Chapter 4
Chapter 4: A New Beginning
Emil, now known as Shadowblade, made his way back to Pelis Outpost, eager to learn more about *Eternal Horizons* and its intricacies. The bustling outpost was alive with activity, players and NPCs mingling as they went about their business. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the desert sands and giving the place an almost ethereal glow.
Upon reaching the outpost, he decided to seek out more information and guidance. The Officer's Quarters seemed like a good place to start. He approached the building and entered, finding himself in a well-furnished office. Behind a sturdy wooden desk sat an imposing figure who immediately caught Emil's attention.
"Welcome, adventurer," the officer said, looking up from a stack of papers. "I am Captain Rodrigo, the commanding officer of this outpost. How can I assist you today?"
Emil was struck by the lifelike quality of the NPC. Captain Rodrigo's movements were fluid, his expressions nuanced. It was almost like speaking to a real person. "I'm new here and trying to get a better understanding of this place," Emil began. "Can you help me out?"
Captain Rodrigo smiled warmly. "Of course. The first step would be to learn what is where, isn't that so? As the merchants are most familiar with this place, go and meet them. It should prove to be of great help."
A notification from the system popped up in front of Emil's vision, drawing his attention.
**Ding!**
**A Quest has appeared: "Meet the Merchants"**
**Details:** Meet the key merchants in Pelis Outpost to familiarize yourself with the available resources and services.
**Objectives:**
1. Meet the Weapons Merchant, Calix.
2. Meet the Armor Merchant, Layla.
3. Meet the Potion Merchant, Toma.
4. Meet the General Goods Merchant, Felix.
**Rewards:**
- 50 Experience Points
- 20 Gold Coins
- Beginner's Cloak (White Rank, +1 Defense, +1 Agility)
Emil accepted the quest and thanked Captain Rodrigo. "I'll get started right away."
"Excellent," Captain Rodrigo replied. "And by the way, you have not yet had the chance to learn a new skill, have you? After reaching level 2, if you go to the instructor, you will receive much advice. Your training will begin in earnest from that point forward."
Emil nodded and left the office, making his way to the marketplace area of the outpost. He spotted a small shop with swords displayed prominently and assumed it was the weapons merchant.
Inside, he found a tall, muscular man polishing a blade. The man looked up and greeted him with a friendly smile. "Are you the fighter who just arrived? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Calix, the weapons merchant. I deal primarily in the swords that are used by bladers."
"I'm Shadowblade," Emil replied, shaking Calix's hand. "Nice to meet you."
They chatted for a while, with Calix explaining the various types of swords and their uses. Emil was impressed by the merchant's extensive knowledge and the quality of the weapons on display.
After learning all he could from Calix, Emil moved on to the next merchant. Layla, the armor merchant, was a petite woman with a keen eye for detail. "Welcome! I'm Layla. If you need protection, you've come to the right place. I specialize in all kinds of armor, from light leather to heavy plate."
They talked about the importance of good armor and how different types provided varying levels of protection. Layla was enthusiastic and passionate about her trade, making the conversation both enjoyable and informative.
Next, Emil visited Toma, the potion merchant. Toma was an older man with a kind face and a wealth of knowledge about herbs and potions. "Hello, young adventurer. I'm Toma. Potions can be the difference between life and death out there, so don't underestimate their importance."
Toma explained the various potions he had for sale, from health and mana potions to those that granted temporary boosts in strength or agility. Emil made a mental note of the ones he might need in the future.
Finally, Emil went to see Felix, the general goods merchant. Felix was a jovial man with a booming laugh. "Ah, a new face! I'm Felix. If you need it, I probably have it. From food and drink to crafting materials, I've got you covered."
They chatted about the various goods Felix had in stock, and Emil picked up a few essentials, grateful for the detailed explanations and friendly advice.
Having met all the merchants, Emil returned to Captain Rodrigo's office to report his progress. "I've met all the merchants and learned a lot," he said.
"Good work, Shadowblade," Captain Rodrigo replied. "Here is your reward."
**Quest Complete: "Meet the Merchants"**
**Rewards:**
- 50 Experience Points
- 20 Gold Coins
- Beginner's Cloak (White Rank, +1 Defense, +1 Agility)
Emil felt a surge of satisfaction as he received his rewards. He equipped the Beginner's Cloak, feeling its slight boost to his defense and agility. A notification popped up, indicating that he had leveled up.
**Congratulations! You have reached Level 2.**
Along with the level up, he received a new skill:
**New Skill: Triple Slash**
- Attack a target with three rapid strikes (12 MP per use, additional 15% critical chance on third strike)
- Damage: 15% + base attack per hit
- Cooldown: 10 seconds
Eager to try out his new skill, Emil thanked Captain Rodrigo once more and left the office. He ventured back into the desert, seeking another battle to test his abilities.
As he wandered the sands, he came across another Sand Warg. This time, he felt more confident. He engaged the creature, his movements more fluid and precise thanks to his new cloak and skill.
The Warg lunged at him, but Emil dodged and activated Triple Slash. His blades moved in a blur, striking the creature three times in rapid succession.
```
-15 HP
-18 HP
-20 HP (Critical)
Sand Warg HP: -3/50
+10 Experience
```
The Warg fell, defeated, and Emil felt a rush of exhilaration. The battle had been swift and decisive, showcasing the effectiveness of his new skill. As he stood over the fallen creature, he marveled at the game's realism once more.
"Maybe this world is just what I needed," he thought, a smile spreading across his face. "A place where I can truly be myself and start anew."
With renewed determination, Emil continued his journey through *Eternal Horizons*, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.