Main Quest: HUNT THE ARCANE PACK
Kuonh couldn't help but smile at their warm reception. He had half-expected them to dismiss him outright due to his newbie status or get straight to business without the niceties, but their behavior was genuinely welcoming. They took the time to introduce themselves and made him feel like an integral part of the group, even if it was just for a single quest.
As Kuonh continued to bask in the warm atmosphere of his newfound party, he couldn't help but think that maybe his initial unease had been unwarranted. The genuine warmth and camaraderie displayed by his party members went a long way in dispelling his earlier doubts. Perhaps his instincts were mistaken, and this party was just a group of friendly players, eager to embark on their quest together.
"It's nice to meet you all," Kuonh repeated, his smile growing wider. "I'm really looking forward to this quest. Let's give those Arcanes a run for their money!"
His three companions echoed their agreement, and Kuonh's doubts began to fade away, replaced by a growing excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.
Suddenly, a notification window popped up in Kuonh's field of vision, catching his attention.
[Klent sent you a party invitation.]
Accept?
[yes]
Without hesitation, Kuonh accepted the invitation, and a cheerful chime confirmed his inclusion in the party.
*ting*
PARTY 5/5
Party leader: Klent
Race: Elf
HP: 700/700 MP: 1900/1900
Party member: Andy
Race: Dragan
HP: 2000/2000 MP: 500/500
Party member: Naida
Race: Merh
HP: 900/900 MP: 1600/1600
Party member: Trey
Race: Dragan
HP: 1800/1800 MP: 700/700
Party member: Kuonh
Race: Human
HP: 1600/1600 MP: 1000/1000
Kuonh took a moment to observe the newly updated party screen. It displayed not only their HP and MP but also their respective races. However, he noticed something peculiar – there was no indication of their levels. Kuonh wondered if it was a unique feature of this game or if there was a specific reason behind it. Either way, he was now officially part of a five-member party, ready to take on the challenge that lay ahead.
**
[Main Quest: HUNT THE ARCANE PACK]
Quest Objectives:
Hunt down and eliminate four ARCANE PACK members
Duration: Unlimited
Rewards:
300 Experience Points
5 Gold Coins
As the party of adventurers set off toward the Nora Forest, the conversation flowed easily among them. Klent, the mage, took the lead in explaining their quest.
"So, guys, the Arcanes are our target," Klent began. "They usually inhabit the Nora Forest. It's a bit of a dangerous place, but with our team composition, we should be fine. I've done some research on Arcanes and their habitat since I'm a bit of a gamer myself."
Kuonh's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, really? That's great! It's always helpful to have someone who knows the game well."
Klent nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! And since we're all gamers here, we should be able to handle this quest with ease. It's like putting our gaming skills to practical use."
Kuonh couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as he heard Klent refer to him as a "gamer." It was a simple term, but in this virtual world of NEuEarth, it held a special significance. It meant that he wasn't just a newcomer or a novice; he was part of a group of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for gaming.
Andy, the tank, chimed in, "Yeah, I used to play a ton of MMORPGs back in the day. Tanking's my thing, so I'll make sure to keep those Arcanes off you guys."
Naida, the healer, smiled. "I've been a dedicated healer in games for as long as I can remember. You guys will stay in tip-top shape with me around."
Naida, the healer, graced the party with a radiant smile, her presence exuding an aura of beauty and gentleness. Her long, flowing hair, a mesmerizing shade of blue-green, cascaded down her back, catching the virtual sunlight and casting a shimmering reflection. Her ocean-colored eyes sparkled with warmth, and her features possessed an ethereal quality that made her truly captivating.
Klent walked alongside Naida, his elven grace complementing her gentle beauty. He leaned in slightly, speaking in a hushed tone that only they could hear amidst the ambient sounds of the virtual world.
"Naida," Klent began, his blue eyes filled with sincerity, "if you ever need assistance, know that I'll always be there for you. Healing can be a demanding role, and I want you to feel comfortable relying on me whenever necessary."
Naida's ocean-colored eyes met his, and a soft smile graced her lips. She nodded appreciatively, her trust in her fellow party member growing stronger with each step they took together.
Trey, the swordsman, remained mostly silent throughout the conversation. Kuonh couldn't help but notice that something about him seemed off, but he shrugged it off, attributing it to Trey being more reserved.
As they walked further into the forest, their talk turned to their gaming experiences. They shared stories of epic boss battles, hilarious in-game mishaps, and favorite MMORPGs they had played over the years. It was a bonding experience, and Kuonh couldn't help but feel like he was part of a group of friends who shared a common passion.
[Nora Forest]
The journey to Nora Forest had been relatively peaceful so far, with the party walking in harmony with the virtual world around them. The sun hung high in the sky, casting dappled shadows as they ventured deeper into the woods. The forest was a symphony of rustling leaves and distant chirping birds, a stark contrast to the bustling city they had left behind.
However, as they approached the northern edge of the forest, Klent raised his arm in a signal, prompting the others to halt. He pressed a finger to his lips, urging silence, and the rest of the party nodded in understanding.
"Tch. It's much stronger than I thought," Klent muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
[Arcane]
Just a short distance away, they spotted a lone canine creature. Its size was formidable, akin to that of a tiger when measured from the top of its head. The creature's name was displayed in an ominous shade of green, indicating that, from Kuonh's perspective, it was at his level. However, Klent's reaction suggested otherwise, hinting that he saw a mixture of yellow and green, signifying a monster slightly above their capabilities.
Kuonh couldn't help but feel a knot of tension in his stomach. It seemed they were about to face their first true challenge in this world, and the uncertainty of the encounter hung in the air like a heavy shroud.