"Adventure Quest: Verdant Hollow I"

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

30th Day of August, Saturday Early Morning

The Outside City of Nova Asta, Main Adventure Outpost

A notification flashed in Accel's vision as he sat in his rented room, sharpening his wooden sword.

Archivist System Notification: "Congratulations! You are now eligible to rank up from Newbie Adventurer to Trainee Adventurer. Please report to the Main Adventure Outpost for further instructions."

Accel's eyes widened. Finally, a chance to climb the ranks. "Time to prove myself," he muttered, packing his gear and leaving for the Main Adventure Outpost.

The outpost was bustling with energy. Adventurers of all shapes, sizes, and ages crowded the halls. Some were younger than Accel, while others looked seasoned and battle-worn. The Outpost Leader, a burly man with a commanding presence, stood at the front of the hall alongside the Vice-Leader, Secretary, and several officers.

"Attention!" the Leader bellowed, silencing the chatter. "Today's rank-up test will determine if you're ready to handle the responsibilities of a Trainee Adventurer. The task is simple but challenging. Each of you will hunt Slimes."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

The Vice-Leader stepped forward. "Slimes are larger, stronger, and more dangerous than Lesser Slimes. They attack with acidic strikes and can split into two Lesser Slimes upon death. Be prepared."

The Secretary added, "You have 48 hours. Solo participants must eliminate 10 Slimes. Pairs must defeat 15, and groups of three or more must take down 25. Choose wisely."

Accel's mind raced. Groups would be safer, but solo hunts meant more experience and fewer complications. He clenched his fists. "I'll go solo."

The officers handed out maps of Verdant Hollow, a dense forest known for its wildlife and the lurking danger of Slimes. Accel nodded at the detailed terrain marked on his copy.

Entrance of the Verdant Hollow

The forest air was thick with moisture as Accel stepped into Verdant Hollow. The tall trees cast long shadows, and the faint squelching of Slimes echoed in the distance.

"Alright, let's do this," Accel said, gripping his sword tightly. His shield was strapped to his left arm, ready to block any sudden attacks.

The first Slime he encountered was perched near a small pond. Its gelatinous body shimmered, and acidic drips hissed as they hit the ground.

"Kindle Spark," Accel whispered, activating his skill. A small spark of fire burst from his palm, illuminating the dark area. He hurled it at the Slime, dealing minor damage and setting part of its surface ablaze. The Slime quivered, retaliating with an acidic spray.

Accel raised his shield just in time. The acid sizzled against the wooden surface, but the shield held firm. He dashed forward, slashing the Slime with his sword. The creature's core glimmered faintly within its body. After a few precise strikes, it collapsed—only to split into two Lesser Slimes.

"Of course," he muttered, stepping back. He quickly dispatched the Lesser Slimes, one with another Kindle Spark and the other with a clean sword slash.

By midday, Accel had defeated three Slimes but was starting to feel the strain. One encounter had left a shallow burn on his arm where acid had seeped past his armor.

Sitting on a fallen log, he uncorked a health potion. The liquid glowed faintly as he drank, and the burn began to heal. "I need to pace myself," he said, taking a moment to study the map.

Further into the forest, Accel found a cluster of runes carved into a rock. Inspired, he attempted to create a Rune of Protection. Using his tools, he etched symbols into a flat stone.

The first attempt fizzled, the rune crumbling to dust. "Damn it," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. On the second try, the rune glowed faintly before stabilizing. He placed it on his chest, activating a barrier just as another Slime lunged at him.

The barrier absorbed the initial hit, giving Accel time to counter with a slash and a well-placed Kindle Spark. The Slime's acidic attack grazed his leg, but he gritted his teeth and finished it off.

Night fell, and Accel found a safe spot to rest. He used a Rune of Light to illuminate the small clearing and set up a basic camp. Eating a ration bar, he reflected on his progress.

"Four Slimes down, six to go," he muttered. "I need to be faster. At this rate, I'll run out of time."

As he lay on the ground, exhaustion tugging at him, he whispered, "Tomorrow, I'll push harder."

31st Day of August, Sunday Early Morning

Somewhere at the Verdant Hollow

Morning brought renewed determination. Accel's movements became more precise as he adapted to the Slimes' attack patterns. By mid-afternoon, he had defeated eight Slimes, leaving only two more to complete his quota.

During his ninth battle, a Slime's acidic spray burned through part of his leather armor. Wincing, Accel activated another Rune of Protection, shielding himself from further harm.

"One more," he panted, gripping his sword tightly.

The final Slime was larger than the others, its core pulsing ominously. Accel used Kindle Spark to weaken it, dodging its acidic attacks and blocking it with his shield. The fight stretched on, but finally, with one last powerful slash, the Slime collapsed, splitting into Lesser Slimes that he quickly dispatched.

Breathing heavily, he wiped his brow. "Ten. Done."

As he trudged back to the outpost, weary but victorious, Accel couldn't help but smile. The test had pushed him to his limits, but he had emerged stronger.

"Trainee Adventurer, here I come," he said, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.