Capítulo 10: 10 - Epic Chronicles: Unveiling Destiny in Aeloria

Lounging on his bed, Jon gazed at the status screen hovering before his eyes, reflecting on the tumultuous events of the day. The adrenaline from exploring an unknown dungeon still pulsed through his veins. He sighed, frustration settling in, "With this mindset, I'll probably meet my end here before even unraveling the mystery of how I got trapped in this game." There was a time when he consumed himself with such thoughts, but eventually, he embraced his reality, realizing the futility of fighting against it.

**[GAME MENU]**

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**Name:** Jon Woodmoon

**Level:** 9

**EXP:** 235/1000

**Tils:** 345

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**[STATISTICS]**

- **HP (Health Points):** 150

- **MP (Mana Points):** 135

- **Strength:** 15

- **Agility:** 21

- **Constitution:** 20

- **Intelligence:** 25

- **Luck:** 10

- **Points:** 0

**[ABILITIES]**

- **Active:** None

- **Passive:**

- **Elven Heritage:** Increases affinity and mana manipulation capability.

- **Human Heritage:** Additional 50% EXP gain due to inherent adaptability.

- **Riverwood Moonstone:** 50% bonus to EXP and abilities of hunter classes.

- **Apprentice Archer:** Level 6

**[QUESTS]**

- **Daily Hunt:** Present your daily hunt to Melisa and receive 100 daily exp!

'In just one day, I managed to gather 225 Tils, 200 EXP, and advanced two levels as an Archer.' Since awakening in Aeloria, Jon had never reaped so many rewards. And to think, all of this was achieved in a mere two hours within the dungeon, restricted by Gwen's emotional state.

From his father, Jon learned of the adversity Gwen's family was facing. Gwen's father, Tristan, had depleted their savings to hire a healer from Frostpeak to treat his wife Aela's illness. Gwen, with her indomitable personality, was distressed by the family's precarious financial situation, fearing they wouldn't be able to afford the annual Imperial Tax.

'Why did I install that "Eternal Empire Building" mod?' It was a mod that, while not Jon's favorite, provided him with amusement as he managed the world of Aeloria after completing the main campaign, imposing taxes and strengthening the social hierarchy. To make matters worse, he anticipated the complications he would face at the Imperial Academy, thanks to another mod his novel-addicted self installed: "Arrogant Extras," which introduced clichéd characters destined to be mere stepping stones for the protagonist.

His mother's familiar voice echoed through the house, "Jon, breakfast is ready!" Like déjà vu, the same scene replayed every morning since Jon found himself in Aeloria. He mused, 'Does my mother still follow NPC logic? It's like I hear the same phrase every day.' His mother's morning punctuality never failed to impress him. "I'm up, Mom! Coming down!" he replied, stretching on the bed.

The morning meal proceeded tranquilly, as usual. His father, curious, attempted to extract information about the goblins, and Jon deftly provided details that would divert the village hunters from the actual location. His mother, on the other hand, appeared hesitant about Jon's continued hunting adventures. However, after expressing her concerns, she reminded him of the importance of safety and ultimately encouraged him to press forward.

Approaching the village gates, Jon spotted Gwen waiting. He noticed that, unlike the previous day, she exuded her characteristic radiance. Trying to gauge his friend's mood, Jon teased, "Ready to be rescued by me again today?"

She rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. "Did you think that just because of one day, you'd become the hero forever? I bet today's victory will be mine."

Jon chuckled, noticing the shift in his friend's mood. "Looks like your family sorted out the financial issues, huh?" The surprised expression on Gwen's face amused him even more. "Did you really think I wouldn't figure out something so obvious? All this worry over such a simple matter..." He understood Gwen's distress; children tended to see problems as insurmountable mountains. However, what truly bothered him was knowing that her father had turned down the assistance offered by his own father. 'Foolish pride,' Jon thought, shaking his head disapprovingly.

With a determined look, Jon suggested, "How about this: I'll let you keep all the spoils from the hunt, and you can reimburse me in the future?" To him, this proposition was straightforward. As a former professional Nexus player, he had amassed a considerable fortune, making him somewhat detached from the real value of money. Gwen hesitated, "Jon, you're the one who plans and strategizes everything. And yet, you let me share the profits equally. I can't just..."

Realizing that the discussion could delay their plans for the day, Jon interrupted, "Gwen, I think you've misunderstood. I'll leave the spoils with you, but you see, it's like a loan. If you find it too much, I can add a small interest, just so you don't feel like you owe me a favor." He winked, trying to lighten the mood.

Gwen studied Jon for a moment. He had changed over the past while, becoming more shrewd and strategic, but also more opportunistic. She sighed, "Interest? Since when do friends charge interest to each other?" She crossed her arms, but a playful smile played on her lips. "Come on, I'm curious to see what you've planned for today."

With that, the pair set off on their journey. Jon was aware that showing up with goblins for two consecutive days would raise suspicions. Therefore, his plan was cunning: they would take a longer route, hunting any prey they came across along the way. They would only approach the goblin dungeon if they were sure no one was following them. On the last day of the mission, as well as the caravan's stay in Riverwood, he would present a large number of goblins, mixed in with other catches, claiming to have found a small tribe forming on the outskirts of Riverwood.

Armed with bows, Jon and Gwen advanced through the terrain, releasing arrows with precision at any creature that moved. With each accurate shot, they exchanged knowing glances, teasing each other with jests about their partner's skill. It was a dance of agility and dexterity, where every move was accompanied by laughter and mutual admiration.

However, in the distance, a slender figure observed the duo with a penetrating and predatory gaze. Although Jon didn't recognize the silhouette, the intensity of those eyes was unmistakable. "So, I shouldn't act without your permission, Melisa?" Ren murmured to himself, a malicious grin curling his lips. He pondered whether he'd have a good haul...