Chapter 7

Chapter 7: A Mother's Grave

Shadowblade, known as Emil in the real world, stood before his mother's grave. The small cemetery was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the game world. He placed a bouquet of white lilies on the grave, his heart heavy with memories and unspoken words.

"Hey, Mom," he began, his voice trembling. "It's been a while since I came here. I've been... busy. You know, trying to find my way in this crazy world."

He knelt down, touching the cold stone. "I wish you were here to see what I've been doing. I know you always wanted me to follow my dreams, and I think I might have finally found something worth pursuing."

Emil paused, gathering his thoughts. "I started playing this game, Eternal Horizon. It's amazing, Mom. The world is so vast and full of possibilities. I've been through some tough battles, met some incredible people... It reminds me a lot of the old days with my friends and the gang."

Tears welled up in his eyes as he continued. "I've been working hard, Mom. I even defeated a Field Boss, the Desert Scavenger Field Boss, Gorthak the Ravager. It was intense, but I made it through. I think you'd be proud of me."

He smiled through his tears. "I know it's just a game, but it feels like more than that. It's given me a purpose, something to strive for. And the money... well, it helps too. I've made some decent coin, enough to get by for now."

Emil took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. "I miss you, Mom. Every day. But I'm trying to live in a way that would make you proud. I promise I'll keep pushing forward, no matter what."

He stayed there for a while longer, sharing stories and memories, finding solace in the connection he still felt with his mother. Finally, he stood up, wiping away his tears. "I'll come back soon, Mom. I promise."

Leaving the cemetery, Emil made his way home, stopping by a street vendor to buy some food. The aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air, and he couldn't resist the temptation.

"One order of pork skewers, please," he said to the vendor, an older man with a kind smile.

"Coming right up!" the vendor replied. "You look like you've had a long day, son."

Emil nodded. "Yeah, it's been... eventful."

As he waited for his food, he struck up a conversation with a young woman next to him. "Hi, I'm Emil. Just grabbing a quick bite before heading home."

She smiled. "Nice to meet you, Emil. I'm Mia. I come here often; the food is the best around."

They chatted for a while, exchanging stories and laughter. It felt good to connect with people in the real world, to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

With his food in hand, Emil finally headed home. He didn't log into the game immediately. Instead, he spent some time researching, trying to improve his knowledge about Eternal Horizon. He read forums, watched videos, and absorbed as much information as he could.

He learned about different strategies, optimal builds, and hidden quests. He also discovered that the game economy was intricate, with ways to earn money both in-game and by selling items to other players.

Emil sat down with a notebook, planning out his finances. He had 120 gold coins, equivalent to 12,000 pesos, which was a significant amount for just a week of playing. But he needed a sustainable plan to continue supporting himself.

"Okay," he muttered to himself. "I need to balance my expenses. I can't rely solely on the game. What if I start a channel on NewTube? I could share my adventures and help newbies along the way. Maybe even make some money from it."

Excited by the idea, Emil set up his NewTube account, calling it "Shadowblade Chronicles." He created his first video, a basic guide to help new players get started in Eternal Horizon. He shared tips, tricks, and his own experiences, making the content both informational and entertaining.

"Hey, everyone! Welcome to Shadowblade Chronicles! Today, I'm going to share some tips to help you get started in Eternal Horizon. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to improve, I've got you covered."

He uploaded the video, hoping it would reach and help others. With a sense of accomplishment, he finally logged back into the game.

As Shadowblade, he returned to Dunescar Village, where he was greeted warmly by the villagers. They remembered his bravery in the battle against the Sand Scavengers and treated him with high regard.

"Shadowblade! Welcome back!" called out a villager named Jara.

"It's good to see you again," added another, Boro. "You've become quite the hero around here."

Shadowblade smiled, appreciating their kindness. He made his way to the elder's hut, eager to see if there were any new quests.

"Elder, it's good to see you," he greeted.

The elder, a wise and ancient figure, nodded. "Shadowblade, your presence brings hope to our village. There is indeed a task that requires your skills."

"I'm ready. What do you need me to do?" Shadowblade asked.

The elder handed him a scroll. "This will lead you to the Battle Instructor, Marak, in Pelis Outpost. Tell him I recommended you. He will test your abilities and guide you further."

Shadowblade took the scroll with gratitude. "Thank you, Elder. I won't let you down."

He made his way to Pelis Outpost, a bustling hub of activity. The Battle Instructor, Marak, was a stern-looking man with a scar across his face. He eyed Shadowblade with suspicion.

"Who are you?" Marak demanded.

"Shadowblade," he replied. "The elder from Dunescar Village recommended me."

Marak grunted, still skeptical. "The elder, huh? Fine. Let's see what you've got."

Ding!

New Quest: Proving Ground

Objective: Prove your worth to Battle Instructor Marak by completing a series of combat challenges.

Rewards: 500 Experience, 50 Gold, Skill Book (Random)

Shadowblade accepted the quest, determination burning in his eyes. This was just the beginning of his journey, both in the game and in the real world. With a plan in place and new allies by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.