod, his expression softening just a bit.
"You did good, kid," Taron said, slipping the pickaxe behind the counter. "I hope to see you back here again soon. But first, you've got the next stage of the quest to focus on. Hunting's a whole different challenge, so keep your wits about you."
"I will," I replied, appreciating the advice. "Thanks for everything, Taron."
Turning to Bronn, I offered him a grateful smile. "And thanks to you too, Bronn. Couldn't have done it without your help."
Bronn shrugged, his usual modesty showing through. "Happy to help, Held. You did most of the work anyway."
We shared a brief laugh, and I shook Taron's hand firmly. "I guess this is where I head off. Thanks again, Taron."
"Take care out there, Held," Taron said, giving me a nod of approval.
With our business concluded, Bronn and I stepped out of the bustling shop, the cool air of the late afternoon brushing against our faces. We walked together for a short while, the comfortable silence between us occasionally broken by the sound of distant hammering or the chatter of townsfolk.
As we reached the edge of town, Bronn turned to me with a curious look. "So, what's next for you, Held?"
"I'm heading back to Grom's shop to hand in the materials," I said, patting the bag slung over my shoulder. "Then it's off to the hunting part of the quest."
"Sounds like you're in for another challenge," Bronn said with a chuckle. "Just remember to stay sharp out there."
"I will," I replied, clapping him on the shoulder. "Thanks again, Bronn. For everything."
We exchanged a final nod of understanding before parting ways. As I walked back through the town, the weight of the bag on my shoulder felt lighter with each step. The wood gathering and stone mining were behind me, and now it was time to face the next part of the quest. I could feel the excitement building within me—a mix of anticipation and determination. I was ready to see what challenges lay ahead, and with each completed task, I was one step closer to becoming the adventurer I'd always dreamed of being.
I made my way toward Silverforge, Grom's weaponsmith shop, feeling a sense of accomplishment as I walked through the lively streets of Silverwood. The weight of the gathered materials—wood and stone—rested heavily in my bag, but I carried them with pride, knowing I was one step closer to completing the quest.
As I approached the shop, I noticed a couple of adventurers leaving, their new weapons glinting in the sunlight. They exchanged excited words about their next adventure, and I wondered if they had also taken a quest from Grom. The thought made me smile, knowing that I wasn't the only one striving to prove myself in this bustling town.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, I stepped into Silverforge. The familiar scent of metal and wood mingled with the warmth of the forge, creating an atmosphere of hard work and craftsmanship. The shop was dimly lit, with the glow of the forge casting flickering shadows on the walls, highlighting the various weapons and tools displayed around the room.
Grom, the dwarf weaponsmith with a stout build and a thick beard, looked up from his work as I entered. He set down the hammer he was holding and gave me a nod of acknowledgment.
"Ah, Held," Grom greeted in his gruff voice, a hint of approval in his tone. "Looks like you've been busy."
I returned the nod, pulling the bag off my shoulder and placing it on the counter. "Yeah, I've got the wood and the stones you asked for."
Grom's eyes flickered with interest as he opened the bag and inspected the contents. He ran his hand over the wood, tested the weight of the stones, and gave a satisfied grunt. "You've done well. Two out of three tasks completed, and quicker than I expected."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at his words. Grom was a dwarf of few compliments, so hearing him acknowledge my efforts meant a lot. Grom looked up at me, his expression serious. "Now for the final task. You'll need to head to the southern outskirts of Silverwood and hunt down an Evil Bunny. I need its horn."
The mention of the Evil Bunny made my heart skip a beat. I'd heard of these creatures before—small, vicious, and deceptively dangerous. They were known for their speed and agility, making them tricky targets. But the thought of completing the quest and earning Grom's respect was enough to steel my resolve.
"I'll get it done," I said, determination in my voice.
Grom nodded, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of respect and caution. "Be careful out there, Held. Those creatures are more dangerous than they look. Don't let your guard down."
"I won't," I assured him, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thanks, Grom."
With that, I slung the now lighter bag back over my shoulder and turned to leave the shop. The door creaked as I pushed it open, the sound of the forge fading behind me as I stepped back out into the bustling streets of Silverwood.
I glanced at the map Grom had given me, tracing the route south toward the outskirts of the town. The path led through the edge of the forest, where the trees thinned out and the landscape became more rugged. It was a place where only the bravest adventurers dared to go, and now it was my turn.
With renewed determination, I headed south, ready to face the next challenge in my journey.
