The forest stretched before them, its towering trees swaying gently in the night breeze. Frank—Mars—stepped out of the ruin's dark embrace, his boots crunching against dried leaves and damp soil. The young woman followed closely, her breaths steadying now that they were beyond danger. Torchlight flickered between them, casting long shadows that danced against the thick underbrush.
She hesitated before turning to face him. "Since you saved my life back there, I figure I at least owe you a proper introduction," she said. "My name's Alycia Cortez."
Mars nodded slightly. "Mars," he replied simply.
Alycia smirked, crossing her arms. "That your real name or just the one you use in-game?"
"The only name that matters here," he said.
She chuckled, studying him with renewed interest. "Fair enough. So, are you part of a guild?"
Mars arched a brow at her. "No."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Seriously? You're already a Baron, cleared a C-Rank quest solo, and you're not in a guild?" She shook her head. "That's wild. I figured you had some big-name backing you."
Mars scoffed. "I prefer to work alone."
Alycia exhaled before shrugging. "Well, in that case… consider this an official invitation," she said, her smirk widening. "I'm the Guild Master of Emerald Dawn. We're one of the top ten guilds on the server right now, and a player like you? You'd be an asset."
Mars crossed his arms. "I'm not interested in joining a guild."
Alycia blinked, clearly not expecting such a direct refusal. "You sure? We have resources, support, and connections. You wouldn't have to deal with half the headaches solo players do."
"I have plans of my own," Mars replied firmly. "I intend to create my own guild."
For a moment, Alycia studied him, her expression unreadable. Then, she let out a small laugh. "Ambitious. I respect that," she said, tilting her head. "But you do know how guild creation works, right?"
Mars smirked. "I know."
Alycia shrugged. "Then you know it's not easy. You can't even start a guild until Level 10, and you'll need a Guild Charter signed by ten unique players—no alt accounts, no cheating the system. If you don't get the signatures, you don't get the guild."
Mars already knew this. It was a system designed to prevent solo players from forming empty guilds just to exploit guild perks. He had planned for this, but hearing Alycia spell it out made it clear how difficult the path ahead would be.
She watched him carefully. "You're strong, no doubt. But running a guild? That's more than just fighting. You'll need strategy, recruitment, diplomacy. You sure you're ready for that?"
Mars considered her words, then nodded. "Yes."
Alycia exhaled through her nose, then smiled. "Alright then. What about an alliance?" she offered. "Emerald Dawn doesn't make a habit of taking solo players seriously, but you're different. We help each other when needed."
Mars considered it. An alliance with a top-tier guild could be useful, especially in these early stages. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. Allies."
Alycia grinned. "Great. Welcome to the Dawn's good side."
Scene 2: A Familiar Face
The road back to Greythorn Village was quiet, save for the occasional hoot of an owl or rustling in the brush. Alycia and Mars walked in easy silence until they reached a clearing just before the village gates. A small group of players stood by a makeshift trading stall, their voices carrying through the night air.
One of them—a man with shaggy brown hair and an easy smirk—caught Mars's attention. He was haggling with a merchant, his laughter carrying through the village square.
Alycia nudged Mars with her elbow. "That guy looks like trouble," she muttered playfully.
Mars stared at him, recognition settling in like a cold weight in his stomach. Rocco.
This was different. In this world, they were strangers. Mars exhaled and approached casually, keeping his posture relaxed.
Rocco turned as they neared, his gaze flicking over Mars before he grinned. "New faces," he greeted. "Looking to trade?"
Mars studied him for a moment before answering. "Depends on what you've got."
Rocco laughed. "Straight to business, huh? I like that." He gestured to his open inventory, displaying various low-level materials—pelts, herbs, and common ores. "I farmed some beast drops earlier, but I'm short on crafting metals. You got anything useful?"
Mars opened his own inventory. Among the drops from the ruins were twelve skeleton fragments, bones laced with residual dark energy. "Skeleton remains," he said. "They're decent crafting materials for early-game equipment."
Rocco's eyes gleamed. "You serious? Those things are hard to farm solo. I'll trade you three lumps of mana-infused alloy for the set."
Mars considered the offer. The alloys were rare at this stage—something he could use for his sword upgrade. Finally, he nodded. "Deal."
They exchanged items, Rocco testing the bones in his hands with a satisfied nod. "Not bad," he admitted. "So, what's your story? You a solo player or part of a guild?"
"Solo," Mars said, slipping the alloys into his bag.
Rocco whistled. "Man, you're bold. No guild means no backup, no guaranteed resources. The bigger guilds are gonna eat you alive."
Mars smirked. "I'll manage."
