After completing their registration at the Adventurer's Guild, Jack, James, and Emma stood in the grand hall, glancing at the massive quest board. It was covered with various missions ranging from simple herb collection to dangerous monster subjugations. The sheer variety of quests showcased the endless possibilities that awaited them in this new world.
Jack's eyes scanned the board carefully, taking in each detail until his gaze locked onto a particular quest that seemed suitable for their first mission.
Quest: Strange Beast Sightings in the Forest Near Jakartha City
Rank: F
Objective: Investigate the reports of unusual beast activity in the nearby forest and gather information.
Reward: 10 Silver Coins
Jack pointed at the parchment pinned to the board. "This one seems perfect for our first mission."
James read over it and nodded in agreement. "It's an investigation quest, so we can get used to working together as a team without diving straight into combat."
Emma smiled. "Let's take it. We need experience before tackling harder challenges."
With the decision made, they approached the receptionist, a professional-looking woman with glasses and a sharp gaze. She examined their request and nodded.
"You have chosen the quest: Strange Beast Sightings in the Forest Near Jakartha City. Your task is to investigate recent reports of unusual creatures in the area and report your findings. Since this is a F-Rank quest, it should be suitable for beginners. Please be cautious."
Jack, James, and Emma confirmed their acceptance, and with that, their first mission was officially set.
---
A Meeting Before Departure
As they exited the guild, the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the cobblestone streets. Standing near the entrance, waiting for them, were Sofia and Angel Ava.
Sofia's face brightened as soon as she saw them. She rushed forward, excitement evident in her expression. "Congratulations on becoming official adventurers, Father, Mother, and Big Brother!"
Ava, standing beside Sofia with her usual serene demeanor, gave an approving nod. "This is a significant step in your journey. Well done."
Jack grinned. "Thanks! We just accepted our first quest investigating strange beast sightings in the forest near Jakartha City."
Ava's expression remained calm, but a flicker of interest crossed her golden eyes. "That's a good starting quest. It will test your observation skills and teamwork. Though investigation quests may seem simple, they can quickly turn dangerous."
Sofia put her hands on her hips, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "So, are you three ready for it?"
James chuckled. "Of course. We need to prove ourselves as adventurers."
Emma exhaled slowly. "It's a basic reconnaissance mission, but it's a good first step."
Ava observed them for a moment before nodding. "Since this is your quest, I won't interfere. It's important for you to gain experience on your own."
Jack's grin widened. "We understand. We'll handle it ourselves."
Sofia gave them an enthusiastic wave. "Good luck! Bring back some cool stories!"
Before they could depart, Ava reached into a spatial ring and retrieved three weapons, each radiating a faint magical aura. She held them out with a graceful motion. "Before you go, I have something for each of you as congratulatory gift for your successfully joining a Guild and accepting your first quest."
Jack's eyes widened as Ava handed him a sleek dagger with a dark blade that gleamed under the sunlight. The moment he held it, a comfortable weight settled in his grip. "This is…?"
"A 1-Star Peak-level dagger," Ava explained. "It's light, durable, and perfectly suited for an assassin like you. With this, your strikes will be sharper and deadlier."
Jack ran his fingers along the edge of the blade and nodded, feeling an immediate connection to the weapon. "Thank you, Miss Ava. I'll put it to good use."
Next, Ava turned to James and presented him with a finely crafted longsword. Its polished steel reflected the golden hues of the setting sun. "James, for you a 1-Star Peak-level sword. It's sturdy and well-balanced, fitting for someone with both Light and Darkness elements."
James grasped the hilt, giving the sword a few test swings. The blade hummed through the air, resonating with his energy. "This is perfect. I appreciate it."
Finally, Ava handed Emma a beautifully designed staff adorned with faint glowing runes. "Emma, this staff will enhance your spellcasting ability. It's a 1-Star Peak-level staff that amplifies elemental magic, especially Pyro, Hydro, Geo, and Anemo. It should help you channel your magic more efficiently."
Emma traced the intricate patterns on the staff, feeling the warmth of its stored mana. "This is incredible. Thank you so much, Miss Ava."