As I passed through the southern gate of Silverwood, the town slowly gave way to the more untamed outskirts. The noise and bustle of the town faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. The path ahead led directly to the edge of Silverwood and the entrance to the ominous Silver Forest. A chill breeze swept through the trees, causing the branches to sway and cast shifting shadows across the ground.
I paused at the boundary between the outskirts and the Silver Forest, scanning the area with a keen eye. The quest was simple enough: hunt down the Evil Bunnies and collect their horns. But simple didn't mean easy. These creatures were infamous among adventurers, not for their size, but for their ferocity and cunning.
I began to search, my eyes sweeping the landscape for any sign of movement. The field before me was dotted with patches of tall grass and a few gnarled bushes, perfect hiding spots for the creatures. As I moved cautiously, I noticed small, freshly dug holes scattered around—likely the burrows of the Evil Bunnies.
Then, from the corner of my eye, I caught a slight rustling in one of the bushes. I turned my attention to it, moving silently closer. My breath slowed as I crouched low, positioning myself like a predator about to pounce on its prey. Emerging from the shadows of the bush was the creature I sought: an Evil Bunny.
The creature was roughly a foot in length, with fur that was white but disheveled and unkempt, making it look more like a small, wild beast than a cute animal. But the most striking feature was its horn—a single, sharp spike jutting out from its forehead, a weapon that could easily pierce flesh. Its eyes glowed a menacing red, giving it an eerie, almost malevolent appearance. There were more of them—some white, others brown, black, and even a few with mixed patterns, their eyes glowing the same sinister red.
I drew my dagger from its sheath at my hip, feeling the familiar weight in my hand. I shifted my stance, focusing mana throughout my entire body, letting the energy enhance my senses and reflexes. The world seemed to slow, every detail crystal clear as I zeroed in on the nearest Evil Bunny.
With a burst of mana-enhanced speed, I dashed forward, my body a blur of motion. The bunny barely had time to react before I was upon it. My dagger slashed across its legs, and before it could even cry out, I followed up with a quick, precise stab to its body. The creature let out a final, pitiful squeal before collapsing.
But my attack had not gone unnoticed. The other bunnies, sensing the threat, reacted in different ways—some fled, disappearing into the safety of the underbrush, while others became agitated, their blood-red eyes locking onto me with murderous intent.
One particularly bold Evil Bunny charged at me, its sharp horn aimed directly at my chest. With my enhanced reflexes, I sidestepped the attack, the horn missing me by mere inches. I countered swiftly, bringing my dagger down in a clean arc, slashing through its side. The creature crumpled, but there was no time to rest.
More bunnies rushed at me, their movements coordinated and aggressive. They targeted my legs and arms, trying to overwhelm me with numbers. I dodged their attacks effortlessly, each movement fluid and calculated. Another bunny leaped at me, its claws aimed at my face. I ducked low, spinning around to slash at its exposed belly. The creature fell, and I quickly moved on to the next.
Fangs snapped at me from all sides, claws swiped through the air, and horns gleamed in the dim light. I fought them off with practiced ease, my dagger dancing in my hand as I struck down one after another. But despite my skill, their sheer numbers were beginning to take a toll. My breaths came quicker, my muscles started to burn with exertion, but I couldn't afford to slow down—not yet.
Determination surged through me. I was not about to let these creatures defeat me and fail this quest. Drawing upon my mana reserves, I infused even more power into my body, feeling a surge of strength and speed. With renewed vigor, I attacked, my movements becoming a blur as I cut down the bunnies one by one. Their numbers dwindled rapidly until only a few remained.
Finally, the last Evil Bunny made a desperate attempt to stab me with its horn. I sidestepped and brought my dagger down in a swift motion, ending its life. The creature collapsed at my feet, its horn glinting in the fading light.
As I caught my breath, I surveyed the field. The other bunnies had fled, disappearing into the safety of the forest. The battle was over. I sheathed my dagger and began to collect the horns from the fallen bunnies, their eerie red eyes now lifeless.
With the horns securely in my pack, I prepared to return to Grom and complete the first stage of my quest.
As I arrived at the Silverforge, I felt the weight of the day's exertion pulling at my limbs, but the anticipation of completing the first stage of the beginner's quest kept me moving forward. The sturdy stone structure of the Silverforge, and the rhythmic sound of metal on metal echoed from within as Grom, the dwarf weaponsmith, hammered away at his latest creation.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, I stepped inside, greeted by the scent of metal and oil—a comforting, earthy aroma that spoke of hard work and craftsmanship. Grom, the stout dwarf, looked up from his workbench as I entered, his keen eyes immediately noticing my presence. A broad grin spread across his bearded face as he greeted me.
