The golden hues of the setting sun stretched across the horizon, casting long shadows over the dense foliage of Jakartha Forest. The triumphant trio Jack, James, and Emma moved through the dimming woods, their bodies weary but spirits soaring. Their first quest had turned into an intense trial of skill and survival, but they had emerged victorious. They had slain a Peak 1-Star Wolf Pack leader and its subordinates, proving not only their strength but the power of their teamwork.
James, his muscles rippling with latent aura, carried the hefty carcass of the alpha wolf draped over his back. Its weight would have been unbearable for an ordinary man, but his enhanced physique bore it without faltering. Emma and Jack trailed beside him, sacks filled with fangs, claws, pelts, and mana cores slung over their shoulders. These trophies would serve as undeniable proof of their conquest and fetch them a handsome reward at the guild.
Jack wiped the sheen of sweat from his brow, glancing at the sky now tinged with the deep purples of twilight. "We took longer than expected. It's already past six."
Emma, adjusting her grip on her staff, nodded. "The sun's setting fast. We should pick up the pace."
A rustling in the bushes made them pause, their bodies instinctively tensing.
Rustle… Rustle…
James' hand hovered over his sword hilt, but a moment later, a harmless squirrel scurried past, disappearing into the underbrush. He let out a chuckle. "Relax. We handled an entire wolf pack. What's a little nighttime adventure?"
Jack shot him a dry look. "Yeah, because fighting another beast in the dark sounds like a great idea."
Their laughter was soft but genuine, a testament to the camaraderie forged through battle.
As they emerged from the treeline, the distant glow of Jakartha's town lights flickered like scattered fireflies against the darkening sky. The sight of civilization brought a deep sense of relief, easing the weight of exhaustion pressing on their shoulders.
Near the town gates, two familiar figures stood waiting, Angel and Sofia.
Angel, a graceful woman with an air of wisdom, stood beside Sofia, who clung tightly to Ava's arm. The child's crimson eyes, filled with both worry and excitement, scanned the dimly lit path ahead. As soon as their figures emerged from the twilight haze, Sofia gasped.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Her tiny feet pounded against the cobblestone road as she bolted forward.
"Dad! Mom! Big Brother Jack!" she cried, her voice trembling with relief.
James barely had time to brace himself before Sofia flung into his arms. He caught her effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around her small frame.
"Sofia!" His deep voice rumbled with warmth as he let out a hearty laugh.
The little girl clung to his neck, her tiny hands grasping his cloak as if afraid to let go. Emma knelt beside them, her touch gentle as she ran her fingers through Sofia's soft hair.
"We're fine, sweetheart. You were worried about us?"
Sofia sniffled, her face still buried in her father's chest. Her voice was muffled, but the raw emotion behind her words was unmistakable.
"I was scared… When I heard you took a quest, I didn't know if it was dangerous. But… but you're all okay!"
Jack chuckled, stepping forward to ruffle her hair. "Come on, you should have more faith in your big brother."
Sofia pouted, rubbing her teary eyes before puffing her cheeks in defiance. "I wasn't that worried."
A soft laugh rippled through the group at her adorable attempt to hide her fear.
Ava, who had been silently observing, crossed her arms with a knowing smile. "She has been restless ever since you left. At one point, she even wanted to go after you herself."
Sofia's cheeks darkened in embarrassment. ''Big–Big Sister! Don't say that!"
James lifted his daughter slightly, resting his forehead against hers. "You're always so brave, aren't you?"
Sofia giggled, finally releasing her grip. She stepped back, now looking up at them with excitement instead of worry. "So… tell me! How did your first quest go?"
James exchanged a glance with Jack and Emma before turning back to Ava and Sofia said. His tone turned serious. "What was supposed to be a simple investigation turned into a full-fledged battle. We ran into a Peak 1-Star Wolf Pack… and had no choice but to take them down."
Angel's sharp gaze flickered with surprise, though admiration quickly took its place. "A full pack?'' she repeated, crossing her arms. "That's no small feat for a first quest."
Emma nodded, still catching her breath. "It was tough… but we worked together. Ironfang was incredible help, too."
The armored wolf beside them let out a low, proud growl, its piercing eyes glinting in the lantern light.
Jack grinned. "And the best part? We collected a ton of materials. Fangs, pelts, mana cores you name it. This is going to be a huge profit."
Ava rested a hand on Sofia's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Hear that, Sofia? Your family is amazing."
Sofia's eyes sparkled with admiration as she took a deep breath, her lips curving into a wide smile. "Of course! They're the best!"
The wind carried the sound of her laughter into the night, a melody of relief and joy.
With their reunion complete, the group made their way toward the Adventurer's Guild. Despite the late hour, the town was still alive with activity. Merchants secured their stalls, the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lingering in the cool night air.
Clink! Clatter!
Lanterns swayed gently, casting flickering light over the stone pathways. The towering guild building stood proudly in the heart of the district, its insignia pulsing faintly above the grand entrance.
As they stepped inside, warmth embraced them, a stark contrast to the crisp air outside. The scent of aged wood, parchment, and ale mixed with the lively murmur of adventurers sharing tales of battle.
