Chương 9: 9. The Long of Shame (kind of...)
Chapter 9: The Long Walk of Shame (Kind of)
The morning light streamed through the cracks in the wooden walls like a nosy neighbor peeking into your business. My head throbbed faintly, and my legs felt like jelly—solid evidence of a successful night. Ava was still asleep, her dark hair a mess and one arm hanging off the bed like she'd just fought a battle. Which, in fairness, she kind of did.
Alright, champ. Time to bail before the awkward "this meant nothing" conversation starts.
I quietly slipped out of the bed, my clothes piled in a heap on the floor where they'd been unceremoniously tossed. My new leather armor gleamed in the sunlight as I pulled it on. Light as a feather and sleek enough to make me look like I knew what I was doing—a gift from the system pre-"stress relief." The least I could do was not wake her on my way out.
'Man, I could really go for some coffee right now. Maybe with a side of toast not made of disappointment.'
I opened the door just enough to squeeze through and stepped into the fresh morning air. The village was quiet, save for a few early risers going about their business. I took a deep breath.
"Ah, nothing like the smell of cow dung and burnt porridge to start the day."
My peaceful escape plan was rudely interrupted by the unmistakable silhouette of Mr. Pock, the village chief, standing by the well. His weathered face lit up as soon as he saw me, and he waved me over like we were old drinking buddies.
"Kaizen! Over here!"
'Dammit, old man. Couldn't you pretend you didn't see me for five seconds?'
I plastered on my best fake smile and sauntered over. "Chief Pock, what a surprise. Up early to personally thank me again?"
He chuckled, either missing or ignoring the sarcasm. "Something like that. We've got your reward prepared for the quest. Let's finalize the paperwork, and you'll be on your way."
The transaction was quick—well, as quick as it could be when dealing with a man who liked to talk more than he liked to breathe. He handed me a neat little parchment, stamped with some official-looking seal, verifying that I'd cleared out the goblins and saved their women.
"Here's the evidence you'll need to claim your bounty back in Torak," he said. "We threw in some extra coin for your... enthusiasm."
'Enthusiasm? I slaughtered goblins like I was on a cooking show slicing onions.'
I pocketed the parchment, giving a respectful nod. "Pleasure doing business with you, Chief. Hope you survive without me."
Before I could make my great escape, Cole—his son—appeared. The guy was my age, maybe a few months younger, and had that same 'small-town pride' air about him. Except now, his smile looked a little forced.
"Leaving already?" Cole asked, his tone casual but his eyes a little... sharper.
'Yeah, buddy. I nailed your sister. Let's not dwell on it.'
"Yep, quest complete, time to head back," I replied, slinging my new black blade across my back. "Take care of things here, alright?"
Cole hesitated, then extended a hand. "Sure thing. Thanks for helping us out, Kaizen."
I shook his hand, fully expecting him to crush my fingers, but to his credit, he kept it professional. For a guy who probably had a sister-shaped elephant in the room, he handled himself well.
---
The village faded into the distance as I made my way into the forest. The path was shaded by towering trees, their branches forming a natural archway that blocked most of the sunlight. The only sounds were the chirping of birds, the occasional rustle of leaves, and my boots crunching on the dirt.
I unsheathed the black blade the system had rewarded me, admiring how it caught the light. It was a thing of beauty—sleek, deadly, and light enough that I could swing it one-handed without effort.
"Man, this thing is almost worth the ten rounds of cardio I just endured."
The leather armor was equally impressive. It fit snugly but didn't restrict movement, and it was so light I barely felt like I was wearing it.
'Gotta admit, this medieval cosplay look is growing on me. Still, I'd trade it all for a hot shower and some Wi-Fi.'
The forest path stretched on, the scenery picturesque enough to be a desktop wallpaper. But after an hour of walking, the novelty started to wear off.
'God, I miss cars. And air conditioning. And vending machines. Do these people even know what a vending machine is?'
I stopped to take a sip from my waterskin, grimacing at the lukewarm taste.
'What I wouldn't give for a can of Coke right now. Or a Big Mac. Hell, even a gas station sandwich would do. I'm out here living like Bear Grylls, and I didn't even sign up for the show.'
I kicked a rock off the path, watching it tumble into the underbrush. The forest was peaceful, sure, but it was also boring as hell. No monsters, no bandits, no... nothing. Just me, my thoughts, and the occasional squirrel.
By midday, I'd officially had enough.
"Okay, universe, I get it. You want me to appreciate nature or whatever. Can we fast forward to the part where something interesting happens?"
As if on cue, a faint roar echoed in the distance. I paused, hand instinctively going to the hilt of my blade.
'That better be the wind. Or a very big, very angry cat.'
And just like that, the peace was gone, replaced by the familiar adrenaline-fueled tension that reminded me why I loved (and hated) this world so much.
'Well, Kaizen, you asked for interesting. Let's see if you regret it.'
