บท 8: The Fruit Of Corruption

The Fruit of Corruption was a legendary item, known for its power to grant a random incredible ability. However, it wasn't just legendary for granting a random supernatural ability... It was legendary because it was an item that could be retrieved to reality.

This was an opportunity August couldn't afford to miss.

'I'm guessing none of the players that spawned here at the starting ever got this because they didn't wait to say goodbye after reaching the tree of life,' August was glad he considered this.

Special hidden quests were usually a one-time quest. Once it was completed, that was it. No one would ever be able to engage in the quest again unlike many other quests that could be continuously repeated by different players.

The chief explained the significance of the quest. "The purification stone is a sacred artifact, and it is guarded by magical aqua beasts in the river of the next town. Once you retrieve the stone, you must return here and use it to purify the ancient altar, which is hidden within our village."

August nodded, ready for the challenge. "Understood, Chief. I will complete this quest and return with the purified stone."

The chief placed a hand on August's shoulder with a solemn expression; "May the spirits protect you, Aleman. This is a dangerous task, but I have faith in your abilities."

With this, August prepared to venture to the next town.

August stood in the center of the village, checking his inventory and making sure he had everything he needed for the journey ahead.

He had gathered all the supplies he could find: healing potions, rations, and the dark loots he had earned from uprooting the corrupted stem.

His newly gifted dagger was securely fastened to his belt, and the pendant from the village chief hung around his neck.

August proceeded to set out from the Village of Unhidden Mist. As he walked, the familiar sounds of the village faded behind him, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife.

He checked his map, noting the route to the transportation point. It wasn't too far. Once he got there he would just need to spend a few bronze coins to travel with a cart to the next town.

After some minutes of walking, a system notification appeared:

[Reminder: You have been logged in for an extended period. It is recommended to take breaks for your health and well-being.]

August realized that he had already spent two days within the game, which was equal to one day in the outside world. He checked the time and sighed. It was time for work in the real world, and he had no choice but to log out.

"Guess it's time to face reality," he muttered to himself.

He opened the system menu and selected the log-off option. The world around him dissolved into darkness, and he felt a gentle jolt as he was pulled back into reality.

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the apartment as August prepared for another day at the factory.

It was around 6:00 A.M.

He moved quietly, not wanting to wake Sophia, who was still asleep on the couch. Her usual wake time was 6:30 A.M.

After a quick breakfast, he grabbed his worn work clothes and headed out the door.

Upon arriving at the factory, he spotted his closest buddy, Derrick, waiting for him near the entrance.

Derrick's face lit up when he saw August, and he gave him a hearty clap on the back.

"Morning, August! Ready for another fun-filled day?" Derrick joked with a voice full of sarcasm.

August chuckled, feeling a bit of his tension ease. "As ready as I'll ever be. How's Tara doing?"

"She's doing well," Derrick replied with a smile. "We're both excited for the baby. It's tough, but we're managing."

The two friends made their way inside the factory. The familiar sounds of machinery and the smell of oil and metal greeted them. They clocked in and headed to their stations, ready to start their shift.

As they worked, lifting heavy crates and feeding materials into the machines, their conversation flowed naturally.

They talked about various topics, finding humor and camaraderie in their shared experiences.

"So, how's the game going?" Derrick asked with a barely audible voice due to the buzzing pieces of machinery in the surroundings.

August paused for a moment while wiping sweat from his brow. "It's going well. I finally got past the Tree of Life quest and unlocked a hidden quest. It's tough, but I'm making progress."

Derrick's eyes widened in surprise. "That's awesome! You must be getting pretty good."

August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "I don't know about that haha. I'm still behind. It's been a lot of work, but it looks like things are going to start paying off soon. Although the hidden quest is going to be a real challenge. I need to retrieve a purification stone from a river guarded by magical aqua beasts."

Derrick let out a low whistle. "Sounds intense. I've never heard of that one before."

As they continued to work, their conversation shifted to popular gamers and the impact of virtual reality games on the real world.

"Have you heard the news about the supernatural players recently?" Derrick asked while lifting a heavy crate onto the conveyor belt.

"Yeah, I have," August replied with a serious tone. "There's been a rise in crime linked to those abilities."

Derrick nodded with a thoughtful expression; "It's crazy how much things have changed. People with powers from a game using them in real life... Of course, a lot will have ulterior motives after achieving such. It's like those sci-fi movies haven't taught us anything. How do the authorities intend to keep up?"

They both laughed, finding humor in the absurdity of their reality.

Their conversation took a lighter turn as they talked about superstars and celebrities.

"Did you see the latest movie with Jenna Star?" Derrick asked as a grin spread across his face. "She's amazing. I heard she's also a top player in Enders Light."

August shook his head with a light chuckle; "Now now Mr Derrick, don't forget that you are a married man?"

"She's Tara's favorite too... I'm just admiring her talents," Derrick raised his hands innocently.

"She is pretty impressive no doubt. She's got skills both on and off the screen," August admitted.

They joked about becoming famous themselves, dreaming of a life far removed from the grueling work of the factory. The camaraderie and humor they shared made the long hours more bearable.

As the day wore on, the work remained physically demanding, but their banter kept their spirits high. They teased each other, shared stories, and found moments of laughter amidst the noise and toil.

By the time their shift ended, both men were exhausted but in good spirits.

August bid Derrick farewell and headed home, ready to log back into Enders Light and continue his quest.

---

By nightfall, August had returned home, fatigued but in high spirits.

As he stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the apartment greeted him. Sophia was at the small kitchen table, surrounded by books and papers. She looked up with a bright smile as he entered.

"Hey, August! How was work?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"It was okay," August replied, trying to sound upbeat. "Same old stuff. How about you? How was school?"

"It was good," Sophia said with a smile that faltered slightly. "But I have this assignment, and I'm kind of stuck. Can you help me?"

August felt a sudden big brother affection and pride at this moment.

Despite everything, she always tried her best and looked up to him. "Of course, I'd love to help. What's the assignment about?"

Sophia pushed a book towards him as her eyes beamed up with hope. "It's about business strategies. I need to write a report on different approaches companies use to stay competitive."

August pulled up a chair and sat beside her, looking over the assignment details. "Alright, let's see what we can do."

For the next hour, they worked together on her assignment.

August explained various business strategies, drawing from Reacher's extensive knowledge as a former businessman.

He discussed concepts like market analysis, competitive advantage, and innovative business models. Sophia listened intently, her eyes widening with surprise at his insights.

"Wow, August," she said with a voice full of admiration. "You know so much about this. I had no idea."

August smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Well, I did study a bit of business in my spare time. Plus, I've always been interested in how companies operate."

Sophia took notes diligently as her face lit up in understanding. "This makes so much more sense now. Thank you, August. I couldn't have done this without you."

August ruffled her hair affectionately. "You're welcome, Soph. You're really smart, you know that? You just needed a little help."

Sophia blushed and giggled before leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "You're the best brother ever. Goodnight, August."

"Goodnight, Sophia," he replied, feeling a warm glow in his chest. "Sleep well."

As Sophia headed to her room, August watched her go with a sense of pride and affection.

'Hmm, now I have a family of my own. I thought I'd hate it but... I don't dislike this feeling at all,' August recalled how the concept of family had always eluded him.

Being orphaned from childhood back in his previous world and swearing to himself that he would never build a family out of fear... He had never experienced what it was like to truly feel the desire to protect someone.

He stood up and stretched, feeling the day's fatigue, but he knew he had to continue his quest in Enders Light.

He walked to his room and closed the door behind him. The VR pod awaited... A gateway to adventures and thrill he had always been fond of.

"Time to complete the hidden quest."