"Well, well, look who's back already!" Grom boomed, his voice as rough as the tools he wielded. "You really do work fast for a newbie!"
I couldn't help but smile at his words, though the exhaustion pulling at my muscles was hard to ignore. Grom's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing, and he quickly took note of my fatigue.
"Looks like those bunnies gave you a bit of a workout, eh?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and amusement.
"Yeah, they were quicker than I expected," I replied, wiping a bit of sweat from my brow. "Agile little things. It took everything I had to keep up with them."
Grom let out a hearty laugh, his broad shoulders shaking with mirth. "Aye, those Evil Bunnies are notorious for catching young adventurers off guard. But you did well, lad. I'm glad you made it back in one piece."
"Thanks, Grom," I said, feeling a bit of relief at his praise. "It was tough, but I'm glad I could pull it off."
"Glad to hear it," Grom said with a nod. "Now, let's get down to business."
I reached into my pack and carefully pulled out the collection of Evil Bunny horns, placing them on the counter before him. Grom picked up one of the horns, inspecting it closely, his fingers tracing the sharp edges. He nodded approvingly, then moved on to the next, checking each one with the same level of scrutiny. After a few moments, he looked up at me with a satisfied expression.
"Well done," he said, setting the last horn down. "You've completed the first stage of the beginner's quest. Wait here a moment while I fetch something."
Grom turned and made his way over to a large wooden drawer behind the counter. I watched as he rummaged through its contents, the sound of metal clinking against wood filling the shop. After a minute or so, he found what he was looking for and returned to me with a small scroll in one hand and a leather pouch in the other.
"Here you are," Grom said, handing me the scroll. "This confirms the completion of the quest. You'll need it for the next stage."
I took the scroll, carefully unrolling it to see the official seal of the Adventurer's Guild and Grom's signature at the bottom. It was a tangible symbol of my progress, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as I rolled it back up and tucked it safely into my pack.
"And this," Grom continued, handing me the leather pouch, "is your reward for completing the first stage of the beginner's quest. A handful of silver coins—payment for completing the quest."
The pouch jingled as I took it, the unmistakable sound of coins rattling inside. I quickly peeked inside, finding the silver coins neatly stacked. It was a decent sum for a beginner like me, and I felt the weight of them with satisfaction.
"Thanks, Grom," I said, feeling the weight of the coins in my hand. "I appreciate it."
"But that's not all," Grom said with a twinkle in his eye. He reached under the counter and pulled out a sheathed sword, placing it on the counter between us. "This here is a little reward for completing the first stage of your quest. Go on, give it a try."
My heart raced with excitement as I reached for the sword, my fingers closing around the hilt. I unsheathed it slowly, the blade catching the light as it slid free. The sword was light, yet it felt sturdy and well-balanced in my hand. The craftsmanship was excellent, the blade sharp and gleaming. I gave it a few experimental swings through the air, marveling at how effortlessly it cut through the space.
"This… this is amazing, Grom!" I exclaimed,
"Aye," Grom said, clearly pleased with my reaction. "That's the Vorpal Horn Sword a normal-grade sword. It's a fine piece, and it'll serve you well in the battles to come." unable to hide my excitement. "It's just a normal-grade sword, but it feels incredible."
I carefully resheathed the sword, feeling a sense of pride as I strapped it securely to my back. It was more than just a weapon; it was a symbol of my progress, a reminder that I was growing stronger with each challenge I faced.
"Thank you, Grom," I said sincerely. "I'll put this to good use."
"I'm sure you will, lad," Grom replied with a grin. "Now, with that, you're ready to move on to the next stage of the beginner's quest."
Grom pulled out a map from under the counter and spread it across the table. He pointed to a location on the east side of Silverwood, near the central market. "Your next stop is with Liora, the tailor merchant. She's got the next part of the beginner's quest for you. Her shop is right here, in the central market. Can't miss it."
I nodded, committing the location to memory. "Thanks for the directions, Grom. I'll head there next."
"Good luck, lad," Grom said as he rolled up the map and handed it to me. "And don't be a stranger. Come back anytime—you'll need a sturdy weapon for the challenges ahead."
"I'll definitely be back," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. "Thanks again for everything, Grom."
"Safe travels, lad," Grom called after me as I turned to leave the shop. "And don't let those next quests get the better of you!"
I waved back at him, stepping out of the Silverforge and into the bright light of day. The weight of the Vorpal Horn Sword on my back was a comforting presence, a reminder that I was one step closer to becoming the adventurer I aspired to be. The next stage of the beginner's quest awaited me, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.