The forest was just starting to feel bearable—birds chirping, leaves rustling, the usual Disney movie vibe—when the all-too-familiar sound rang out in my ears.
DING!
A translucent, glowing panel materialized in front of me, its light blue text hovering like it was mocking my peace.
***---***
Mission 2 Unlocked
Mission Title: Freya Mikaelson
Primary Objective: UNKNOWN
Completion Condition: UNKNOWN
***---***
I stared at the notification, my eye twitching.
'Freya Mikaelson? Oh, come on!'
The first thing that popped into my mind was The Originals. I snorted at the thought.
"Yeah, sure. Freya Mikaelson. Same name, different world. But if this one looks anything like her, Klaus better watch out, 'cause I'm gonna—" I stopped myself, grinning like an idiot.
But the smile didn't last long.
'Wait. Why the hell is everything unknown? What kind of half-assed mission is this? What am I supposed to do? Stroll up to the first Freya I find and ask if she needs rescuing?'
Then it hit me—like the last mission, maybe the details wouldn't reveal themselves until I got closer. Proximity trigger, they called it. Real subtle, system. Real subtle.
I kept walking, grumbling under my breath about how the system was basically the equivalent of a friend setting you up on a blind date with no description. My boots crunched against the dirt path as I tried to focus on literally anything else.
That's when I felt it—a faint, prickling sensation at the edge of my mind.
'What the—? That's new.'
I stopped, narrowing my eyes. Focusing. The sensation sharpened, like a static buzz in my head.
'Ki. That's ki. Learned to sense it when I fought that Goblin Chief. Looks like it's sticking around.'
I closed my eyes and concentrated. At least a dozen signatures ahead. Faint, scattered, but moving. A fight?
Then I heard it. Screams. The unmistakable roar of a beast. Metal clashing against something solid. My instincts kicked in immediately.
I veered off the path, ducking into the cover of the forest as I moved closer. The noise grew louder with each step until I finally saw the source of the commotion.
In the middle of the road lay an overturned horse-drawn carriage, its wheels shattered, wood splintered. Surrounding it were armed guards, each dressed in polished plate armor, their movements desperate but coordinated as they fought off…
"Holy shit."
It was a lion. A black lion. Easily the size of a small house. Its coat gleamed like obsidian under the sunlight, and its mane rippled like shadowy flames with every movement. Muscles rippled beneath its sleek fur, and its golden eyes burned with primal fury.
The beast roared, a sound so deep it vibrated in my chest. It lashed out with a paw the size of a shield, sending a soldier flying like a rag doll. The man hit a tree with a sickening crack and didn't get up.
Near the carriage, a familiar figure stood—young, fierce, and clad in the same kind of plate armor as the others. She was locked in a defensive stance, her sword raised to protect a woman lying unconscious at her feet. The unconscious woman looked noble—too noble for my taste—but that wasn't the point.
'Wait a second. That chick looks—oh, hell no. Freya Mikaelson? She is Freya Mikaelson? Are you kidding me right now? Now it makes sense, Mikaelson Inn and Tavern. I cant believe I didn't figure it out earlier.'
The system chose this moment to pipe up again, another notification glowing in my vision.
***---***
Mission Update
Mission 2: Freya Mikaelson
Primary Objective: Help Freya and her party return to Torak with a minimum of 5 casualties (not including Freya Mikaelson).
Secondary Objective: Kill the Black Lion for an additional reward.
Completion Condition: Ensure Freya Mikaelson and her Duchess reach Torak safely.
***---***
'Yeah, no pressure or anything.'
I glanced back at the battle. The guards were barely holding their ground. The black lion moved like a nightmare made flesh, its claws raking through shields and armor like paper.
But something else caught my attention. I closed my eyes again, focusing on the ki signatures. Fourteen people, including Freya and the guards… but there was more.
'Wait… what the hell?'
There were more signatures, faint but distinct, moving in the trees around the road. Surrounding them.
'Oh, great. It's an ambush. Because of course it is.'
I crouched low, slipping further into the cover of the woods as I sized up the situation.
'Okay, Kaizen. You've got a massive lion, an unconscious noble, a bunch of outnumbered guards, and god knows how many people waiting to pounce. Just another day in paradise.'
Before I could make a move, the system decided it wasn't done with me yet.
***---***
Mission Pending
Start or Delay?
***---***
'Start or Delay? That's new. I didn't get that the first mission.'
I stared at the glowing text for a moment, half-tempted to hit "Delay" just to spite the system. But then I thought about it.
'Nah. Let's get this over with.'
I selected "Start," and the notification faded, replaced by a countdown.
***---***
Time Remaining: 9:59:58…57…56…
***---***
I groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."
The countdown ticked on, and I turned my attention back to the chaos in the middle of the road.
'Alright, system. You dragged me into this. Let's see how bad you can screw me over this time.'
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực