章節 6: Meeting

Zayne looked at the man with a dazed expression as he totally didn't expect anyone else to be in the cemetery beside him.

'Is that another player...? No, he doesn't look like... That's definitely an NPC... but what's he doing here?' Zayne inwardly muttered.

"Hey, you don't have to look at me so hard. It's not very nice." The man calmly said with a slight smile.

"Ah... I'm sorry, I was just sure no one else was here." Zayne awkwardly scratched the back of his head as he looked around, "I didn't even hear you come up. I guess I'm pretty inattentive."

The man glanced into Zayne's eyes and said, "No, I'm just used to moving silently. What are you doing here, Traveler?"

Zayne's eyes went wide for a moment as he was surprised by the man's insight. Then, he got up and said, "I promised an old man I'd light a candle on his wife's grave, so... here I am."

"Are you talking about Jafa?" The man muttered and turned toward the village as though he was very familiar with the place.

"Yeah, he was the first one I talked to." Zayne nodded.

"I see... My name is Gael Hauger. What's your name? You're the first Traveler I ever met." Gael calmly asked.

"Zayne Fellen."

"Good name, your parents did a good job." Gael said as suddenly his pupils narrowed because Zayne's face darkened as if he remembered something awful, "Oh... Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"Forget it." Zayne shook his head, "It's my fault, too many things can make me lose my temper. There's no way I can handle it."

"Fears haunt all of us, it's normal." Gael spoke as he stared at Zayne's eyes with an ice-cold look and pondered, 'It's weird, we weren't supposed to meet. I was sure there was no one in the cemetery... How could a simple guy deceive my instincts?'

Zayne was uncomfortable with Gael's gaze, which seemed to want to pierce him.

"It seems that our meeting was planned by fate itself. I can see that there are many anxieties inside you, like demons tormenting you from within, but since I'm here I'm ready to help you." Gael said with a serious look.

"Hah, thanks for the offer, but I'm afraid advice is powerless here. I understand how deep the problem is, but there's nothing I can do about it, and that's the worst part." Zayne shrugged as if he had long since come to terms with his fears.

"Advice...? No, words certainly won't help here. I'm the kind of person who prefers to solve things with action but before that... Where did you get that ring?" Gael asked as he pointed at Zayne's hand.

"Hmm? I got it as soon as I got here..." Zayne answered diffidently, hoping Gael would understand him correctly.

"Right... Travelers get some things when they move to our world... I've heard of that. Well, in that case, it's true luck that we met." Gael said in disbelief before pointing in the distance with his hand, "There you will find the purpose of the ring, and for sure you can get rid of your inner demons once and for all."

Gael's voice seemed to have an enchanting effect as Zayne turned around. Far away, he saw the ancient ruins, they looked unremarkable, and he would never go there of his own volition, but now he had no choice.

[Unique Quest Activated!]

[Quest cannot be refused!]

[Follow the clue of the mysterious stranger. You can ignore it, but then you might lose your chance to free your mind.]

'Unique Quest...? Damn, maybe I'm not used to it yet, but I definitely won't get bored in this game. Events are literally happening all the time.' Zayne inwardly to as a slight smirk formed on his face. Then, deep inside his mind, a spirit of adventure was awakened.

"There's danger waiting for you there, so you'll have to fight, but that's the only way you can achieve what you want." Gael said with a serious look as his eyes became as cold as ancient glaciers.

"Look, I'm glad you have so much faith in me, but I had a hard time defeating a mere wolf recently. I mean... I was scared as hell, I don't even know how to fight." Zayne looked away with a shrug.

"Hah, you're pretty honest, but you don't have to worry about that. I won't be able to go with you, but that doesn't mean I won't help you in any way." Gael grinned, covered his eyes for a bit, and reached forward as his fingertip touched Zayne's forehead, "Whether or not you can handle the trial in the ruins is up to you, as you are definitely strong enough."

Whoooooooooosh.

Gael's hair fluttered as well as his coat, then a stream of blue energy headed toward Zayne. At the same time, their eyes flashed simultaneously as Zayne felt an unusual surge of strength.

[You have a new skill!]

[Moon Oblivion (Active)

Empower your weapon with the power of the moon, increasing its damage by 20% and allowing you to deal magical damage along with physical damage when attacking.

The effects during the full moon are doubled and the skill gives +20 magic damage even if the weapon does not have this type of damage].

Zayne was shocked as it all happened too quickly and unexpectedly.

"Alright, I think it's time for you to leave. I'd like to be here alone." Gael said as he put his hand on Zayne's shoulder.

"Sure. Thank you!" Zayne nodded and headed for the exit of the graveyard as he needed to get back to Jafa, for his reward.

Gael watched the departing Zayne with a calm look while the cold wind blew his coat. Then, a rune appeared on Zayne's shoulder, which immediately disappeared. Gael turned around with a smirk.

"Well, well, has fate finally been set in motion? It's rather curious." Gael whispered in a mysterious voice as his silhouette dissipated amidst the thick fog and he disappeared completely, like a ghost.

...

Zayne quickly made his way to Landow Village and headed straight for the old man. There were still many players here, and from time to time blue flashes appeared, but it couldn't compare to the beginning.

"Oh... Young man, are you back yet? It took you longer than I expected." Jafa said with a kind smile, continuing to clean up beside the well.

"I had to be a little delayed, but I have completed your favor. I am sure your candle is still burning." Zayne became confident as he put his hands to his sides.

The old man saw the bloodstained spot on Zayne's arm as his pupils narrowed, but he didn't pay attention to it. Instead, he bent down and picked up a large basket that seemed to be behind the well from the start.

"I knew you would be back soon, so I have already prepared a reward for you. I hope it will help you in your travels." Jafa smiled broadly as he extended his hand forward, "Here, take it. I'm not rich, but I don't think I've offended you. Moreover, I know many people in this village and region, so I will tell everyone that a nice guy like you has turned up here."

[You got a basket from Old Man Jafa!]

[Old Man Jafa is glad that you have fulfilled his request and for some reason, he thinks that you have sacrificed something for it, so his gratitude knows no bounds. Your reputation in the Landow Village and the Lax River Region is increased by 100!]

[Ding!]

[Your reputation in this territory has reached the first level! Prices in the shops have been decreased by 10%. Different quests are open, including hidden quests!]

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