Chapter 4: Shadows in the City
Velaria's streets buzzed with excitement long after the trials ended. Word of Mano's performance had spread like wildfire.
But while others celebrated, Mano walked the quieter alleys, his cloak drawn close. His mind was far from the cheers. It was on the violet-eyed girl—and her words.
"The real trials begin now."
Who was she?
And how did she know?
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Back at the inn, the system chimed again.
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[New Feature Unlocked: Quest Board]
You may now accept missions from the Adventurer's Guild.
Available Missions (Beginner Tier):
Eliminate Sewer Beasts (Recommended: 2+ Adventurers)
Herb Gathering in Mana Forest
Escort Caravan to Redrock Town
Investigate Disappearances in Lower Velaria (Warning: Unusual Risk Detected)
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Mano's eyes locked on the last one.
"Disappearing people? In the city?"
He accepted.
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[Quest Accepted: Shadows in the City]
Objective: Uncover the source of the recent disappearances in Lower Velaria.
Reward: Unknown
Time Limit: 3 Days
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That night, under a moonless sky, Mano slipped into the slums—Lower Velaria. A place forgotten by nobles. Where whispers of monsters and magic grew louder after dark.
He moved through the alleys like a shadow, eyes sharp, steps silent.
Suddenly—a scream.
He sprinted toward it.
Around a crumbling corner, he found a young boy—no older than ten—being dragged into the darkness by something… inhuman.
A hunched creature, its skin pale and gray, its eyes glowing red.
"A ghoul?" Mano muttered. "No... something else."
He didn't wait.
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[Skill Activated: Skycut Slash]
With a flash of silver light, he leapt and struck. The blade carved cleanly through the creature's arm. It shrieked, releasing the boy and skittering back with unnatural speed.
Too fast for a normal ghoul.
The creature turned… hissed… and disappeared into the shadows below a broken drain.
Mano helped the boy up.
"You're safe now," he said, voice calm.
"Th-they've been taking people," the boy stammered. "From the alleys. At night. Everyone's scared…"
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[Quest Updated: Source Traced to Underground Ruins Beneath Velaria]
Warning: Enemy Signature Unknown – Proceed With Caution
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Mano looked down into the gaping drain where the creature had vanished.
Darkness and damp stone.
He gripped his sword tighter.
"If something's hunting innocents in this city… I'll end it."
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Far below the city, in a chamber lit by flickering green runes, a cloaked figure stood before a monstrous altar.
"The boy survived," a voice whispered behind him.
The figure didn't turn. "No matter. He'll come. And when he does… the system's true purpose will begin to awaken."