Hiroto approached the village gates, the faint hum of activity growing louder as he neared. The wooden sign overhead swayed gently in the breeze, reading: Welcome to Orenshade! Passing under it, he stepped into the bustling village, taking in the scene before him.
Cottages with thatched roofs lined the dirt streets, smoke rising from chimneys and blending with the golden hues of the setting sun. NPCs mingled with players, creating a lively atmosphere. Merchants called out their wares from wooden stalls, children ran through the square laughing, and the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoed from a forge near the center of town.
Hiroto glanced around, his eyes landing on a green-robed NPC standing near the square. The man had a friendly, approachable demeanor and seemed to be scanning the area as though looking for someone to help. Hiroto walked up, already mentally prepared to engage.
"Hey," Hiroto said, giving a small wave. "You look like you've got some info for someone new around here."
The NPC turned toward him, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Ah, greetings, traveler! Welcome to Orenshade. I'm Roland, the town guide. If you're looking for direction or advice, I'm happy to assist."
Hiroto appreciated the fluidity of the interaction. The game's NPCs were remarkably lifelike, responding with natural expressions and gestures. "Nice to meet you, Roland. Any tips for someone just starting out? I just finished taking down some Iron Fang Boars in the forest."
"Impressive," Roland said with a nod. "Most newcomers avoid those creatures, but it seems you're already proving yourself capable. Here in Orenshade, we've got plenty of opportunities to keep you busy. The quest board over there is a good place to start." He pointed toward a large wooden board covered in papers, pinned in no particular order. "You'll find tasks suitable for adventurers like yourself—some straightforward, others more challenging if you're feeling ambitious."
"Good to know. What about gear? My daggers are fine, but I might need to upgrade soon."
Roland gestured toward a small building with smoke billowing from its chimney. "You'll find our blacksmith, Garrik, working just down the street. He crafts weapons and armor fit for all levels. And if you're in need of potions or supplies, visit Kira's shop next to the inn."
"Got it," Hiroto replied, already planning his next stops. "Anything else I should know before I dive in?"
Roland tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "The forest to the west leads to more dangerous areas, so tread carefully if you decide to venture out. And, if I might offer some advice: don't be afraid to interact with the villagers or other adventurers. You never know what valuable information or assistance you might uncover."
Hiroto gave a small smirk. "Noted. Thanks, Roland."
The NPC gave a slight bow. "Best of luck, traveler. May your journey be filled with triumph."
Hiroto turned and made his way toward the quest board Roland had pointed out. As he approached, he could already see several players gathered around, scanning the available jobs. He stepped up, eyes flicking across the parchment postings:
Gather 10 Wild Herbs for Kira
Help Farmer Elric Fix His Fence
Eliminate 10 Shadow Wolves in the Western Woods
Deliver a Package to the Guard Post Outside Orenshade
The last one caught Hiroto's attention. Shadow Wolves? The name sounded far more interesting than collecting herbs or fixing fences. Plus, it would give him more combat experience.
He plucked the quest notice from the board and read the details aloud to himself. "The wolves have been attacking travelers near the edge of the forest. Eliminate at least ten to ensure the road remains safe. Reward: 200 Gold and a Beginner's Cloak of Shadows."
"Now that sounds worth my time," Hiroto said with a grin, tucking the quest paper into his inventory. He glanced over at the blacksmith's shop and decided it might be a good idea to check in with Garrik before heading out.
"Time to gear up and make my mark in Orenshade," he muttered, already setting his sights on the forest's edge and the challenge ahead.
Hiroto strolled toward the market area, the lively hum of voices growing louder as he approached. Stalls lined the dirt road, each one run by an NPC merchant enthusiastically advertising their goods. Some sold fresh produce, others offered crafted trinkets, while a few specialized in adventurer supplies. It was a colorful, bustling scene, and Hiroto couldn't help but admire the level of detail in the game.
He made his way to a stall marked with a small wooden sign reading "General Trader." The merchant, a middle-aged man with a bushy beard and a worn leather apron, greeted him with a toothy smile.
"Ah, a new face!" the man said, leaning forward on the counter. "You look like you've had some success out there. Got anything to trade?"
Hiroto nodded, opening his inventory and pulling out several items he had looted from the Iron Fang Boars: pelts, tusks, and a few raw chunks of meat. He laid them out on the counter, watching as the merchant's eyes lit up with interest.
"Well, well! These are in great condition," the merchant said, inspecting the pelts and tusks. "Iron Fang Boars are no easy prey for beginners. Looks like you've got a knack for hunting, friend."
"Something like that," Hiroto replied with a smirk. "What can you offer me for all this?"
