[Pinnacle Male Dorm Room]
[Friday, 3:30 PM]
"System"
[Yes Mr. Axel? :D]
"I'd like to unlock my mana stat."
[Sure! 100 BP has been spent on unlocking mana stat... Mana Stat has been unlocked!]
[A Special reward has been given after unlocking Mana stat...]
FWANG!
[Special Reward: Special stat has also been unlocked... The Wielder of anything that throws!]
[Special Stat: Precision Control - This stat represents your proficiency in manipulating objects into projectiles and accurately controlling their trajectories. A higher value allows for more control over a certain amount of projectiles, complex maneuvers, increased precision, and the ability to recall projectiles at will.]
The screen flashed Blue. As I saw the mana stat my jaw dropped. Months of grinding, sweat, and near-death experiences finally paid off.
A surge of exhilaration coursed through , almost tangible in the stale dorm air. But that wasn't all.
Precision Control unlocked. I tapped it, heart pounding. The ability to bend projectiles to my will? This was ga-changing.
So, thinking about it, if I were to throw an object, such as a rock, I could control how it's thrown in mid-air and have it returned to with ease. Maybe I could try it right now? Picking up one of the empty notebooks on my desk, I tossed it towards my window seal. As I moved the hand I threw it with, the book spun gracefully before hitting the window. Slowly, the book changed its trajectory and started flying back toward , gaining incredible speed.
BANG!
OUCH! What the fuck?
The book had hit my face and I could feel my nose running after that one.
Shortly after, I changed into my all-black outfit-a black shirt, black pants, and a black
robe that acted as a cape, carrying my school ID along with my bow.
I swiftly left for Pinnacle's IDS station, eager to test these abilities in the monster-hunting areas in Korea,
[Southern Evergreen Forest front entrance]
Upon arriving at the Evergreen Forest entrance, it felt more like a military checkpoint than a portal to adventure. Barricades and burly guards greeted visitors, while booths overflowed with adventurers verifying hunting grounds.
Rest areas humd with chatter and food stations tempted weary warriors. The scene buzzed with Friday's peak-hour fervour, making realize I'd completely forgotten about the hunter's rush.
So many people looking to get rich here huh? Well unfortunate for them I knew simply everything from this place haha.
Oh, and this place was also a rchant hotspot in the area.
rchants sold many types of things to the adventurers here including potions, swords, clothing, and many bordering scams and treasures alike.
Though looking at one of these stands I saw One arrow, gleaming with faux-gem glitter and paint, which caught my eye for a mont before I t the seller's slimy grin with a disgusted scowl.
These guys were Hall of Fa scam artists...
A murmur rippled through the crowd, "Look at that!" soone hissed.
Heads swivelled towards the gates, whispers snowballing into excited murmurs. I glimpsed a swaggering figure flanked by a boisterous crew, their laughter grating against the tense anticipation. From their bulging bags, goblin ears peeked out, confirming the whispers:
"Big one today!"
But that wasn't why everyone was excited; it was the person to the right of them, and it was a shocker to see one of the notable figures of my novel.
It was Navi Colombus, the head of the organization for adventurers and one of the strongest characters in this world had to offer.
His stormy grey eyes looked puzzled as the many adventurers ca around to greet him, yet he still looked the sa in my head dressed in a well-tailored All Black blazer and comfortable Black chinos.
He was a vital piece in terms of plot progression for this story, but I wouldn't have guessed to see him at this place until later on in this story. Well, a lot of things have changed, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised anymore.
Why was he here? There can't be any good reason that co with soone like him here unless there was an artifact or dungeon that ca out in this forest. Other than that, he wouldn't even be here.
But it's just the influence of changing events that probably causes dungeons to start popping out in the first place.
However, it made realize why I made adventures and heroes two separate groups in the first place.
First of all, I believe that the story would be more interesting having two completely different organizations for different purposes.
Adventurers were the only people who went out into the wild to find artifacts, kill monsters, sell them, and get rich. Whereas heroes are people who save the world from the domination of dungeon outbreaks and monster invasions.
It was simply a good dynamic thinking about it in the first place.
