Chapter 5
Chapter 5: A Desert Odyssey
Emil logged back into *Eternal Horizons*, the NexusGear once again enveloping him in its immersive embrace. He felt the dry, scorching wind of the Pelis Desert, the heat prickling his skin like needles. This was no ordinary game; the realism was astounding.
He checked his character status before heading out to the hunting grounds:
Character Status:
Name: Shadowblade
Title: -
Level: 2
Experience: 75 / 200
Health Points: 100
Mana Points: 50
Attack: 13
Magic Attack: 5
Defense: 8
Strength: 12
Agility: 14
Vitality: 10
Intelligence: 6
Endurance: 8
Dexterity: 10
Critical Rate: 5%
Item Status:
Weapon Right/Left Hand: Basic Dual Blades (White Rank)
- Attack: 5 each
- Critical Rate: 2%
Suit: Beginner's Leather Armor (White Rank)
- Defense: 3
- Vitality: +2
Gloves: Basic Leather Gloves (White Rank)
- Attack: 1
- Agility: +1
Boots: Basic Leather Boots (White Rank)
- Defense: 1
- Agility: +2
Headgear: Simple Leather Cap (White Rank)
- Defense: 2
- Vitality: +1
Shadowblade set out into the desert, the vast expanse of sand stretching endlessly before him. The oppressive heat was palpable, draining his energy as he trudged forward. It wasn't long before he encountered his first target, a Sand Scavenger.
The battle was intense, the Sand Scavenger quick and agile. Shadowblade had to use all his skills to keep up.
- 10 health points
Shadowblade's Health Points: 90
He retaliated with a Double Slash, his blades striking true.
- 25 health points
Sand Scavenger's Health Points: 55
The scavenger fought back, but Shadowblade's agility allowed him to dodge most of its attacks. After a fierce struggle, he landed the final blow.
+ 15 Experience
Breathing heavily, Shadowblade took a moment to catch his breath. The heat was unbearable, and his health points were dwindling. He decided to head back to the Pelis Outpost to rest and recover.
"Health potions are scarce around here, and even if they weren't, I can't afford them. I'll need to rely on natural regeneration for now."
Back at the outpost, Shadowblade sought out the officer, a stern-looking man named Captain Reyes. Their previous conversations had been brief, but Shadowblade hoped to build a rapport with him.
"Captain Reyes, do you have any information on potential quests?" Shadowblade asked, trying to sound casual.
Reyes looked him over, a glint of respect in his eyes. "You've been making a name for yourself, Shadowblade. There is something you could help with. There's a rumor of dangerous creatures further out in the desert. We need someone to investigate and take care of them."
System Notification:
Ding!
Quest Generated: Desert Menace
Objective: Hunt and eliminate the Desert Hound and Desert Fox in the Pelis Desert.
Rewards: 50 Experience, 10 Gold, Desert Fox Pelt (Crafting Material)
Quest Description:
"The Desert Hound and Desert Fox have been causing trouble for the inhabitants of Pelis Outpost. Hunt them down and bring back their pelts as proof."
Shadowblade accepted the quest and set out once more into the desert. The heat was still oppressive, but he pressed on. It wasn't long before he encountered a Desert Fox.
**Desert Fox**
**Level:** 3
**Health Points:** 100
**Attack:** 15
**Defense:** 10
**Strength:** 12
**Agility:** 16
**Vitality:** 10
**Intelligence:** 6
**Endurance:** 8
**Dexterity:** 10
**Critical Rate:** 6%
**Description:** A cunning predator with sharp claws that can inflict deep wounds.
The Desert Fox was fast, its claws slashing through the air with deadly precision.
- 15 health points
Shadowblade's Health Points: 75
He countered with a Double Slash.
- 30 health points
Desert Fox's Health Points: 70
The battle was fierce, each move calculated. Shadowblade used his wits and skills, dodging and striking with precision. After a grueling fight, he defeated the Desert Fox.
+ 25 Experience
Next, he encountered a Desert Hound.
[Desert Hound]
**Level:** 3
**Health Points:** 120
**Attack:** 20
**Defense:** 15
**Strength:** 15
**Agility:** 14
**Vitality:** 12
**Intelligence:** 5
**Endurance:** 10
**Dexterity:** 8
**Critical Rate:** 6%
**Description:** Often starving and emaciated, it is a scavenger and is always looking for possible prey.
The Desert Hound was relentless, its attacks brutal.
- 20 health points
Shadowblade's Health Points: 55
He fought back with everything he had, his blades flashing in the sunlight.
- 40 health points
Desert Hound's Health Points: 80
After a fierce struggle, he emerged victorious.
+ 25 Experience
Exhausted, Shadowblade returned to the outpost to rest. He approached Captain Reyes once more, hoping for more quests.
"You've done well, Shadowblade," Reyes said. "There's more you can do if you're up for it."
Just then, a desert warrior stumbled into the outpost, pursued by an elite monster, the Red Sand Scavenger.
**Red Sand Scavenger**
**Level:** 5
**Health Points:** 150
**Attack:** 30
**Defense:** 20
**Strength:** 20
**Agility:** 18
**Vitality:** 15
**Intelligence:** 10
**Endurance:** 12
**Dexterity:** 10
**Critical Rate:** 8%
Description: A formidable predator with a tough exoskeleton and deadly pincers.
Shadowblade rushed to help, engaging the elite monster.
- 30 health points
Shadowblade's Health Points: 25
He fought with everything he had, his blades slicing through the air.
- 50 health points
Red Sand Scavenger's Health Points: 100
The battle was fierce, but Shadowblade managed to defeat the elite monster.
+ 50 Experience
The desert warrior, named Kaden, looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and pride.
"I need no help from you, mortal. Stay your ground!" Kaden spat, his pride wounded.
"You believe you've helped me, but you're wrong. This battle was mine to be won or lost! Now you will prove yourself against MY blade--!" Kaden challenged, drawing his sword.
The fight was intense, but Shadowblade emerged victorious. Kaden, humbled, acknowledged his strength.
"You are a true warrior, Shadowblade," Kaden said. "But there is always room for improvement."
Kaden led him to a desert village called Dunescar, where they were greeted by Elder Ramiel. The elder told them of a war between the desert warriors and the Desert Scavengers, who had invaded their sacred desert for unknown reasons.
System Notification:
Quest Generated: Desert Scavenger Extermination
Objective: Defeat the Desert Scavenger Field Boss.
Rewards: 1,000 Experience, 20 Gold Coins, Rare Item (Random)
Shadowblade agreed to help, determined to prove himself and gain the villagers' trust. They prepared for the upcoming battle, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.