The merchant rubbed his hands together, pulling out a small ledger. After a moment of calculation, he looked up. "I can give you 150 gold for the lot. Fair deal, I'd say."
Hiroto considered the offer. It wasn't a fortune, but for starting gold, it was solid. Plus, he needed the coins if he wanted to stock up before heading back into the forest. "Sounds good," he said, accepting the trade.
The merchant counted out the gold and handed it over, a small pouch appearing in Hiroto's inventory. "Pleasure doing business with you! If you ever find more pelts or other materials, come find me. There's always demand for quality goods around here."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hiroto replied, stepping back from the stall.
With his gold pouch a little heavier, Hiroto glanced around the market for his next stop. He spotted another stall nearby with rows of vials and bottles glimmering in the sunlight. A sign above it read "Kira's Potions and Elixirs." Deciding it would be smart to grab a few healing potions before taking on Shadow Wolves, Hiroto headed over, ready to prepare for the hunt.
After stocking up on a few healing potions from Kira's shop—simple vials filled with a shimmering red liquid that promised quick recovery—Hiroto tightened the straps on his leather armor and adjusted the twin daggers at his sides. With his gold pouch lighter and his inventory better equipped, he turned his gaze toward the western edge of Orenshade, where the Shadow Wolves were said to roam.
The village gradually faded behind him as he followed a dirt path leading into the forest. The trees grew denser, their shadows stretching long in the evening light, giving the woods an eerie atmosphere. Hiroto kept his hands near his daggers, his sharp green eyes scanning for any signs of movement.
A notification popped up in his peripheral vision:
[Entering Zone: Whispering Glade - Danger Level: Moderate]
"Moderate, huh?" Hiroto muttered under his breath, smirking. "Sounds like a challenge."
The sound of snapping twigs and rustling bushes made him pause. His instincts sharpened as he crouched low, his hand moving to grip one of his daggers. The forest was alive with subtle sounds—leaves brushing against each other in the wind, distant hoots of owls, and the faint, unmistakable growl of something nearby.
He slowed his breathing, letting the environment settle. Moments later, a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared through the underbrush, followed by a second, then a third. The Shadow Wolves had arrived.
Emerging from the shadows, the wolves were larger than he expected, their dark fur blending seamlessly into the dimly lit forest. Their glowing eyes locked onto Hiroto, and their lips curled back to reveal sharp fangs. A notification appeared:
[Shadow Wolf - Level 3]
HP: 80/80
Status: Hostile
Three of them. Hiroto's heart raced, but his smirk only widened. "Perfect. Time to see what I'm made of."
The first wolf lunged, claws outstretched. Hiroto sidestepped with ease, his high agility allowing him to narrowly avoid the attack. In one swift motion, he unsheathed his dagger, slashing at the wolf's side. A red streak appeared across its flank, and its health bar dropped slightly.
The second wolf flanked him, attempting to pounce from the left. Hiroto spun, using his momentum to deliver a clean strike with his second dagger. The hit landed on the wolf's shoulder, forcing it back with a pained growl.
Two down, one more to go.
The third wolf hung back, circling cautiously as its companions regrouped. Hiroto stayed light on his feet, watching their movements closely. "You're smarter than the boars, I'll give you that," he said, his tone teasing.
The wolves coordinated their next attack, rushing him together. Hiroto leaped backward, barely avoiding their snapping jaws. In the same motion, he threw one of his daggers, the blade sinking into the first wolf's chest. Its health dropped to zero, and it collapsed into a shimmering heap of data before disappearing.
"Alright, one down!" Hiroto called out triumphantly, retrieving his second dagger just as the remaining two wolves charged again. With a burst of speed, he darted between them, slashing at their legs to weaken their mobility. His high agility made him almost untouchable as he danced around their attacks.
The second wolf lunged again, its claws catching his shoulder. Hiroto winced as a small chunk of his health bar dropped, but he quickly countered, driving both daggers into the wolf's side. It let out a final yelp before fading into data.
The last wolf stood its ground, snarling as it prepared to strike. Hiroto tightened his grip on his daggers, the thrill of the fight surging through him. With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the distance, delivering a rapid series of slashes that left the wolf no room to counter. Its health hit zero, and it disappeared like the others.
Panting slightly, Hiroto sheathed his daggers and glanced at his interface. The quest tracker updated with a satisfying chime:
[Quest Progress: 3/10 Shadow Wolves Defeated]
He grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "That was just the warm-up."
Turning deeper into the forest, Hiroto kept his senses sharp, ready for the next wave of wolves. The hunt had only just begun.