The next morning, James stirred as soft rays of light filtered through the window. The city outside was already alive with movement—hunters heading out, merchants opening their stalls, and the distant hum of magic-infused tools sparking to life.
Stretching out the stiffness from sleep, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the arcane energy beneath him pulsing faintly. He had made the right choice investing in a rune-arrayed room.
After freshening up, he left his quarters and descended the grand staircase toward the Silver Crest's dining hall. The morning air was thick with the scent of fresh-baked bread, sizzling meats, and brewed herbal tonics designed to sharpen focus and replenish stamina.
As he approached the counter, a familiar menu crystal hovered above, displaying breakfast options tailored for hunters—protein-packed meals, energy-restoring dishes, and fortified drinks meant to prepare them for the day ahead.
James placed his order—pan-seared beast meat with spiced grains and a vitality-enhancing tonic—before handing over his crystal card for payment.
- Previous Balance: 2,110 Credits
- Deducted Amount: 35 Credits
- Remaining Balance: 2,075 Credits
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James took his tray and settled near a window, his gaze drifting beyond the bustling streets of Westmere. In the distance, beyond the towering walls of the city, the wilderness stretched far and wide—a place where hunters carved their names into history.
Out there, every challenge brought both danger and opportunity. Fierce beasts roamed the untamed lands, their strength formidable, their presence a constant test for those daring enough to face them. But alongside the threats lay potential—rare resources, ancient ruins, and hidden pathways that could grant knowledge, wealth, or even power to those who knew where to look.
As he finished his meal, James knew one thing for certain—he wasn't going to waste these six months. If the institute was out of reach for now, then the wilderness would be his proving ground.
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James took the last bite of his meal, savoring the warmth of the spiced grains before pushing his tray aside. The energy-restoring tonic had done its job—his mind felt clear, his body refreshed, and now, it was time to get moving.
Rising from his seat, he navigated his way out of the Silver Crest's dining hall, stepping into the morning-lit streets of Westmere.
The city pulsed with activity—hunters preparing for their assignments, traders advertising rare goods, and guild messengers delivering updates on contracts and bounties.
As he strode towards the Mission Hall , he told himself that if he wanted to make the most of the time , he must refine his techniques even further , to make the most out of his stats.
James pushed open the heavy doors of Westmere's Mission Hall, the steady hum of voices blended with the sharp clatter of weapons being inspected and the occasional laughter of those hardened enough to treat danger like an old friend.
It was time to test himself, by finding something just beyond his current rank.
Approaching the mission board, his eyes scanned the available contracts. Most Intermediate rank Hunter missions were well within his capabilities, but his gaze lingered on one slightly above his level—a High-Intermediate contract requiring strategic combat and endurance.
Mission: Subjugate the Crimson Fang Pack
- Threat Level: High-Intermediate
- Objective: Eliminate the rogue faction of beasts terrorizing supply routes.
- Location: Southridge Forest
- Reward: 1,400 Credits
The mission was clear: dangerous but manageable, the perfect opportunity to push past his limits.
With resolve, James reached for his Hunter ID, placing it against the assignment terminal. The screen flashed—his selection confirmed.
James took a moment to review the mission details further. The Crimson Fang Pack wasn't just a group of rogue beasts—it was an organized faction known for ambushing supply caravans and attacking lone travelers in Southridge Forest.
The mission briefing highlighted key concerns:
- Pack Leader: A beast known as Bloodfang, rumored to be larger and more intelligent than the rest.
- Estimated Numbers: Between 8 to 12 members, though reports suggested more could be lurking in the deeper parts of the forest.
- Threat Level: High-Intermediate—recommended for hunters with strong combat skills and survival instincts.
- Terrain Hazards: Dense foliage, uneven ground, and arcane disturbances that could interfere with tracking abilities.
James exhaled, this was exactly the kind of challenge he needed.
James knew that taking on a mission above his rank meant preparation was key. He wasn't going to rely on sheer determination alone—he needed better gear, supplies, and anything that could give him an edge against the Crimson Fang Pack.
Heading toward Westmere's Hunter Supply Market, he passed rows of vendors displaying weapons, enchanted gear, and survival kits designed for the dangers of the wilderness.
He stopped at a blacksmith's stall, eyeing the reinforced combat gauntlets and high-density armor plating on display. His current gear was standard—functional, but not built for prolonged engagements against beasts like these.
After testing a few options, he settled on:
- Lightweight Adaptive Combat Armor – Adjusts to impacts, reducing direct damage from attacks. Cost: 750 credits
- Rune-Infused Gauntlets – Enhances grip strength and deflection during close-range combat. Cost: 400 credits
- Previous Balance: 2,075 Credits
- Total Deducted: 1,150 Credits
- Remaining Balance: 925 Credits
Satisfied with his new armor, James moved on to provisions. He needed enough supplies to last several days, since tracking the Crimson Fang Pack could take time.
He stocked up on:
- Enhanced Recovery Tonics (3 vials) – Boost stamina regeneration and accelerate healing. Cost: 180 credits
- Combat Rations (5 packs) – High-calorie meals designed for prolonged field missions. Cost: 125 credits
- Arcane Tracker Beacon – Helps detect and trace energy signatures, ideal for locating elusive targets. Cost: 320 credits
- Previous Balance: 925 Credits
- Total Deducted: 625 Credits
- Remaining Balance: 300 Credits
With his armor upgraded and supplies packed, James secured his gear and headed toward the city gates. The Crimson Fang Pack awaited—now, he was ready to face them head-on.
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