Clank!
A tankard slammed onto a table as a group of warriors laughed heartily.
Shuffle!
Boots scraped against the wooden floor as figures moved in and out.
A young woman with auburn hair, dressed in a neatly pressed uniform, looked up from behind the counter. Her sharp green eyes brightened with recognition.
"Welcome back! How did your quest go?" Lilia's voice carried over the noise, smooth yet professional.
With a heavy thud, James dropped the bloodied wolf carcass onto the counter, its fur still glistening under the lantern light.
"Mission accomplished." His tone was calm but firm. "We investigated Jakartha Forest and encountered a Peak 1-Star Wolf Pack. We eliminated them and collected proof."
Silence rippled through the nearby adventurers. A few heads turned, curiosity sparked by his words.
Lilia blinked, her fingers pausing over the ledger. "Wait… a whole pack?" Her brows furrowed. "That was just a basic investigation quest!"
Emma exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "Yeah, well… things escalated."
Jack smirked, crossing his arms. "Let's just say we got more than we bargained for."
Lilia quickly reviewed their quest papers, her eyes darting between the official documents and the pile of materials they had collected. She inspected the fangs, pelts, and the glimmering mana cores, verifying their authenticity.
A slow whistle escaped her lips. "Well, given the difficulty spike, you're definitely due for an extra reward."
She reached beneath the counter, pulling out a small pouch.
Clink!
Clink!
Coins rattled as she placed them on the polished wood.
First, she handed over ten silver coins the standard reward. Then, she placed an additional fifty silver coins in front of them.
"This is your bonus for taking down a full Wolf Pack. That's not something just any newbie group can pull off."
James whistled low. "Not bad at all."
Jack leaned forward, casually counting the coins with a practiced hand. "That's sixty already. And we still have the materials to sell."
After a brief negotiation with the guild's merchant, they sold the pelts, fangs, and mana cores for another forty silver coins.
Clink!
The final count was set at one hundred silver coins.
Emma clasped her hands together, relief evident in her voice. "That's more than I expected."
Jack pocketed his share, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Looks like we'll be eating well tonight."
As laughter and celebration filled the air, the weight of their first successful quest settled in. This was just the beginning.
---
With their earnings securely tucked away, the group made their way out of the guild and toward the skyport. The night air felt cooler now, crisp and filled with the quiet hum of the town settling into its night time rhythm. The path was lined with flickering lanterns, casting long shadows as they approached the launch bay.
As Ava Summon Flying boat from her space ring , a compact but sturdy vessel designed for swift travel. The sleek metal hull shimmered in the moonlight, its hull slightly humming, eager to take flight. After all them settle down in flying boat.
Whirr…
The engine came to life with a gentle vibration, and the boat lifted smoothly into the air. The world below them faded into the darkness, replaced by the vast expanse of the night sky, scattered with stars.
Sofia, wide-eyed, gazed out at the stars, her hands pressed against the window. "Big Brother," she said, her voice filled with awe. "Do you think I'll be strong like you one day?"
Jack, sitting beside her, smiled warmly, his gaze softening as he looked down at his little sister. He placed a gentle hand on her head, his voice reassuring. "Stronger. You'll be even stronger."
Sofia giggled, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. Her eyes flickered between Jack and the twinkling stars as she dreamt of the future. "I can't wait!" she said breathlessly.
The boat ascended higher, its engines humming steadily as the town of Jakartha grew smaller beneath them. The feeling of flight, freedom, the wind brushing against the hull was both exhilarating and calming.
---
As they approached their home, the warmth of the evening settled over them. Emma quickly got to work preparing dinner in their cozy kitchen. The wolf meat they had harvested from their successful quest was perfect for a hearty stew. The sizzling sound of meat hitting a hot pot filled the room, accompanied by the smell of roasted vegetables and fresh bread baking in the oven.
Ssssizzle…
The rich aroma of spices, meat, and freshly baked bread wrapped around them like a blanket, making their stomachs growl in unison.
James, with his mug in hand, raised it high with a proud smile. "To our first quest and our first victory!" he declared, his voice carrying warmth and camaraderie.
Everyone clinked their cups together, adults dink alcohol and Sofia ans Jack drink juice, the light metallic chime reverberating in the air, their laughter and stories weaving together like the glow of a shared flame.
Sofia eagerly dug into the stew, her eyes lighting up with delight after her first bite. "This is so good!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and wonder.
Jack chuckled, his voice teasing. "Tastes even better then normal meet." His words were playful, but there was a warmth in his eyes as he glanced at his family, feeling the bond of achievement that tied them together.
The crackling fire in the hearth cast dancing shadows on the walls as they ate and shared stories. The night stretched on peacefully, and the weight of their first quest settled around them like a comfortable blanket. It had been a challenge, no doubt, but it was only the beginning. The road ahead would be full of dangers, victories, and lessons.
But for tonight, they basked in the warmth of their family and the taste of triumph. Together, they had faced their first real challenge and together, they would face whatever came next. Stronger, closer, and more united than ever.
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To Be Continued…!!