Interestingly enough, heroes could also be adventurers, and adventurers can also be heroes, but I'd say they were about the sa either way. Since all groups would have to unite as one to destroy the four towers that were spread across the main parts of the
world.
"Excuse , you're in the way." The voice sliced through the noise like a knife through cheese.
My heart hitched, a tremor coursing through my gut. Before I could even turn, a shadow lood over . the silver-haired man that was just being sward earlier.
My mind scrambled, adrenaline buzzing in my veins. Was this a coincidence? Or so twisted greeting card from fate, placing smack dab in the middle of his path? My eyes darted towards Navi, the Guildmaster, standing a few paces away, a silent observer just looking down at .
"Oh," I stamred, stumbling back and feeling the heat of a hundred curious eyes prickling my skin. "My apologies, sir." The bow I offered felt wooden and awkward, like a puppet's forced gesture.
His gaze, cold and sharp as an icicle, pierced through . "Boy" he rumbled, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine. "What weapon do you wield?" The question hung in the air, a grenade dropped into the already simring tension. Every worn-out veteran, every cocky newbie, all eyes turned towards us, waiting for my pathetic answer.
I clutched my crossbow tighter, The silver tal pressing against my skin and digging into my palm.
"I... I use a crossbow, sir," I managed, forcing my voice to stay steady. My cheeks burned as I t his unwavering stare.
Then as if all tension dropped in between us, "Oh, I see. You go enjoy your hunt then." He then walked passed with a smile, following from behind was his assistant who I assu was Jane with her raven hair and black formal attire.
as he entered by the sleek black limousine that awaited him, I watched them fade into the distance, my body finally releasing the tension it had coiled itself into. But the unease lingered, a persistent itch I couldn't scratch.
Jesus... seriously what is with these character's problems with ?
[...]
"Sir Navi, here are the reports on the new dungeons in the Evergreen Forest." Jane handed him the book as he sat comfortably in the limousine's back seat. He flipped through the pages, each turn a silent rustle against the leather interior.
"So many new dungeons rising lately..." he mused, a hint of concern colouring his voice. "It's almost unnerving." He paused, eyes drawn to a picture of a warped opening clawing its way out of a giant tree trunk. Another image showcased a massive portal, pulsating within a ring of ritualistic stones. Each one fueled his intrigue.
"Have we assessed the market value of the others yet?" he asked, glancing at another
page showcasing different dungeons.
Jane, efficient as ever, stepped forward. "Not yet, sir. Monster classifications are pending,
and the artifact evaluators are still in Australia."
Navi nodded, leaning back into his seat. "Understood. This will do for now."
"Sir Navi, that boy from back there... was it?" Jane was cut short as Navi smirked.
"Yes, it had to be him. That was the boy from the arena," Navi responded in a formal yet.
casual manner.
"How can you be sure?" Jane asked curiously.
"He matched all the information provided by Infra Tech when they were tracking him
during the arena matches. Coincidentally, who knew we'd et by chance?" He shrugged it off, but Jane noticed his lingering interest in the boy.
"Should we send our intelligence agency to gather more information on him?" Jane
suggested.
"No, it's fine. If fate has it, then we'll et again soon. I don't even know the boy's na
yet, but I could tell at first glance it was him back at the arena."
[...]
[Evergreen Forest Entrance Booth 1]
"Academy student, eh? Well, that'll be a 20% discount on your Adventurer ID. Cos to, uh..." The woman at the booth peered at the screen, her fingers tapping rhythmically. "$25, it is."
She thrust the EFTPOS machine towards , and I tapped my watch against it with a
practised flick of the wrist.
"Thanks," I mumbled, pocketing the receipt. "No placent test for rankings, then?"
"Nope," she confird with a grin. "E-Rank for everyone, fresh-faced recruits and seasoned veterans alike. Starter Gate's your only option till you climb up to D-Rank." With a click and a whir, she swung open the gate beside her booth. I strode past, the
forest path swallowing whole.
Gripping my crossbow tightly, I gazed at the silent expanse before . The E-Rank area wasn't what I had expected, but I'll see if I can find this place first.
Authors Notes:
- Navi as the president/head of the adventurer's organization owns 50% of all the
dungeons around the world.
- Rel's nose bled for almost 5 minutes straight!
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