Year 1026 XXI, 4th month of the Leaxuire Calendar.
In the alley where the sanctuary of the weak is located, the busy wind whistled ominously. Dust wavering still in the air, the uncleaned pavements with spilled trash on corners. It was the usual sight.
In there stretched the empty paths connecting to the bustling city and the dreadful streets, it was the street of despair—but at the same time, the home of the weak.
Thud. Thud.
Loud vibrations slowly approached the alley, the footsteps similar to yesterday's, each one echoing through the empty air. He who delivers has come.
The fear inflicting stomps slowly accumulated in strength, with each step enough to stir the wind to mess up the space. The already messed alley had turned into an even more chaotic place. Garbage bustling back and forth, it seemed the complete opposite to the other side of the road.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Swoosh—
Where it whistles, dust always follows. It was a given as the dirty gut-wrenching smell of the alley assaulted the silhouette. It was the same old alley, but changes are very evident. Dead rats on the corner, the pavements hovering in dust—unlike before, it was more eerie.
"Strange." A voice echoed as if carried by the wind, light as it could be.
The silhouette swiftly reached the cans on the ground, plundering everything inside. Like a scavenger, it rummaged mercilessly. Its hunger nevertheless was endless, it was done in utmost precision. Hastily, quickly.
However, as hungry as it could be, its expectations failed it as the can had nothing but buttons.
The exact place he's targeting is where Kreig has resided before, but everything seemed different. He was not there—nowhere near the alley.
The silhouette couldn't help but feel intrigued—it was the first time in so long he'd seen this boy wander outside this home of his. He remembered that he'd been passing by this street for years, either to gather information or to extort money from the beggars scattered across the area, he'd always be there.
It couldn't help but chuckle.
Ke. Ke.
Eyes deep like crow's—obsidian, unfathomably deep, and eerie. It swiftly turned angles looking for signs, movements, as to not be swayed by the silence that's haunting.
The silhouette did not budge, it decided to do something—a technique, a skill unique to those awakened. Swiftly, his eyes shut and his hand reached the level of his abdomen. His mouth then twitched as he slowly whispered,
"Reveal"
With its voice the wind resonated. The dust on the ground fluttered and a dim blue light revealed the hidden. The steps. Even the shadows casted from the past.
What he saw were footsteps leading to the bustling city, a silhouette so dim, meaning it'd been some time since the person had left. It was only by then did it believe that Kreig had already disappeared.
Most are skeptical in this world, though not all are cautious, it is a standard for those who work under the shadow—those who work for them. There are numerous gangs of people that live under the shadow, it can be said that Kreig is one of them in a way that he did not associate himself—matter of fact, he was completely unaware that the moment he stepped foot into the alley, he became one.
Thud. Thud.
People had started to walk in the alley where the silhouette was, though the targets are still far, he took this time to clean up. For workers like him, it was absolutely necessary not to leave any marks or it may come with consequences.
"Tsk. That sure took me some time, did it?" it mumbled, "My guinea pig…" its eyes turned grim as its gaze turned up, with the flutter of its robe it vanished. It left. There were no signs that there had been people. It was so smooth, like it was one with shadows.
City of Parry
"This should be the place…"
Amidst the overly crowded streets of the city dominated the Quest Guild—Oracious. It is not the only guild in existence, in fact, there are plenty more within the city. However, Oracious is the most popular given its diverse services ranging from trading up to giving tasks. It is highly regarded as the masse guild.
Quest Guild—Oracious.
The Quest Guild—Oracious was less of a sanctuary and more of a market of desperation. Ancient stone walls groaned under the weight of time, bearing the scars of centuries that passed. Inside, the heavy scent of steel, sweat, and ale filled the atmosphere like a bug that clung to one's skin. The noise relentless—bustling like the streets or the public markets, bargaining and trades are everywhere. Everything was a symphony of ambition.
The building itself is massive, capable of holding thousands of individuals at once. It loomed with ten towering floors with the exclusion of the ground floor, each reserved for those ambitious people on top. With increasing authority over the domain, one can access the upper floors. Accessing the higher floor demands power. It wasn't just a matter of connection or coin—here, power is the currency for everything. It demanded power—real power.
Every day, hundreds of thousands people visit this place. The busiest floor among all is the third floor. All the average joe resides on that floor. However, despite that, the requirements to access it are still high. First, one must be awakened. Second, one must have an active domain or is affiliated to one.
I can at most reach the first floor… but even that seems high for someone like me. Besides… there's just so many people here. I'm at the lowest floor, the ground floor.
Its overwhelming.
Elf, dwarfs, even some kind that I don't recognize… all of them have great equipment while I… haha. The only thing I carry is a knife, rusted and short, it was a knife discarded from use. Well, I'm lucky enough to find this near the alley though it had blood… I had to make myself seem presentable, so instead of using my money to buy a good weapon. I used it to buy low-cost clothes.
