Chapter 11

After chatting for some time with the two siblings, Kazuki found out that they were from a family of adventurers. Their parents and even their uncles were all adventurers. When the two siblings heard about the grand quest at the Black Cloud City, they immediately decided to participate.

Obviously, the two siblings were not eyeing the first reward or even the top ten rewards. After all, those rewards would probably fell into the hands of the powerful warriors. What the two siblings wanted were the lower rewards. According to what they heard, every participant would get a reward as long as he joined the grand task.

After traveling for a whole day, Kazuki and his companions have finally arrived at the borders of the Black Cloud City. The city was considered a trade center. Different merchants and adventurers would enter the city every day to do business. Additionally, the city had a shipping port which helped the merchants transport their own goods to the other cities.

Kazuki and the two siblings got off the carriage as he told them that attendant Lee will camp outside the city. Kazuki had instructed attendant Lee earlier to wait for him in the wilderness outside the city. After all, no one was with Titan. Titan had followed them in the shadows of the trees, so, the two siblings didn't saw it.

Kazuki covered his face with a mask. After all, this city was part of the Azure Empire. Some officials here would be able to recognize Kazuki which he didn't want. After attendant Lee had left, Kazuki and the two siblings headed to the gate of the city.

"We need to line up."

Haruka said, after seeing the overcrowded gate entrance.

"Mm."

Kazuki answered, nodding

"There are a lot of elemental warriors."

Haru said in amazement.

"most of them are probably here for the grand quest."

Haruka said with a smile.

After standing in the line for some time, the trio has finally entered the Black Cloud City. The trio didn't waste any time and walked straight towards the Mercenary Guild place.

"let's go to the task's board and see the grand task announcement content.

Haru suggested after arriving at the Mercenary Guild.

The place of the Mercenary Guild was quite massive. Its main hall was wide enough to accommodate hundreds of people. At the center of the wide hall was the tasks board. A lot of people were already standing at a particular spot.

"seems like the grand quest announcement is right over there."

Haru pointed towards the crowded spot.

"let's go and have a look."

Kazuki said.

..

"Haruka look! It's only an escorting mission."

Haru said excitedly.

"Read first the entire content before getting excited. Do you see the mission location."

Haruka said.

Haru looked at the mission's location. A grave expression was slowly appearing on his face after reading the mission's location. The location was The Dark Forest.

The Dark Forest was one of the five most dangerous zones in the Ancient World. As the name implies, the entire Dark Forest was covered in darkness. Its thick and massive trees stopped the sun's light from reaching the inside of the forest. Those who want to venture there need to bring any sorts of lights with them to be able to see. It was a fact that there was no light inside the forest. However, the forest's real dangers didn't lay in its darkness, but the creatures inside. Besides the dangerous wild beasts, there were also goblins. Those green creatures were very dangerous, they would kill any human they encountered on the spot. Not only that, but their numbers inside The Dark Forest was uncountable.

Some warriors began to give up when they saw the location. Even though the reward was generous, their life was more important to them. At the same time, other warriors chose to join the task as the reward was simply tempting for them. Haru and Haruka didn't know what to do and chose to rest first before deciding. They thanked Kazuki again then bid farewell to him. Kazuki nodded at them. He didn't ask about their decision because they didn't have a close relationship.

Kazuki looked at the rewards. The top reward was really a high crystal weapon. The rest of the top ten rewards were surprisingly rare tier treasures. The treasures in the Ancient World were divided into four tiers. The first tier was called the common tier. This tier was for normal treasures that could be found easily like the jewelry of women. The second tier was called a rare tier. This tier was for the treasures that could be used by the bronze warriors. The third tier was called the epic tier. This tier was for the treasures that could be used by the silver warriors. The fourth tier was the mystical tier. This tier was for treasures that could be used by the golden warriors.

What attracted Kazuki from the nine rare treasures was the black moon berries. These berries were very useful to increase the affinity of iron users. If he could give it to Titan, then, he may be able to advance to the next stage and become a second stage bronze beast. Kazuki didn't hesitate and chose to join the grand task. The task was going to be dangerous, but Kazuki was confident in his ability to escape almost any danger.

After leaving the Mercenary Guild, Kazuki decided to buy some books about the Dark Forest. He immediately went to the Golden City Market branch of the Black Cloud City.

At the market, Kazuki didn't only buy books but also bought some necessary items for this mission like a lightning rod which was used to lighten a small area. Kazuki grew up planning everything ahead of its date-time before doing something.

After buying everything he needed. Kazuki bought another carriage and just returned to attendant Lee and Titan outside the city. According to the grand announcement, there would be a test selection to choose those who are suitable to join the grand task. That test would be two days later which gave Kazuki enough time to study the books.

To be continued.