NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Discovery (2)
The first rays of dawn filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, but Bruce remained shrouded in shadow, his newly acquired Stealth Veil skill keeping him hidden as he navigated toward the distant city of Eryndor. The map in his interface provided a clear path, but the journey was far from safe.
The forest seemed alive, shifting and whispering as if it resented his presence. Glowing eyes peeked from the darkness, and faint growls echoed through the trees. Bruce's instincts told him he was being watched.
The system chimed, breaking the uneasy silence.
[Random Encounter Detected: Bandit Ambush] Objective: Defeat or Evade the Bandits.
Ahead, he spotted a crude blockade made of fallen logs and rusted spikes. Five figures in mismatched armor stood guard, weapons drawn. Their faces were obscured by masks, but their aggressive posture left no doubt about their intentions.
Bruce crouched behind a fallen tree, assessing the situation. Each bandit had a level displayed above their head, ranging from 2 to 4. They were lightly armed but well-positioned, suggesting they'd done this many times before.
"Five opponents, one choke point," Bruce muttered. "Engaging directly would be unwise."
The system offered an option.
[Skill Suggestion: Stealth Veil + Phantom Strike Combo]
Bruce smirked. "Let's test it."
The bandits never saw him coming.
Using Stealth Veil, Bruce blended into the shadows, moving silently through the underbrush. He positioned himself behind the furthest bandit, activating Phantom Strike. A burst of speed propelled him forward, his fist connecting with the back of the bandit's head. The man crumpled silently to the ground.
The others turned at the faint noise, their confusion giving Bruce the opening he needed. He darted between them, using the environment to his advantage. A kick to one's knee, a disarming twist of another's wrist—Bruce neutralized them with precision and efficiency.
The final bandit, a burly man wielding a mace, swung wildly, his frustration mounting as he failed to land a blow. Bruce caught the man's wrist mid-swing, twisting it with a sharp motion that forced the weapon to drop. With a final strike to the solar plexus, the bandit collapsed, gasping for air.
The system chimed.
[Encounter Complete: Bandit Ambush Defeated] Rewards: +100 Shadow Points, Bandit Gear (Lootable)
Bruce quickly searched the fallen bandits, finding a small pouch of coins, a dagger, and a crude map marking several "safe zones" within the forest. He added the items to his inventory and continued toward Eryndor.
…..
By midday, the forest began to thin, giving way to rolling hills and dirt paths. In the distance, the city of Eryndor came into view, its stone walls towering over the surrounding landscape.
The system highlighted points of interest on the map: the main gate, a market district, and a structure labeled "Adventurer's Guild."
As Bruce approached the gate, he noticed a line of travelers being inspected by guards. Their armor was polished but practical, and their weapons gleamed in the sunlight. Bruce pulled his cloak tighter, masking his appearance.
"Next!" one of the guards called, gesturing for Bruce to step forward.
The system offered a prompt:
[Option 1: Declare Yourself and Request Entry]
[Option 2: Use Stealth Veil to Slip Inside]
[Option 3: Persuade the Guards]
Bruce selected the third option, knowing he needed information from inside the city without raising suspicion.
The system provided a dialogue suggestion:
"I am a traveler seeking refuge and work. Surely your city welcomes those willing to contribute?"
Bruce spoke the words calmly, his commanding presence amplifying their effect. The guard hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But any trouble, and you'll answer to us."
Bruce stepped through the gates, his eyes scanning the bustling streets of Eryndor. Vendors shouted over one another, children darted through the crowd, and adventurers in mismatched gear haggled for supplies.
...
The Adventurer's Guild was easy to find, its massive wooden doors adorned with carvings of swords and shields. Inside, the air buzzed with activity. Warriors boasted of their conquests, mages haggled over spell components, and rogues studied the job board in the corner.
Bruce approached the board, scanning the available quests. Most were menial—fetch supplies, escort caravans—but one stood out.
[Urgent Quest: Investigate Abyssal Activity Near Eryndor] Reward: 500 Gold, Abyssal Crystal, Guild Rank Advancement
The mention of "Abyssal Activity" piqued Bruce's interest. The journal from the Shadow Tower had warned of the Abyss King and his forces. If this quest was connected, it might provide valuable clues.
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You're new here, aren't you?"
Bruce turned to see a young woman in leather armor leaning casually against the wall. Her emerald-green eyes studied him curiously, and a dagger hung loosely at her side.
"You don't look like the usual rookies we get around here," she said, smirking.
"I prefer to avoid unnecessary attention," Bruce replied.
She chuckled. "Well, you're doing a terrible job at that. Name's Lyra. If you're taking that quest, you'll need backup. The Abyssal stuff isn't for amateurs."
Bruce hesitated. Trusting others was a gamble, but Lyra's demeanor suggested she was capable.
"Fine," he said. "But I work alone if I have to."
Lyra grinned. "Suit yourself, but you'll be glad I'm around. Meet me at the city gates in an hour."
As she walked away, Bruce's system chimed.
[Quest Updated: Investigate Abyssal Activity Near Eryndor]
[New Objective: Meet Lyra at the City Gates.]
Bruce watched her disappear into the crowd, his mind already formulating plans. This world was unpredictable, but he thrived in uncertainty.
Whatever the Abyss King was, Bruce knew one thing: he would find him, and he would win.