Hunters of the Forgotten Force Guild (1)

Atlas, already knowing that he had all the necessary materials to create an improved dagger, decided to get down to business right away. He took out a couple of rare metal fragments from his inventory that he had collected in the dungeon, as well as several stones that he was told could strengthen weapons. His dagger was good, but he felt that it could be much more powerful.

–Here, I have everything I need for a dagger,– he said, handing the materials to the blacksmith.

– This is great material. I can make your dagger much sharper and more durable. However, I need time for that. – he said, and then turned to Kira: – Can you help me, Kira? We need to tweak the details a bit. You know how to do it.

Kira nodded, quickly assessing exactly what needed to be done.

– Of course, I will help. – she said, going to the table and starting to work with various tools. She carefully began to grind the edges of the metal fragments and clean them of possible defects.

They continued to work together while the blacksmith finished preparing the dagger. Atlas noticed how his weapon had become heavier and more durable, feeling that the improvement would be significant.

– Here, it's done. – said the blacksmith, handing Atlas the finished weapon: – This dagger is much more deadly now. Your work with the materials and my improvement is the perfect combination.

Atlas felt the difference. He held the dagger up to the light, and it flashed like a point ready to slice through everything in its path.

– Thank you both. This is a really great result. – He said, raising the dagger.

He thanked Kira and the blacksmith for their help and left the forge, with new thoughts on how to further develop the game.

Now his plan was clear: improve his skills as a Scavenger, explore the dungeons, collect artifacts that could become valuable and powerful.

Atlas opened his inventory and curiously examined his improved dagger. He remembered how the blacksmith had added some rare materials to the dagger in an attempt to make it more powerful.

The name of the weapon appeared on the inventory screen:

["Dagger of the Shadow Seeker"]

[Level]: 12

[Damage]: 45-60

[Effects]: Perpetuation, Critical Hit +15%

Special properties:

[Energy Absorption — Absorbs some of the enemy's mana or health on impact.]

[Penetrating Strike — Ignores part of the target's armor]

[Wind Shadow — Increases attack speed by 10% in dark or shadowy locations.]

Atlas whistled a little. It was exactly what he wanted—a dagger that could become a powerful tool for his further adventures. With each weapon upgrade, he became stronger and more prepared for new challenges.

"Dagger of the Shadow Seeker" was a name that sounded ominous and at the same time like a challenge. Atlas smiled, feeling his strength grow.

Atlas left the forge, enjoying the feel of the upgraded weapon. Now he had to find the Crimson Eyron, the mysterious player he had encountered in the dungeon. He thought of the Forgotten Power Hunters Guild, an organization he had too little information about. Eyron could shed some light on their goals and motives.

Dra'Myr was a huge city, and just wandering the streets looking for the right person wasn't the best idea. Atlas decided to act logically:

Ask at the local Copper Bison tavern — most players left footprints here, discussing quests and trading loot.

Check out the Guild Quarter—if the Hunters of the Forgotten Force were an official organization, they might have a representative there.

Use the city chat channel — perhaps Eyron left a message or one of the players may have seen him recently.

Atlas decided to start with the tavern. The place was noisy, filled with both NPCs and players. The innkeeper was standing behind the counter, an elderly man with a thick beard and a good—natured smile.

–Welcome, adventurer! What do you want? Room, food, or... information? He narrowed his eyes slyly.

Atlas put some coins on the counter:

– I'm looking for a player. The Crimson Eyron. Has he ever been here?

The innkeeper ran his hand through his beard, lost in thought:

–There was one with that name… He's a strange guy. He ordered a drink, sat in a corner and then left, it seems, in the direction of the Guild Quarter.

That was something. Atlas thanked him and moved on.

Atlas wasted no time heading to the Guild Quarter. The narrow streets of the Dra'Myr were getting more lively — there was a lot of life here: merchants, quest givers, and members of various factions. However, as he approached one of the alleys near the guild buildings, he heard screams and the clang of metal.

He ran forward and found the Crimson Eyron, who was fighting against three opponents

at once! Eyron deftly dodged a dagger thrust, counterattacking one of the attackers. His scarlet eyes were burning, and his movements were fast and precise, but even so, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

The opponents were Pkashers— killer players who attacked others for rewards or just out of a desire to wreak havoc. They were equipped in dark armor, and their nicknames were glowing blood-red, indicating a high PK level.

–Surrender, Crimson One! Or you'll lose everything! One of the attackers with a warhammer lunged forward.

Eyron was fast, but three against one, the situation was clearly not in his favor.Atlas realized that if he didn't step in, Eyron might lose.

Atlas quickly assessed the situation. Three against one was too much of a disadvantage, but if he could take out at least one enemy unnoticed, then the balance of power would change.

He activated "Tactical Evasion" and "Threat Response," reducing the likelihood of being spotted. He then used "Energy Resonance" to synchronize with the surrounding magical energy and move even more quietly.

His target is the weakest player.

This player was a magician who kept a bit to the side, concentrating on spell preparation. His dark cloak was fluttering in the wind, and purple runes were already beginning to sparkle around his palms.

"If he finishes the spell, the fight will become even more difficult."

Atlas pulled out his new dagger and, moving silently, approached the magician from behind.

In one smooth movement, he activated the "Explosive Bite" of his Aerial Beast, and it launched a backhand, distracting the mage.

At the same time, Atlas himself carried out a swift dagger thrust directly into the opponent's neck!

– Ghh–! – The magician did not have time to shout or cast protection. His eyes widened, and he collapsed to the ground, as his body began to crumble into data particles.

[System:]

[You have dealt a stealthy critical hit!]

[Enemy defeated!]

[340 experience gained!]

The remaining two Pkashers abruptly turned around, noticing that their ally had disappeared, and saw Atlas holding a bloody dagger.

– Who are you?! – One of them turned around, holding a warhammer.

But now the balance of power has changed.

Eyron, seeing this, grinned.

–Heh, not bad. Now we have equal chances.

He took a quick glance at Atlas:

– Are you ready to deal with them?

Now there were only two enemies left against Atlas and Eyron.

To be continued, please like and save…