I couldn't afford anything but some leather pants and a clean white shirt. I was lucky enough to catch it at a low price. Because of that I managed to buy everything I'd need with the money I saved… with a little more than 7 bronze shards…
The moment I made up my mind, there's no turning back.
Awareness slowly killed Kreig—he was weak, he knows. But it troubled him, he didn't know how to acknowledge it. No. He doesn't want to acknowledge his weakness.
It can be said that he was the embodiment of the absurd—he stayed comfortable, too numb to rebel, too weak to escape.
Now that I've thought about it, I recall that the quest board is located on this floor…
As his thoughts started to wander, he overheard a conversation that caught his interest. It was his first time and it was hard for him to adjust to such a densely packed atmosphere, but listening felt necessary.
"Have you seen that quest? Its rewards are so damn good… seems a little too good to be true, ain't it?" Someone among the crowd said.
"Indeed! But for us, who don't have any blessing nor the money to afford life, it is worth every risk that there is. Besides, aren't we just there to clean up the aftermath of the war? Haha, what could possibly go wrong, brother?" A man with bulging muscles replied, his body was refined. A testament of his hardwork, but despite that, he remained unblessed.
They should be going for the same quest as I do… I should just follow them.
With no knowledge on how things work on the guild, Kreig simply followed the two people he heard conversing about the quest. The two men were equipped with proper armor, with swords sheathed on their waist.
Haa… I can't help but compare those weapons to mine.
The busy and never ending noise inside the guild continues. The trades were never ending, arguments were quickly settled for those appraisers on the front desk are more powerful than they are thought to be.
And finally, I reached the place…
"Shit… can I go back now…?" That was the first thing I thought of.
What greeted me were giants holding huge axes, weapons bigger than me, a magician whose robe shone like the stars, and a knight whose armor tailored using platinum.
All of the participants are well equipped. No. Saying they're "well equipped" might be an insult… they're damn heavily equipped…
All of them have this unique aura they're exuding… bloodlust I thought. The total participants of the quest are limited to 300. The number of soldiers the party leader has is not included in the number.
Though I don't have much situational awareness, the party leader must be desperate to spend this much fortune… not that I care. As long as I live… if things go sour, I will definitely die…
With such thought I trembled.
The Quest is once again posted on the board. This time, a much more detailed version. Turns out there are two different categories on the quest: First is for those who are willing to fight, the second for those who will clean up. I chose the latter.
I don't have confidence in my strength, but I can definitely use my body to clean up the mess that will befall the battlefield.
In total, there were 275 combatants and 25 cleaners.
The rewards for combatants are twice the reward for cleaners. As it turned out, the cleanup's rewards are fixed, while the combatants rewards mainly depend on their performance and abilities shown in battle.
The two that I followed before ended up signing up to be combatants… such bold spirits even though unblessed.
Ting. Ting.
The sound of glass echoed.
"A-Ahem. Follow me."
The party leader's representative said with utmost authority.
He guided us towards the first floor where there were plenty of rooms that could be rented out.
"I am the representative of Lord Abel. We are in the middle of a war against the faction near our territory. You must've already read the job's description. If you want to back out, now's the time.
As you all know, this battle may be your last, but it will be worth fighting for given the rewards that you can receive. Better be thankful that Lord Abel will spare essence for thy foul souls. Tsk."
Gulp.
Tension built up the moment he spoke. Authority. Power. His voice brimmed with those. A voice crying of ambition and discrimination.
"Kehehhehe," a laughter reverberated the room. "Why don't you raise the rewards for us? I mean, we're risking our lives here you know." The voice was full of mockery, it was as if making use of the situation to extort money from the representative named Daren.
The one who spoke was the giant that wielded a giant axe, scars were everywhere on his body. Perhaps for him, it was a sign of honor…
Gulp.
I couldn't help but swallow my saliva. The atmosphere has become so tense, even more so when the eyes of the two meet.
"Of course. That is if you are worthy of it. Why not?"
Maybe it was because Daren didn't want to tarnish his identity as the representative, but his tone was very sarcastic. If the giant were to be enraged though, it would be the end for him.
Perhaps it was his experience that he's only gnashed his own teeth, but his eyes tells otherwise—those are the eyes of someone that'd kill.
Other than absolute power, money comes second as the world's universal currency. If the representative were to order to kill him, many will willingly do so. In exchange of money of course.
After the brief explanation of the representative and soothing the atmosphere, Daren had successfully taking control of the situation. The total of 310 individuals (including the representative and those who came with him) is now set to travel in Lord Abel's domain. It was not a normal travelling method—it was teleportation.
My hands are trembling from a foreign feeling, my body felt stiff. With the mere thought of what's waiting caused my body to lament inside… but. Even if this first time will be my last, I can't help but look forward to what's ahead… A domain…
This is it…
My final gamble.