Chapter 5: The Call to Fang Blade
The morning sun filtered through the windows of the village inn, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Ryu sat on the edge of his bed, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind. The encounter with Alaric, the strange side quest, and the mysterious **Alaric's Mark** weighed heavily on him. He wasn't sure what to make of it all, but one thing was certain—there was more at play here than just their mission to stop the Devourer.
He dressed quickly, fastening his katana to his side and slipping on the **Gauntlets of the Abyss** he'd acquired the day before. There was a quiet resolve in him as he left his room and made his way downstairs to meet the others.
Lilly, Tyrel, Aya, and Damion were already gathered around a table, their expressions serious as they discussed their next steps. The village elder had given them clear instructions: head north to **Vandor's Reach** and seek out other chosen heroes. But something in Ryu's gut told him that his path might be diverging from theirs—at least for a little while.
"Morning," Ryu greeted them as he took a seat. Tyrel grinned and offered him some of the breakfast spread out on the table.
"Morning," Lilly replied with a nod. "We were just talking about heading out soon. The quicker we get to Vandor's Reach, the better. There's no telling how much time we have before the Devourer starts sending stronger forces."
Aya glanced at Ryu. "You okay? You seem… distant."
Ryu hesitated. He hadn't told them about Alaric or the side quest he had completed. He wasn't sure how they'd react, and besides, the system had made it clear that these quests were solo. For now, it felt like something he needed to handle on his own.
"I'm fine," Ryu replied, though the words felt hollow. "Just thinking about everything that's happened."
Lilly gave him a knowing look. "We're all feeling the pressure. But we'll get through this together."
Before Ryu could respond, he felt a sudden warmth against his chest. His hand instinctively moved to the **Mark of Alaric**, which was tucked inside his tunic. To his surprise, the mark was glowing faintly, pulsing with a soft light. It hadn't done that before.
"I… I'll be right back," Ryu muttered, standing abruptly. He could feel the mark's energy intensifying, and he didn't want to alarm the others.
He quickly walked outside, putting distance between himself and his team. Once he was alone, the mark's glow intensified, and a familiar chime echoed in his ears. A system window popped up in front of him, hovering in the air.
---
**System Notification:**
- **New Solo Quest Unlocked: The Journey to Fang Blade**
- **Quest Type:** Solo
- **Objective:** Travel to the Kingdom of Fang Blade and aid its people
- **Rewards:** 3000 XP, Leviathan's Heart (Rare Item)
- **Warning:** This quest must be completed alone
---
Ryu's breath caught in his throat. The **Kingdom of Fang Blade**? He had never heard of it, but the description alone sent a shiver down his spine. The quest offered a massive amount of experience, but it also came with a daunting challenge: he would have to travel miles across dangerous, unknown terrain without his team.
The **Leviathan's Heart** intrigued him. Whatever it was, it sounded like a powerful reward—something that could potentially boost his abilities and strengthen his bond with Sol Commander. But the thought of leaving the others behind weighed heavily on him.
Ryu glanced back toward the inn, where his friends were still gathered. They were counting on him to help stop the Devourer, to travel to Vandor's Reach and find allies. Yet here he was, being called away on a personal mission, one that might take him far from their journey.
He closed his eyes, weighing his options. If he told them about the quest, they might insist on coming with him, but the system was clear: this was a solo mission. He had to do this alone.
Opening his eyes, Ryu made his decision. He couldn't ignore this quest. Whatever was happening in the **Kingdom of Fang Blade** was important, and the Leviathan's Heart could prove vital in the battles ahead. If he succeeded, it might even make him stronger for the larger fight against the Devourer.
With a deep breath, he re-opened the system window and accepted the quest.
---
**System Notification:**
- **Quest Accepted: The Journey to Fang Blade**
- **Destination:** Kingdom of Fang Blade (200 miles east)
- **Estimated Travel Time:** 5 days
---
Ryu sighed, realizing how far he would have to travel. Five days on foot, through potentially hostile lands, with no support from his team. It was a daunting task, but one he knew he had to undertake.
Gathering himself, he returned to the inn. The others were still chatting when he arrived, but their conversation died down when they saw the look on his face.
"Ryu?" Lilly asked, frowning. "Is everything alright?"
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I need to leave for a while. There's something I have to take care of, alone."
Tyrel raised an eyebrow. "Alone? What do you mean? We're a team, man."
Ryu shook his head. "I can't explain everything. It's a solo quest—one I have to do by myself. The system won't let me take anyone with me."
Aya looked concerned. "Are you sure that's a good idea? You don't even know what's out there."
"I know," Ryu admitted. "But this is something I have to do. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Lilly's golden eyes searched his face, as if trying to discern whether or not to let him go. "How long will you be gone?"
Ryu didn't want to worry them, so he kept his answer vague. "A few days. I'll catch up with you in Vandor's Reach."
Tyrel crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "You sure about this, man? You know we've got your back, right?"
"I appreciate that," Ryu said, offering a small smile. "But this is something I have to handle on my own. Trust me—I'll be fine."
Lilly nodded slowly, though the worry in her eyes didn't fade. "Alright. Just… be careful, okay?"
"I will."
With that, Ryu left the inn and began preparing for the long journey ahead. He gathered supplies—food, water, and some healing potions from the village marketplace. Then, with his katana strapped to his side and Alaric's Mark still glowing faintly under his tunic, he set off toward the east, where the **Kingdom of Fang Blade** awaited.
As he walked through the village gates and into the wilderness beyond, Ryu couldn't help but feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. The path ahead was long and dangerous, and he would have to face it alone.
But somewhere out there, the **Leviathan's Heart** waited for him. And if he was going to stand a chance against the Devourer, he would need every advantage he could get.
With determination fueling his steps, Ryu disappeared into the horizon, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the mysterious Kingdom of Fang Blade.