A New Quest
The quest changed that day, to an entirely new one.
{Quest: Defeat the Forest Guardian}
{Reward: The Barrier will dissapear, It may drop loot. It will drop EXP and potentially a unique skill.}
Later that day, Dain gathered the entire camp near the centre. A large bonfire was struck, and people ate as he spoke.
The murmurs in the camp gradually faded, and all eyes turned to Dain as he stood at the center of the gathered survivors. His tall figure, cloaked in armor that was far superior to everyone else's, dragged people's eyes to him. The air was thick with worry, the tension palpable, as the man who had led the strongest group so far, he took full command of the situation.
Dain let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking, his voice cutting through the crowd like a sword. "Listen up, everyone." His voice was sharp, firm, yet tinged with a sense of urgency. "You've all heard the stories. You've all heard what happened to the two groups that went out earlier. They didn't just fail—they were slaughtered. Wiped out, without a single chance to fight back. Their leader, that poor bastard we dragged back here, is the only one who made it out alive, and he was only spared to act as it's messenger."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. His gaze swept across the crowd, watching the flicker of fear in their eyes, the hesitation in their posture. "I don't have to tell you that we're not in a safe place. This forest is a time bomb, eventually the resources inside will plummet and we will starve unless we leave. I think we all know the only way to break the barrier keeping us inside is to defeat the guardian."
A few people shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the Guardian. The stories they'd heard were enough to make the bravest men shudder.
"Right now, the only way out is that.." Dain's tone was unwavering. "We destroy the Guardian, we destroy the barrier. Simple as that. But don't get it twisted—this won't be easy. It will take bravery and heart to join me in my quest to defeat it.
He exhaled, his chest rising and falling as he collected his thoughts. "What we're dealing with is no ordinary monster. This thing has killed ten people, wiped out two entire groups with ease. From what we know, it's not just physi cally strong—it's silent and huge. It's also... Level 13."
Dain took a step forward, his voice steady but intense. "But here's the thing—you all have a choice. No one is going to be forced into this. But I need those who are willing to risk everything to step forward now. I need fighters who aren't afraid to die. Because we're going after that Guardian, and I can't guarantee everyone in the squad will survive."
There was a tense pause. The camp was eerily silent, no one daring to speak. Dain's gaze swept over the crowd, waiting for someone to take the first step.
After what felt like an eternity, a voice broke the silence. "I'll go."
It was Kale, the Level 6 scout from Dain's group. "I'm not afraid of some oversized monster. I watched you get through the impossible trial with ease, this won't be where your story ends."
Dain nodded approvingly. "Good. We need every strong fighter we can get."
Next the rest of Dain's group joined. Now the squad had 5 members.
Then, 8 others joined. All at minimum, level 5. The group went from 5 to 13.
"Now we have thirteen, if anyone else wants to join let me know."
The meeting was over, those who didn't join the squad said they would help by gathering resources such as food or wood to build shelter.
After the meeting, Dain approached Julius and Yara who were eating by their tents.
"Will you two join us? The boss will have some impressive rewards, I'm sure you could assume that much at least. My group will take the front-line, you just have to assist by hitting the boss whilst we keep it's aggro."
Dain had a somber look in his eyes.
"Sure." Julius said calmly. Yara looked at him like he was crazy.
"Huh? That thing killed 10 people. What are you doing?"
"She'll go too."
Julius looked at Yara tiredly. "Didn't you want to become stronger? There won't be much danger, there are already thirteen people, and possibly more to come."
"Fine, but I'm staying 30 meters behind." Yara muttered.
"Great." Dain cheered. "Now that brings the total to fifteen, come meet with my group at the centre tomorrow morning. From there we will enter the forest and follow the path that the other group took, the one that got wiped out."
"See you tomorrow." Julius said kindly.
"Farewell June, and you too lady." Dain left, bobbing up and down happily.
"So why are we helping them?" Yara spoke suspiciously.
"Because we need the loot, and we probably don't have to do much anyways." Julius whispered, so nobody else could hear. "Plus, I want to see the power of the group that cleared the impossible trial with no difficulty whatsoever."
He slept well that night, knowing tomorrow could be the point where his confusion around Dain and Dain's group would be cleared up. He wasn't scared of the Forest Guardian, after all he would just stealth out if things didn't go to plan.
Julius had been thinking for a while, with his shadow veil which increased stealth, and his [Stealth] skill he was nigh untraceable.
Lastly, Julius looked at his system.
{Abilities: {Unlocky Skill Shop At Level 7}
He wanted the skill shop, and he also wanted medallions.
He looked at the updated quest.
{Quest: Defeat the Forest Guardian}
{Reward: The Barrier will dissapear, It may drop loot. It will drop EXP and potentially a unique skill.}
'Tomorrow will be interesting.' He thought, before his body fell to the cold grip of sleep.