Ryu reread the scroll on the notice board. Aldus, the Ranger. His belongings were stolen by the Goblins in Whisperingwood. This was the perfect mission.
Not only because he was familiar with the area, but also because this was the type of task that was very suitable for a clever Thief like him.
Tracking, sneaking, and retrieving—that's his specialty. Auto-missions about the Traveling Merchant can wait. Real adventure is Ryu's priority.
He asked several NPCs around the notice board about Aldus' whereabouts. An old farmer pointed to a small cottage on the edge of the village, somewhat hidden behind the trees.
"He's usually there, tending to his herbs," said the farmer.
Ryu immediately walked towards the designated hut. It was simple, made of wood and thatched, with several potted plants lined up on the porch.The slightly open wooden door revealed an interior lined with shelves filled with bottles and packages of dried herbs.
"Aldus?" Ryu called, sticking his head in.
A middle-aged man with a thin face, short beard, and deep gaze looked up from his work bench.He was dressed in a dull green tunic and brown trousers, looking more like a healer than a ranger. His table was littered with various leaves and roots.
"Yes, that's me," Aldus replied, his voice hoarse but friendly. "Can I help you, son?"
"I saw your request on the bulletin board," Ryu said, stepping inside. "About the items the Goblin stole."
Aldus' face immediately showed sadness. "Ah, yes. They are cunning creatures, and have become increasingly bold lately. They raided my outpost near the 'Lake of Silence' in Whisperingwood.
They took my small bag of personal herbs and my rare plant guide. It was very valuable to me." He sighed."There have been some adventurers who have tried, but the Goblins are too numerous and nest in deep caves."
Ryu nodded. "I'm a Thief. Maybe I can sneak in and get it without having to fight their entire nest."
Aldus' eyes lit up. "A Thief, you say? That might be the only way! If you can retrieve my belongings, I will give you a very fitting reward,and I will help you with my herbal knowledge if you need."
[New Quest Received: 'Aldus's Potion and Knowledge']
[Objective: Find Aldus's bag in the Goblin's lair at Silent Lake, Whisperingwood.]
[Reward: Gold Coins (x50), Healing Potion (x3), Basic Potion Recipe (x1)]
Ryu smiled in satisfaction. The first real mission. "I'll be leaving soon."
Ryu's adventure in the Goblin's lair is a true test for his Thief class. He uses "Silent Steps" to sneak past the guarding Goblins, observing their patrol patterns from a distance.
His cunning nature helps him find secret passages in the cave, avoid simple traps, and eventually find the room where Aldus' belongings are kept.
With his skills, he managed to take the small bag without triggering the alarm, even though he had to face one Goblin guard who he managed to defeat quickly and silently.
After the mission was completed, Ryu returned to Eldoria Village, right in front of Aldus' hut. He handed the bag to the Ranger. Aldus' eyes widened when he saw his bag intact.
"This... this is amazing! You really did it, kid! I never thought I'd see it again!" Aldus smiled broadly.
He took out a thick coin pouch, several bottles of bright green potion, and a small roll of parchment from his drawer.
[Quest Completed: 'Aldus's Potion and Knowledge']
[Rewards Received: Gold Coins (x50), Healing Potion (x3), Basic Potion Recipe (x1)]
[XP Received: 150]
[Level Up!]
Ryu felt a pleasant warm sensation throughout his body as the Level Up notification appeared.
He immediately checked his status panel: Level 2! His stats had increased, and he had gained one skill point to allocate.
"Thank you very much, Aldus!" Ryu exclaimed. He checked his bag. The extra gold coins felt heavy. The basic potion recipe was also interesting. He felt very satisfied.