Rocco laughed, shaking his head. "Suit yourself. I'll give you two weeks before you're knocking on some guild's door."
Before Mars could reply, Alycia stepped forward, her posture confident. "He doesn't need a guild," she said smoothly. "Because Emerald Dawn considers him an ally."
Rocco blinked, clearly surprised. "Emerald Dawn?" He let out a low chuckle, glancing at Mars. "Well, damn. Maybe you'll last longer than I thought."
Mars nodded slightly, then turned to leave. "See you around, Rocco."
"Yeah, yeah. Try not to die out there," Rocco called after him.
The Icebound Blade and A New Reward
The forge glowed bright with embers as Mars stepped into the blacksmith's shop. Harlan, the burly village blacksmith, looked up from his work, wiping sweat from his brow. "Back already?" he asked. "I take it you've got what you need?"
Mars set the mana-infused alloys on the counter, their faint glow flickering in the dim light. "I want an upgrade."
Harlan's grin widened. "Now we're talking." He picked up the alloys, turning them over in his massive hands. "You've got enough for a solid reforging. You want power, speed, or something special?"
Mars leaned against the counter. "What are my options?"
Harlan set down his hammer, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I can enhance your current sword, reinforce the blade, and boost its durability. But if you're looking for elemental effects, I can infuse it with either fire or ice." He gestured toward two enchanted cores on the nearby shelf. "Fire gives explosive impact—more damage, better against armored foes. Ice slows your enemies, weakens their mobility."
Mars stared at the cores, considering. Fire was raw power, but ice provided utility. He wasn't looking for brute force—he wanted control. "Ice," he decided. "I want the slow and freeze effect."
Harlan grunted in approval. "Good choice." He grabbed the materials and gestured toward the forge. "This'll take a bit. Come back tomorrow, and I'll have your new sword ready."
[Quest Updated: Return to Harlan for Your Icebound Blade.]
Mars nodded. "I'll be here."
As he stepped out of the forge, the village was quieter now, most of its residents retiring for the night. He rolled his shoulders, still feeling the weight of the Corrupted Crystal Shard in his inventory. It was time to complete his quest.
Making his way toward Elder Drecker's home, Mars felt the occasional glance from lingering villagers. The rumors about his rapid rise had already spread, and now, walking through Greythorn carried a different energy—one of hushed whispers and careful respect. He smirked. Good. Let them talk.
The wooden door creaked as he stepped inside. Drecker sat hunched over a candlelit desk, studying an old, tattered scroll. The elder barely looked up before speaking. "I take it you've returned with proof?"
Mars retrieved the Corrupted Crystal Shard, holding it out for Drecker to examine. The old man took it carefully, his brows furrowing. "So it's true," he murmured. "The corruption wasn't natural—it was the work of dark magic."
The system chimed softly in Mars's mind.
[Quest Completed: Mystery of the Black Lake (C-Rank).]
[Rewards Acquired: 10,000 EXP, 500 Silver Coins, Boots of Judgement (Legendary).]
Drecker set the shard down with a sigh. "You've done this village a great service," he said, his voice laced with gratitude. "Few adventurers have the courage to face such darkness alone." He turned, opening an aged wooden chest near his desk. Reaching inside, he pulled out a pair of dark boots lined with crimson accents and placed them in Mars's hands.
Mars studied the Boots of Judgement, their aura faint but pulsing with latent power. Their black leather exterior was reinforced with obsidian plating, intricate red etchings glowing faintly in the dim light. As he gripped them, the system provided their details.
[Boots of Judgement] (Legendary)
➤ +10 to All Stats
➤ +5% Increased Run/Walk Speed
➤ Part of the Judgement Set (1/6 Collected)
Mars's eyes flickered with interest. This wasn't just any piece of gear—it was a legendary set piece, and the first of six. If he could find the remaining pieces, his power would skyrocket beyond even high-level players at this stage of the game.
Drecker leaned back, watching Mars with a knowing look. "That armor belonged to a warrior of old, one who fought against corruption long before you arrived. If fate wills it, you'll find the rest of it. Until then, wear them well."
Mars slipped the boots into his inventory, already planning how to use them to his advantage. "I will," he said, his voice calm but filled with conviction.
As he left Drecker's house, the weight of the day's events settled on him. He had forged an alliance, met an old enemy before their rivalry began, secured an upgrade for his weapon, and now, he had the first piece of the Judgement Set. The road ahead was still long, but each step was another toward his goal.
The Baron of Morrath Kingdom looked out over the quiet village, his crimson eyes burning with resolve. The game was changing, and he was making sure he was ahead of it.
No one will forget the name Mars.