Chereads / Rebirth in Another World: With the System, I Conquer All / Chapter 10 - The System's Newbie Quest

Chapter 10 - The System's Newbie Quest

The stone doors to the Council's Sanctuary creaked open, revealing a vast hall filled with soft, diffused light. The air inside was cool, carrying the scent of ancient stone and something else—something Ethan couldn't quite identify, but that felt powerful and alive. Elara led them inside, her movements fluid and graceful, the other Aetherials following silently. The doors closed behind them, sealing Ethan and Lila in the dim grandeur of the sanctuary.

Ethan glanced at Lila, who looked as awestruck as he felt. The walls of the hall were covered in intricate carvings, scenes of battles, rituals, and otherworldly beings etched in fine detail. The ceiling rose high above them, almost disappearing into the shadows, giving the space an ethereal, cathedral-like feel. In the center of the hall stood a group of robed figures, their faces hidden by deep hoods.

Elara stepped forward, bowing her head slightly. "Elders of the Council, I bring before you an outsider. He carries the Crystal of Resonance and is guided by a system unlike anything we have ever seen."

The robed figures turned their heads toward Ethan, and he felt an invisible weight settle over him—an awareness, as if their gaze could see far beyond his physical form, peering into his very soul. He took a deep breath, stepping forward, holding the crystal tightly in his hand.

One of the robed elders stepped closer, their voice echoing through the hall, deep and resonant. "Outsider, what is your name?"

"Ethan," he replied, his voice steady though his heart raced. "Ethan Cross. I... I was brought here without understanding why. The system, the crystal, all of it—I just want to know what's happening and how I can help."

The elder nodded slowly. "Your presence here is not by chance, Ethan Cross. The Crystal of Resonance has chosen you, and the system you speak of is an ancient force—a guide, one that appears only to those with a crucial role to play in the balance of this world."

Ethan swallowed, glancing at Lila, who gave him an encouraging nod. He turned back to the elder. "Then what do I need to do?"

Another elder raised their hand, and a soft light filled the center of the hall. The ground shimmered, and a holographic-like display appeared—an image of the forest, the valleys, the mountains, all interconnected by glowing lines of energy. At the center of it all was a dark, swirling mass, spreading tendrils of shadow across the landscape.

"This is the Blight," the elder said, their voice heavy. "An ancient corruption that feeds off the magic of this world, twisting it for dark purposes. The Renewal is connected to this Blight, as are the robed ones you have encountered. Their rituals are an attempt to harness its power, to control it, but they do not understand the consequences."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine as he watched the dark tendrils spread across the image. The crystal in his hand pulsed, and he looked down at it, feeling its warmth against his palm.

"The crystal," the elder continued, "is a key to purifying the Blight. But it will require strength, knowledge, and unity. Your system has chosen you to be a guardian, a protector of balance. You must complete a series of tasks—tests—that will prepare you for what lies ahead."

Suddenly, Ethan's vision flickered, and the system's screen appeared before him.

"New Quest: The Newbie Trials. Complete three beginner tasks to unlock the path to purification. Reward: 200 Growth Points."

Ethan blinked, reading the quest description. Three beginner tasks—it seemed simple, but he knew better than to underestimate anything in this world. He looked up at the Council. "What are these tasks?" he asked.

The elder gestured, and the glowing display shifted, showing three distinct locations—one deep within a forest, another atop a distant mountain, and the third within a dark, cavernous structure. "The tasks will take you across the lands," the elder said. "Each location holds a challenge that will test your abilities—strength, courage, and wisdom. Only by completing these tasks will you unlock the full potential of the crystal."

Lila stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll do it," she said, her voice strong. "We'll complete these tasks and stop the Blight. Whatever it takes."

Ethan looked at her, a smile tugging at his lips. He turned back to the Council, nodding. "We'll do it," he echoed. "We'll complete the trials."

The elder nodded, their robe shifting as they raised their hands. "Very well. The first task lies to the west, in the Heartwood Forest. There you will find a sacred grove, protected by an ancient guardian. Prove yourself worthy, and the grove's magic will aid you."

Elara stepped forward, her expression serious. "I will guide you as far as the forest's edge, but beyond that, you must go alone. The Heartwood Forest is a place of both beauty and danger—tread carefully."

Ethan nodded, the weight of the mission settling over him. The system's screen flickered again, highlighting the first task—"Find the Sacred Grove in the Heartwood Forest." He looked at Lila, who gave him a reassuring smile, then back at Elara and the Council.

"Thank you," he said. "We'll do our best."

The Council members bowed their heads, and the light in the hall began to fade. Elara gestured for Ethan and Lila to follow her, leading them back toward the massive stone doors. As they stepped outside, the sunlight momentarily blinded Ethan, and he took a deep breath, the fresh air filling his lungs.

Elara turned to them, her gaze steady. "The path ahead will be difficult, but you are not alone. The forest will test you, but it will also provide what you need—if you prove yourselves worthy." She looked at Ethan, her eyes lingering on the crystal in his hand. "Trust in the crystal, and in yourselves. You have more strength than you know."

Ethan nodded, feeling a surge of determination. They had a direction, a purpose. He glanced at Lila, who looked back at him with a determined expression. Together, they set off, following Elara toward the edge of the forest.

The journey ahead was daunting, filled with unknown dangers and challenges. But Ethan felt a sense of clarity now—he had a mission, a purpose beyond just surviving. He was here for a reason, and with the crystal in his hand and Lila by his side, he knew they could face whatever lay ahead.

As they walked, the system's screen appeared once more, displaying the first task in bright, glowing letters.

"Task 1: Find the Sacred Grove."

Ethan took a deep breath, his gaze focused on the horizon. "Alright, system," he muttered, a small smile playing at his lips. "Let's get started."

With renewed determination, Ethan and Lila began their journey toward the Heartwood Forest, ready to face the trials that awaited them and unlock the true power of the crystal.