Chapter 19 : Side Quest [ 2 ]

Quests are tasks assigned by the system that often require completing challenges, such as clearing a dungeon, gate, or tower. These quests are typically entrusted to individuals known as "Singularities," who have the power to alter the entire story. Their decisions and actions inevitably shape the course of events in the world of Acendia.

Lost in his thoughts, Lo contemplated his next move. If he saved the alchemist, Aya would notice that the alchemist didn't die, and there would be a significant change in the story. In the original novel, the alchemist was supposed to die, and the same scenario occurred in the sequel.

However, saving the alchemist could lead to a new path that he created, diverting the story into a different direction. "What a troublesome situation," he thought. "This is why Singularities always give me a headache."

The weight of responsibility felt like a burden on his shoulders. Lo knew that every decision he made had the potential to alter the course of the entire story, and the constant uncertainty and anxiety were starting to take a toll on him.

"Should I just let Leo do all the work? That was my initial plan, to stay in the shadows and provide support. But ever since I came to this world, I kept trying to become stronger unconsciously." Lo questioned himself, unsure of his next steps.

After pondering for a while, he decided to seek advice from Lector. However, as he realized he only had 1142 AC left, he couldn't help but let out an inward sigh.

'I really need to earn more AC so that I can purchase more information from Lector and buy some skills on the System Shop,' Lo thought to himself with frustration evident in his face as he rubbed his chin. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a transparent holographic window that appeared in front of him.

[ How may the system help you? ]

"What would happen to the story if I clear the side quest 'The Path of Abyss'? Will there any big changes?" he inquired as his tone laced with curiosity.

[ That would depend on the host. ]

Lo's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and disbelief as he asked, "What do you mean? And why did you just give me the information for free? I thought I needed to pay to obtain any information."

[ The system has deemed this question free from paying. ]

his puzzled expression deepened, unable to fathom why the system would be so generous. He couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

[ The story will not deviate from its current path unless the host desires it. ]

"Obviously, I don't want the story to deviate from its original path. It would only make my life harder," Lo scoffed with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"But what do you mean by 'depend on the host'?" he pressed further.

[ Would the host be willing to spend 10,000 AC for the information? ]

Lo fell silent, staring at the screen in disbelief. He cursed the system inwardly for providing such an outrageous price. It was clear that the system didn't want him to obtain the information he wanted.

With frustration and anger evident in his face, Lo raised his voice and exclaimed, "Seriously? You expect me to pay 10,000 AC for a single piece of information? That's a blatant rip-off!"

Lo's outburst caught the attention of several students who turned to look at him as though he were a madman speaking to the air. The group of Leo also turned their heads to see what was happening.

They looked at Lo with confusion and concern, wondering what could have caused him to act in such a strange manner. oblivious to the stares and attention he was receiving, Lo continued to curse under his breath.

Leo expressed his concern, "What happened to him to make him so agitated?"

Mary added, "I never thought he would get this angry. I always thought he would act as cold as Lena."

Lena retorted to Mary, "Why do I always get mentioned whenever it's related to that guy!?"

Aya shared her opinion, "Well, that's because both of your personalities are quite similar. Plus, you two could be mistaken for a couple, a silver-haired beauty and a white-haired young man. You two look like a match made in heaven."

Lena glared at Aya feeling her temper rising at Aya's comment. Her murderous intent began to seep out as she responded, "Don't start with that nonsense."

Aya immediately backed off, feeling a cold chill running down her spine, her hands in a gesture of surrender and muttered,. "Okay, okay, sorry. I was just joking, no need to get mad."

The students around them could sense the subtle murderous intent leaking from Lena, causing a shiver running down in their spines. they began to distance themselves from the group. as if they were afraid of being hunted down by a monster.

As the situation continue to unfolded, Mary's curiosity was piqued. She wondered to herself, 'What could have possibly made him so agitated? And why was he talking to thin air?'

Similarly, Aya was puzzled by Lo's strange behavior. Was he really conversing with someone or just talking to himself? She made a mental note to observe him more closely, determined to find out the mysteries surrounding him.

However, their train of thought was abruptly interrupted by Leo. "The battle is about to end, girls," he announced.

The sudden interruption caused Mary and Aya to snap out of their contemplation, refocusing their attention on the ongoing battle.

Lena, on the other hand, was clearly irritated. She glared at Lo with a mixture of annoyance and disdain, muttering under her breath, "There's no way I would fall for that guy." She then shifted her attention to the fierce match between Eleanor and Owen, her eyes fixed on their every move.

The match between Eleanor and Owen was a one-sided beatdown, as Eleanor's vast battle experience enabled her to dominate the fight. The clash of swords and spears echoed throughout the field, as the two continue to relentlessly attack and block each other, their attacks ringing loudly in the air.

Time flew by in a blur, and Owen's clear disadvantage in battle experience started to take its toll, as exhaustion began to set in. Despite his hard work and determination, he simply couldn't match Eleanor, who was the daughter of Kishiliya Enes, The Sword Prodigy.

The match between Eleanor and Owen came to a close with Eleanor emerging victorious, having barely broken a sweat, while Owen breathed heavily, struggling to catch his breath. Eleanor approached him and offered him her hand, a gesture of good sportsmanship. Initially, Owen had considered ignoring her hand, but he ultimately decided to accept it. Despite his loss, he knew he had given it his all against an opponent as talented as Eleanor.

Meanwhile, Lo was taken aback by Owen's decision to accept Eleanor's hand. He couldn't help but wonder, 'Is it because of Lena's behavior towards him in the novel? Did it create an inferiority complex, making him feel like a weak opponent?'