Tear of Luna

The duo found themselves unexpectedly entrusted with a momentous mission by Devah, the bewitching Spirit of the Enchanted Grove forest. Intriguingly, Ariya experienced a sudden epiphany, a revelation that would alter their course. And what was this revelation, you ask? None other than the disheartening truth that acquiring the coveted Starlight Blossom from Devah seemed utterly impossible.

In a remarkable turn of events, Ariya stumbled upon the precious Starlight Blossom concealed within the folds of Devah's exquisite attire. Astonishingly, it appeared that Devah had been adorning herself with the blossom, seemingly unaware of its profound significance. This revelation left Ariya pondering the enigmatic intentions of the Witch Spirit. Was Devah truly oblivious to the herb's value, or was she deliberately tempting them, inviting them to reveal their true nature? The air crackled with intrigue and uncertainty as Ariya grappled with these tantalizing possibilities.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips, carrying with it a sense of resignation. "I must release my aspirations of acquiring the elusive Starlight Blossom at this juncture," she whispered to herself, an air of despondency surrounding her words. Unbeknownst to Ariya, Arsen stood in such proximity that he couldn't catch the entirety of her statement, only fragments of her internal monologue slipped through his ears.

Caught in a quandary, Arsen grappled with uncertainty as he pondered how to respond to Ariya's words. The weight of the knowledge that the Witch Spirit was an adversary he couldn't triumph over, no matter how valiant his efforts, bore down upon him. Yet, he was acutely aware of the predicament he found himself in. Why, you may wonder? Simply because, should he fail to assist the alchemist in reaching the next level, all the remarkable milestones he had achieved thus far in their shared quest would evaporate like fragile bubbles, leaving him empty-handed and devoid of progress. The stakes had never been higher, intensifying the urgency of his next move.

'I should steal the starlight blossom and run away?' Arsen immediately shook his head before adding these words. 'No, it's plain suicide. Or maybe, I should try to ask her about this. There's a chance she will give it to me, right?' Even though it was impossible or there was no reason for Devah to give the starlight blossom. Arsen was full of possibilities, as well as hope.

_

Across the gaming realm, countless other players tirelessly embarked on their quests, engaging in relentless battles with formidable monsters, all in pursuit of ascending to higher levels. Straining their skills and exerting unwavering effort, they poured their determination into the virtual world. Yet, despite their unwavering dedication, an undeniable truth loomed overhead—the lofty heights of progress were attained by only a select few. Among the vast multitude of adventurers, a solitary player emerged, standing head and shoulders above the rest, their level proudly displaying a remarkable achievement of level 2, an impressive 87% of the way towards conquering the next milestone. Their prowess had become the stuff of legends, an inspiration and envy alike to those striving to emulate their unparalleled success.

The explanation for this phenomenon can be summarized quite simply. In the realm of the game, party raids were a customary formation consisting of five members, each fulfilling crucial roles such as Clerics, Swordsmen, and more. Undeniably, joining forces with fellow players in a party brought about unparalleled convenience, fostering a sense of cooperation and reliance during pivotal moments. However, therein lay the challenge—the distribution of experience points (EXP) earned after vanquishing a formidable monster. As with many virtual reality games, all members within the party raid would receive equal EXP shares. Yet, a crucial rule dictated that the player who landed the final blow on the monster would reap a more substantial share of EXP, creating an imbalance within the party's progression.

Frustration surged through the veins of the man in his mid-twenties, his exasperation palpable. "Damn it! Why is it so excruciatingly difficult to ascend to level 3?" he muttered inwardly, his determination tinged with a hint of desperation. Donned in sturdy leather armor and wielding a gleaming sword, his outward appearance unmistakably marked him as a formidable swordsman. An opportunistic gleam flashed in his eyes as he contemplated his strategy. "I'll ensure I always land the final blow," he resolved, his mind fixated on the tantalizing prospect of claiming the lion's share of EXP. A self-satisfied grin danced upon his lips as he contemplated his cunning move. "I'm fortunate to have recruited these unsuspecting newcomers," he mused, savoring the advantage his companions' obliviousness afforded him. Unbeknownst to them, his grasp on the lion's share of EXP remained shrouded in secrecy, a hidden advantage skillfully exploited for his own benefit.

