"Is there nothing I can do to raise my level to twenty besides raiding dungeons?" Eagan asked as he lay on his bed, staring at the system screen floating in front of him.
Arianna's soft, melodic voice resonated in Eagan's mind as the system screen shimmered slightly.
"Raiding dungeons is the fastest and most efficient method, Eagan," she replied. "However, there are alternative paths. You could complete high-difficulty quests, defeat wandering elite monsters, or even craft rare items if you possess the skills."
Eagan groaned, throwing his arm over his eyes. "What does this quest entail?" He asked. "And there aren't wandering monsters. At least if there was such a place, it'd be controlled by the hunter association, and I won't have access since I'm not a certified hunter."
"As for crafting, isn't that some special class amongst the hunter? I don't have the skill to be a craftsman." He clarified
Arianna's tone remained calm, but there was a hint of encouragement as she responded. "You're correct, Eagan. Crafting is indeed tied to specific crafting classes, and the Hunter Association heavily regulates wandering monster zones. However, not all quests are bound by the association's control."
"Or should I say, not all monsters are detected by the association devices." She added.
Eagan sat up slightly, narrowing his eyes at the floating screen. "What do you mean? Most dungeons that give decent rewards are through the association."
"That's true for registered hunters," Arianna explained. "But there are independent quest givers—those who operate outside the system. Like the black market you met tonight."
"Their tasks can range from hunting rogue beasts to... less savoury activities. The rewards are often substantial because of the risks involved," she explained.
Eagan frowned. "Less savoury, huh? Let me guess—mercenary work, illegal contracts, or something worse?"
"Perspectively," Arianna admitted. "However, there's one quest in particular that might interest you. It involves retrieving an artefact known as the Tear of Umbralis. It is said to amplify the power of its wielder, and completing the quest would provide enough experience to elevate you to level twenty."
Eagan's curiosity sparked at the mention of the quest. "The Tear of Umbralis? Sounds ominous. What's the catch?"
"The artefact is located in the first destroyed city," Arianna said, her voice turning serious. "A dangerous area filled with monsters from the apocalypse, curses, and magical anomalies. Additionally, the Marshes are unregulated territory, meaning no assistance from the Association—or anyone else—if things go wrong."
Eagan swung his legs over the side of the bed, a grin creeping across his face. "Unregulated, huh? That's perfect. I won't have to deal with any rules breathing down my neck."
"Eagan," Arianna cautioned, "this isn't a decision to take lightly. The destroyed cities are infamous for a reason. Few return alive."
Eagan grabbed his gear—his newly acquired sword, Alastair's old jacket, and a satchel of supplies—and threw on his shadowy mask. "Few return because they're not me. Besides, I don't exactly have a lot of options, do I?"
"If I don't reach level twenty, I won't be getting any tasks from you. So this quest will help me gain experience; I'll earn money, and I'll level up. Isn't that the perfect idea?" He asked with a smug expression.
Arianna hesitated. "Very well. I'll mark the location on your map. But you'll have to take the quest on the shadow web for you to qualify for the reward."
Eagan nodded, a spark of determination in his eyes. "The shadow web, huh? I figured something like this would require shady connections. How do I access it?"
"The shadow web is not a physical place," Arianna explained, her voice steady. "It's an encrypted network accessible only through specific terminals or devices imbued with dark magic. Fortunately, the black market vendor you dealt with earlier should have the necessary tools."
Eagan's lips curled into a grin. "Guess it's time to pay that guy another visit. He owes me a favour after the deal we struck tonight."
Arianna's screen flickered briefly, displaying a glowing map overlay with a waypoint marking the black market vendor's hideout. "I've marked the location. Be discreet, Eagan. Transactions on the shadow web are often traced by both the Hunter Association and rogue enforcers."
"I'm always discreet," Eagan replied with a smirk, sliding his mask over his face. The shadowy fabric clung to his features, giving him an air of menace. "Let's make this quick."
The black market vendor's lair was nestled in the back alleys of the city, hidden behind layers of illusion spells and false storefronts. Eagan pushed open a creaking door that led into a dimly lit room filled with relics, potions, and strange artefacts glowing with faint magical energy.
Arlen, a wiry man with a mechanical eye and a sly grin, looked up from his counter. "Ah, the shadow-cloaked hunter returns. What can I do for you this time?"
Eagan leaned casually against the counter. "I need access to the shadow web. I'm taking on a high-level quest, and I need the network to register."
The vendor raised an eyebrow, his mechanical eye whirring as it zoomed in on Eagan's face. "The shadow web isn't exactly... open to everyone. It's dangerous territory. You look so young; are you sure you want to go there?"
"I look young." Eagan asked with a raised eyebrow. "You've ever heard of short people?"
"Given that I'm short, then my answer is yes. I'm familiar with short people," Arlen replied, his voice filled with sarcasm. "And I'm not talking about your physical appearance. Your energy, although it feels like that of a veteran hunter, has the naive and pure touch to it." He explained, making Eagan frown.
"But that's none of my business anyway," Arlen waved dismissively after a moment of hesitation. "As long as you are ready to face the outside world, who am I to say no to a generous customer?"
Eagan's voice was firm. "I'm ready. Do you have the access terminal or not?"
The vendor chuckled, reaching under the counter to produce a small, obsidian device etched with glowing runes. "This is a Shadow Node. It'll give you a direct link to the shadow web. But be warned—the moment you log in, you'll be flagged. People will know you're active, and not all of them will be friendly."
"It does not hide one's location." Eagan asked worriedly, and Arlen shrugged.
"It does and doesn't." Arlen replied. "For people in the same category as you, they may not be able to access your information, but those higher ups will be able to."
"Then is there a way to hide one's identity?"
"Of course," Arlene grinned as he searched through his large chest drawers. He brought out a plain black full-face mask and placed it in front of Eagan. "It's the hundred faces mask." He introduced.
"With this, you can take on a new identity that can't be traced," he explained.
Eagan's eyes widened as he picked up the mask, feeling its strange energy. "The Hundred Faces Mask? I've heard of it, but I thought it was a myth."
Arlen chuckled. "Myths are often rooted in truth, kid. This mask will change your digital signature, making it impossible for anyone to track your real identity. But be warned, it comes with a price."
"What kind of price?" Eagan asked, his grip on the mask tightening.
"Each use will drain a small portion of your life force," Arlen replied, his expression serious. "The more you use it, the more it takes. You'll need to weigh the risks."
Eagan hesitated, but the prospect of anonymity on the shadow web was too enticing. He nodded, tucking the mask into his pocket. "I'll take it."
Arlen handed him the Shadow Node. "Remember, kid, the shadow web isn't for the faint of heart. You'll find opportunities, but also dangers lurking in every corner."
Eagan nodded. "I'll be careful."
As he turned to leave, Arlen called out, "One more thing, kid."
Eagan looked back. "What?"
"You haven't paid for the information and the mask; where do you think you are going?" He smirked.