Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 68: The Mysterious Mountain

▪︎ Level -1

▪︎ Reduction in quest rewards]

"Figured I'd have to work for it," murmured Daisuke with a tinge of exasperation. "I guess whether it's in the real world or this one, you have to put in the effort before you get any rewards."

He sighed noisily, palming his face. "It would've been nice if I had received this quest before taking down the Volturax though—it would have been like killing two birds with one stone. Either way, I've got to tackle this quest; considering the fact that I've been investing all my Stats Points into Agility and Stamina, I need to boost my physical combat ability any way I can. Plus, I've got new weapons on my shopping list, so I should definitely visit the blacksmith now that I've saved up some gold."

"Big brother," April called with infectious joy, playfully chasing Zephyr in a circle. She was joined by Aldric and a host of other children reveling in the fun. "Where did you go? You're missing out on all the fun!"

"Don't you know a party's dull without its host?" Mia teased from a distance, flanked by Elena, Rexar, and Milo, all wearing gentle smiles that echoed her sentiment.

Daisuke turned with a smirk, his heart warming at the scene. But a part of him—the part that was cynical and extremely conservative after being abused and betrayed, briefly overlapped the joyous group with the traitors at Dusthaven. But he quickly shook off the thought and took a step forward, hesitantly deciding to confide in people just one more time.

The scene unfurled within the vast, wondrous eyes of the owl-like creature, perched amidst the lofty heights of the trees. All of a sudden, under the night's veil, a humanoid figure, its silhouette flickering ominously, greedily bore razor sharp teeth and fell upon the unsuspecting spectator.

Death unfolded in a quiet flurry. Breaking bones and rending flesh arrested the night in a dark requiem. The once snow-white feathers of the bird were now stained a haunting crimson red as the creature ravenously feasted.

But the meager meal wasn't enough to slake its insatiable hunger. Unsatisfied, the abomination turned the full brunt of its malevolent gaze toward the tempting feeding ground that had just conveniently manifested.

***

HWIIIING~

Hundreds of feet above ground, the wind gusted, whipping across the rugged mountain face where Rexar clung desperately. Whimpers escaped his chattering teeth involuntarily, his gaze fixed downward as he scaled the sheer cliff, wrestling with the thought of the dizzying height.

"T-This is ten times worse than the dungeon," he whined shamelessly, his face drained of color. "Why did I ever agree to do this?!"

"Don't be a baby," reprimanded Elena, her presence uncomfortably close for Rexar's liking. "If we don't do this, the demon raids will never end."

"A-About that," Milo began with a sheepish tone as he gingerly inched along a narrow ledge. "Are you sure it was a good idea to leave only Zephyr behind in the village? I hope you realize I wasn't being serious when I said he could handle the demons alone."

"Relax. Zephyr's stronger than you give him credit for," reassured Daisuke. "Besides, if there's an attack, I'll know right away." Zephyr's HP bar will start going down, he thought mentally, his gaze fixed on the gauge. If he starts receiving damage, I'll be able to tell. And if I run back to the village at full speed, I should be able to get there before things spiral out of control.

"B-By the way," Rexar continued his rant, fingers gripping tighter as the wind gained momentum. "How exactly... are you so sure that the mountain is the source of the demons?"