Hifung and Ray's Adventure.

Hifung and Ray were walking through a forest, and far ahead, a town came into view.

Hifung: There's actually a town in a place like this.

Ray: Yeah, it's getting late. We should probably stay here for the night.

Hifung: Agreed.

They walked into the town.

Ray: By the way, did you bring any money for the inn?

Hifung smiled at Ray, which made Ray confused.

Hifung pulled out a cloth pouch and shook it, the clinking of coins clearly audible.

Ray looked a bit surprised at the sound.

Ray: Where did you get that much money?

Hifung: The king. (Smiles)

Ray: Oh...

--

They were now inside a room at the inn.

The room had a single wardrobe and two beds.

Hifung: Hm... Tomorrow, we should figure out how people earn money in this town.

Ray: Yeah.

--

The next morning.

They were walking around town, looking at the sights.

While walking, Hifung spotted a building.

Hifung: Ray.

Ray turned toward Hifung.

Ray: Yeah?

Hifung pointed at the building.

Ray looked at it. A signboard on the building read "Mission" with a picture of a hand giving away money.

Ray: Hm?

Hifung: Let's try going in.

Ray: But... is this really a place where we can make money?

Hifung: There's money on the sign, right? Let's just check it out.

Ray looked a little unsure.

Ray: O-okay then.

They went inside. There were many people chatting inside the building.

Suddenly, someone approached them.

Someone: Good morning, sirs. Can I help you with something?

Hifung: Excuse me. I just wanted to ask—can we work here to earn money?

Someone: Yes, of course. Adventurers can take on missions from that desk over there.

The person pointed toward a desk with many papers stacked on it, where someone was standing by.

Hifung: Oh, thank you.

Ray: Thank you.

Someone: You're welcome.

Ray and Hifung walked up to the desk to look for a mission.

Staff: Good morning, adventurers. What kind of mission are you looking for?

Ray: Are the missions grouped by difficulty?

Staff: Of course. It's to make sure adventurers don't recklessly take on missions that are too dangerous.

Hifung: What kind of missions can newbies like us take?

Staff: Probably something like hunting cows or goats... or other livestock.

Hifung and Ray looked a little disappointed and in disbelief.

Hifung (in his thoughts): "Ugh."

--

They were now in the forest. Hifung was holding a mission paper as they slowly crept forward. Up ahead was a bull.

Hifung (in his thoughts): "I can't believe I'm actually hunting a bull..."

Then, Hifung and Ray leapt toward the bull with swift movements.

--

Hifung and Ray dragged the now-bound and immobilized bull back to the Mission building.

They walked in and handed the bull to the staff at the mission reception desk.

Staff: You guys were pretty fast. Seems like you're already experienced.

Hifung: So that means we can take on harder missions with bigger rewards, right?

Staff: Not so fast, friend. You've got to take missions regularly and complete them successfully to move up.

Hifung and Ray looked a bit resigned.

--

Back at the inn, Hifung was counting coins while Ray munched on some bread.

It was late in the afternoon, close to evening.

Ray: So, how much?

Hifung flopped down onto the bed.

Hifung: Huhh... We'll need to take more missions tomorrow. Everything in this town is so expensive.

Ray: Yeah...

From the next day onward, they diligently took missions while continuing to train their magic.

Without realizing it, three months had passed. Hifung and Ray had begun accepting more difficult missions, such as defeating large forest monsters like giant spiders, rare venomous snakes, and more.

One day, Hifung and Ray returned to the Mission building, bringing with them the heart of a Peener, a massive bird that had been terrorizing the townspeople.

The Mission building had now been renovated. The mission request desk and item handover counter were now separated.

They brought the heart to the submission counter.

The person at the desk recognized them.

Staff: Just as I thought—you two managed to kill that bird.

Hifung placed the Peener's heart on the counter.

Hifung: Of course.

The staff examined the heart for authenticity.

Staff: Alright, here's your reward.

He handed them the payment.

Hifung: Okay, thanks, sir.

Hifung and Ray exited the Mission building. Ray looked up at the sky, already turning orange.

Hifung: It's getting late. Let's head back to the inn.

Ray: Yeah.

They returned to the inn.

Hifung and Ray sat on their respective beds.

Hifung: Phew... that was pretty exhausting.

Ray: By the way, how's your left hand?

Hifung: Hm? My left hand?

Hifung looked at his left hand, which was wrapped in bandages.

Hifung: Yeah... I don't really use it anyway. It'll probably take another two and a half years to fully heal.

Ray: We've been here for almost half a year?

Hifung: Hm? Dunno... I think it's only been around three months.

Ray: Oh...

--

The next morning, Hifung and Ray were surveying a cave.

Hifung: That's the cave, huh?

Ray: Should be. Be careful—Helty snakes have extremely deadly venom. Even a single drop can burn through your skin.

Hifung: I know. So, are we going in now or later?

Ray: Now—but be cautious, okay?

Hifung: Got it.

They quietly entered the cave.

They moved slowly through the cave, scanning their surroundings. After a while, they spotted the snake sleeping. It was quite large.

Hifung: This might be easier than we thought.

Ray: Shh. Don't let your guard down.

Hifung: Okay.

Hifung approached the snake's head and held out his right palm toward its forehead.

Hifung: Magma Ring.

A ring of magma appeared, gradually shrinking and pressing in on the target inside.

The snake opened its eyes, but it was too late. The spell began compressing its head, making it hard for the creature to move.

Eventually, its head exploded. It was dead.

Hifung: Ugh...

Ray: We need the heart, right?

Hifung: Yeah.

Ray: Alright.

Ray walked over to the snake's belly and pulled out his lightning sword.

He carefully sliced open the snake's body with it.

Then Ray

reached in with his left hand and retrieved the snake's heart.

Hifung: Okay, let's head back.

Ray: Yeah.

They exited the cave.

Outside, four people were waiting for Hifung and Ray, wearing sinister smiles and chuckling softly.