Ava gave a rare, gentle smile. "Think of these as a token of encouragement. The path of an adventurer is long and perilous, but the right tools make all the difference."
Jack, James, and Emma exchanged glances, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. With these weapons, their chances of success had increased significantly.
After securing their gifts, they turned toward the forest. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays upon the city as they walked through the bustling streets, eventually reaching the outskirts where the dense woodland loomed before them.
As for Ava and Sofia decided to wait at the Adventurer's Guild while Jack, James, and Emma set off towards the forest on foot.
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Journey to the Forest
The city streets gradually gave way to dirt roads lined with wooden fences and merchant stalls. The further they walked, the fewer people they encountered, until only the chirping of birds and rustling leaves remained as background noise. The sky, painted in soft hues of orange and blue, signaled the approach of evening.
The towering trees of the Jakartha Forest soon loomed ahead, their thick canopies casting long shadows. As they stepped onto the forest path, the air grew cooler, the scent of damp earth and fresh foliage filling their lungs.
James adjusted his posture, taking the lead. His Beast Tamer instincts kicked in as he listened carefully to the sounds of the forest. "Let's stay alert. If there really are strange beasts here, we need to be careful."
Emma nodded, her eyes scanning the dense vegetation. "We should check for tracks or any signs of disturbance."
Jack, keeping a firm grip on his daggers, examined the trees and the ground. "Agreed. Let's move carefully and keep an eye out for anything unusual."
The rustling of leaves above made them pause for a moment. A squirrel-like creature leaped between the branches, causing small twigs to snap. The tension in their shoulders eased slightly, but the reminder to stay vigilant remained.
---
First Clue – Strange Tracks
They walked deeper into the forest, their steps measured and cautious. The golden light filtering through the trees dimmed as the canopy thickened. Then, James stopped abruptly, holding up a hand.
"Look at this."
The other two gathered around as James pointed at the ground. The soil was disturbed, with large, clawed footprints embedded in the dirt. Unlike regular animal tracks, these prints had an odd pattern, almost unnatural.
Emma knelt down, inspecting them closely. "These aren't from any normal beasts."
Jack frowned, gripping his daggers. "If these creatures are unknown, we should be extra cautious."
A faint growl echoed in the distance.
The three of them froze.
James narrowed his eyes. "Did you hear that?"
Emma nodded. "It came from that direction." She pointed deeper into the forest, where the trees grew denser.
Jack exhaled sharply. "Alright. Let's proceed with caution."
They followed the tracks, their footsteps quiet on the forest floor. As they moved forward, the air grew unnaturally still. Even the insects seemed to have stopped making noise.
Then
Snap!
A branch cracked behind them.
In an instant, all three of them turned, weapons drawn, as their hearts pounded in anticipation. But there was nothing there. Just the quiet swaying of the trees.
"Something is definitely watching us," James muttered.
Emma whispered, "Stay close. If anything moves, we act immediately."
The moment was thick with tension. A test of their resolve had begun.
---
An Ominous Encounter
As they ventured deeper, the strange tracks led them to a small clearing where the grass was unnaturally flattened. In the center of the area lay deep claw marks, as if something had been dragged across the ground.
Jack surveyed the area. "This... isn't normal."
James crouched, touching the disturbed grass. "Whatever was here wasn't small."
Emma was about to speak when the wind shifted. A foul, metallic scent filled the air.
Then
Rustle... rustle...
The bushes ahead trembled violently. Jack tightened his grip on his daggers. Emma began channeling her mana, and James prepared to summon his beasts if necessary.
From the undergrowth, two glowing yellow eyes emerged.
Then another pair. And another.
Low growls filled the air as multiple shadowy figures stepped into the clearing, their dark, sinewy bodies blending with the night. These weren't ordinary beasts. They exuded an eerie presence, one that sent shivers down the spine.
Jack took a steady breath. "Looks like we found what we were looking for."
James smirked. "Correction. They found us."
Emma raised her hands, ready to unleash a spell. "Get ready. We're not leaving without answers."
The creatures let out guttural snarls, their claws scraping against the dirt.
Then, in a flash
They attacked.
Their first real battle as adventurers had begun.
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To be continued…!!