13. First System Mission

The forest air grew colder, and the shadow looming over me felt thicker, suffocating. The moment I heard that voice, I felt my stomach twist.

"Well, well," it hissed again, the dark figure stepping out from the shadows, "looks like we have a bunny here."

My muscles tensed as I glared at the figure, trying to calm the panic rising in my chest. I was barely standing, my body aching from the battle with the wolf. And now this? Who was this guy?

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the fear creeping up on me. My grip on the shattered remnants of my dagger tightened.

The figure chuckled, a low, arrogant sound that grated on my nerves. Slowly, he lifted a hand and pulled back his hood. My breath caught in my throat as his face came into view. I recognized him immediately.

"You..." I muttered under my breath, eyes narrowing. "The arrogant leader from the town square."

He grinned, clearly enjoying my realization. "Ah, so you remember. The reason I'm here is you. You must have some special curse skill, but today I have protection, bunny."

I tried to activate my special skill, but the system notification made me alarmed.

[The Curse of the Dark Phoenix cannot be activated as the target has the Witch's Protection Ring.]

I forced myself to keep my expression neutral.

His smirk widened as he leaned closer, eyes glinting with malice. "Allow me to introduce myself properly this time. I am Delrick Blackmoor, nephew to Baron Tiberius Blackmoor." His voice dripped with arrogance as he said the name, like I should be impressed or terrified—or both.

"What do you want?" I asked, forcing myself to stay calm. I couldn't show any weakness, even though my HP was dangerously low and my MP nearly drained.

"You've got some nerve, talking like that," he hissed, stepping closer. His gaze flicked briefly to the dead wolf at my feet, then back to me. "You're not as impressive as you think, peasant. That was just a weak little creature like you. You're nothing special."

"Yeah?" I shot back, rolling my shoulders. "And what are you, Delrick? Still hiding behind your family name, trying to scare people into submission?"

His jaw clenched. There it was—the bruised ego of a noble brat. But his next words made my blood run cold.

Stepping closer, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent, he continued, "I could crush you and your pathetic little brother with a word. But... I might be willing to forgive your insolence."

He paused, and I could feel the smugness rolling off him. "Hand over whatever loot you've got from that pathetic level 2 wolf, and... let's say, serve me well—maybe as my bed servant—and I'll overlook your... mistakes."

There was a beat of silence. Then I laughed. I couldn't help it—the sheer audacity of his demand caught me off guard. "You... you want me to what?"

Delrick's face twisted into an ugly scowl. "Laugh all you want. You'll regret it soon enough."

I stepped forward, dropping all pretense of politeness. "Delrick, you slimy little worm. Do you think I'm some damsel waiting to be rescued by your sorry ass? You're nothing but a spoiled brat playing at power. And if you think for one second I'd hand over anything to you—let alone serve you—you should really go see a healer to treat your damn brain."

His eyes flashed with fury, his hands balling into fists at his sides. Delrick sneered. "You think your little flame tricks will be enough against me, peasant? I'll crush you and your pathetic fire like it's nothing."

I clenched my fists. I had only two skills to my name—Basic Fireball and Basic Fire Needle. Both drained my limited mana quickly, and he still wore that Witch's Protection Ring, blocking my most powerful ability, The Curse of the Dark Phoenix.

Before he could finish, a system notification flashed in my vision.

[Congratulations, Chosen Host of Etherea!]

[You have unlocked your first System Mission.]

Mission: Defeat the Bully to Increase Your Self-Esteem

Objective: Crush Delrick Blackmoor and remind him exactly who he's dealing with.

Reward: 20 EXP x2, 100 Gold, and the skill 'Fire Dash'.

[Bonus Quest Unlocked:

Deliver a humiliating fatal blow to Delrick.

Reward: Exclusive Title: 'Bringer of Justice'.]

Well, that was convenient. I could practically feel the grin spreading across my face.