His name was Hardbringer, one of the beta testers of Breakthrough Online, and achieved some milestones.

As the party drew closer to the fabled Enchanted Grove Forest, a voice rang out addressing their leader, Hardbringer. "Leader Hardbringer, we are on the cusp of entering the Enchanted Grove Forest. Rumors abound that it teems with magical monsters, and there's an unsettling tale that all who venture within its depths never return, save for their resurrection at the starting point upon meeting their demise. Perhaps, I propose, we should reconsider our course and retreat to the safety of the city, seeking an alternative location where we can swiftly gain levels and experience?"

The words hung in the air, laced with caution and apprehension. The suggestion held a valid concern for the well-being of the party, offering an opportunity to avoid the perils whispered about the Enchanted Grove Forest. Now, the decision lay with Hardbringer, their esteemed leader, to weigh the potential rewards against the formidable risks that awaited them within the enchanted domain.

Hardbringer's brow furrowed as he contemplated the gravity of the situation. The disconcerting rumors surrounding the Enchanted Grove Forest were not unfamiliar to him, nor was its treacherous nature a secret. Yet, a resolute determination flickered in his eyes, unwavering in the face of adversity. Running away was never part of his plan. In his mind, the path to achieving higher levels demanded confronting formidable foes, and the Enchanted Grove Forest presented itself as the ideal grounds for intensive farming.

With a measured resolve, Hardbringer steeled himself, his convictions bolstered by the belief that taking on advanced monsters within the forest would pave the way for their party's growth. He understood that the greatest rewards often lay on the other side of great risks. Firmly gripping his weapon, he addressed his comrades with unwavering determination. "We shall press forward," he declared, his voice filled with a mix of confidence and dauntlessness. "To reach greater heights, we must face the challenges that lie before us. To reach greater heights, we must face the challenges that lie before us. Together, we shall conquer the Enchanted Grove Forest, surmount its dangers, and emerge triumphant, strengthened by the spoils it holds."

Upon hearing this, the four other members had doubted expressions on their faces. Exchanging glances like telling each other that they should leave this party until there was a time.

Why don't you reconsider it, Leader Hardbringer?

Yes, that's right. Our abilities are not qualified to contest this forest. We can't afford to throw our lives here.

Of course, Hardbringer was quite upset with their sentence. Nevertheless, he decided to control his emotion and settle the situation with his convincing words.

"I think each one of you doesn't understand the current situation we have right now." He sighed as he showed slight disappointment toward them. "As you can see, we are having a hard time earning exp from those level creatures. Fighting advanced monsters is the only key to achieving that."

"But I do comprehend your apprehension, and I am not a leader who disregards the concerns of my comrades," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret. "Let us gather our belongings. We shall depart from this place. It was my mistake to assume that our aspirations aligned, with a shared goal of gaining an advantage over other players. I shall seek another party once we have separated."

The four of them hesitated for a moment, their minds grasping the sudden revelation. It dawned on them that, according to their astute leader, wielding a distinct advantage over their adversaries proved exceedingly potent at this critical juncture of the game. In an instant, their gazes locked, and a silent agreement passed between them, punctuated by a series of approving nods.

Wait, Leader Hardbringer.

We will come with you!

I know you are not a selfish leader. And you didn't act like this without a valid reason.

"That's fine, I'm not forcing anyone. But since you agreed, let's keep going. We have a long night. Kiki."

__

On the opposite end, Arsen and Ariya beheld a sprawling expanse of a magnificent lake, its azure waters stretching far and wide, revealing tantalizing glimpses of unexplored territory beyond.

"We reached the location. From now on, you should not lower your guard. We don't know when those creatures would attack us." She said in a serious tone, then took another item out of her pocket. It was a glass that had a blue liquid inside. "Drink this. It will allow you to breathe underwater for 30 minutes."

"Eh, what do you mean by that? Are you telling me that we are going underwater?" he asked in a shocked tone.

"Of course, we can't find the tear of Luna in the land. Why? Do you have another idea?"