The silence was suffocating. The air, once filled with the rustling of leaves and distant howls, now felt thick—unnaturally so. Liam's grip on Stormcaller tightened as his eyes scanned the darkness between the trees. Something was out there. Something strong.
Then, a whisper of movement.
Liam barely had time to react before a dagger whistled through the air, its edge glinting in the dim moonlight. He twisted his body, dodging by a hair's breadth, but before he could counterattack, a shadow stepped out from the trees, calm and composed.
"You have sharp instincts," the figure said, his voice smooth as silk. He was clad in a black cloak, his face obscured by a sleek silver mask. His presence was overwhelming and dangerous.
Liam's eyes flicked to the name hovering above the man's head:
??? (Level 50)
A gap of thirty levels.
Shit.
The masked man tilted his head. "Liam Carter, a lone warrior walking a dangerous path. I must admit, you've piqued my interest."
Liam remained silent, his body tense. The masked man took another step forward.
"How do you know me?" Liam asked, his hands gripping Stormcaller strongly.
"Well, I represent an order known as The Veil of Thorns."
A chill ran down Liam's spine. He had heard of them before—an elite assassin guild that operated in the shadows.
In his past life, they were known as one of the deadliest factions, striking fear into both players and NPCs alike. If they had taken notice of him this early…
"I bring an offer," the assassin continued. "Join us. Serve the Veil of Thorns, and you will be granted strength beyond your imagination. Power, influence, wealth—whatever you desire."
Liam scoffed. "And if I refuse?"
The masked man sighed as if disappointed. "Then I kill you."
He moved like lightning.
Liam barely managed to block as the assassin's blade struck Stormcaller. The force sent him skidding back, his health bar dipping slightly from the sheer impact. He didn't even have time to recover before the assassin blurred again, appearing behind him.
Waveforce! Liam slammed his axe into the ground, sending out a shockwave. The assassin leapt back effortlessly, dodging with inhuman reflexes.
-0! Attack Missed
"Tsk. Predictable."
The assassin vanished.
Liam's instincts screamed. He spun just in time to block another attack, but the moment his axe met the assassin's dagger, pain erupted from his side.
-2500!
-2500!
A feint. The real attack had come from the assassin's free hand, a second dagger plunging into his ribs.
In a blink of an eye, Liam was hit by two attacks
Liam staggered back, gritting his teeth. He was completely outmatched. Every move he made was read in advance, every counter was dodged with ease. This wasn't a battle—this was a cat toying with its prey.
"I'll admit, you're durable," the assassin mused. "But durability only delays the inevitable."
Liam barely had time to chug a healing potion recovering some of the HP before the assassin moved.
Whoosh!
A shadow blurred in front of him, and in the next moment—CRACK!
A vicious kick slammed into Liam's ribs, sending him flying backward. The impact rattled his bones, pain flaring in his side as his vision blurred. His body crashed against the hard forest ground, rolling several feet before he finally stopped.
-2500 HP!
-6000 HP! Critical Hit!
HP: 1000/11000
Liam gasped, his hands pressing against the damp earth as he struggled to push himself up. His chest burned with pain, but that wasn't the worst part.
"Why don't you just come with me? The order only wishes to chat with you"
The assassin smirked, clearly toying with Liam
"Why don't you fuck off?" Liam shouted back, but his mind was racing
If I die… I'll be locked out of the game for seven days.
That would mean 21 ingame days. And he might lose some of his gear and levels too.
That single thought sent a cold wave of fear through him.
No. He refused to let that happen.
Gritting his teeth, he forced his shaking legs to stand. The masked assassin took slow steps toward him, his sword gleaming under the dim moonlight.
"You're still standing?" The man's voice was smooth, almost amused. "Not bad. But that last hit should've shattered a few ribs."
Liam clenched his jaw. He didn't have time to trade words. He needed a way out.
His eyes darted around, scanning for anything — anything that could shift the fight in his favour.
Then, he saw it.
A massive hornet nest, hanging from an ancient oak tree just a few feet away. The thick, buzzing swarm surrounding it sent a chill through him. Level 20 Stinger Hornets—aggressive, territorial, and vicious in swarms.
A plan formed in his mind.
Liam wiped the blood from his lips and let out a taunting laugh. "What's wrong? You seem slower than before. Getting tired?"
The assassin's posture stiffened.
Liam smirked, stepping back slightly, just under the nest. He raised his axe, using it as a support to stand again
"Oh? Does the mighty assassin hesitate?" Liam mocked, leaning on the tree. "Come on. Let's see if that speed of yours is just for show."
The assassin's fingers twitched against the hilt of his blade. Liam could feel the shift in his opponent's energy—the rising irritation, the need to reassert dominance.
"I will crush you."
Then, the man vanished.
Shit—
Liam barely had time to brace himself before the assassin lunged.
Perfect.
At the last second, Liam twisted his body, sidestepping just enough that the assassin's strike missed—instead, his blade slashed straight into the hornet nest.
For half a second, there was silence.
Then—
BZZZZZZZZZZZ!
The air exploded with sound as hundreds of enraged hornets burst out of the shredded nest, their crimson eyes locking onto the nearest threat.
Not Liam.
The masked assassin froze.
"…Oh," he muttered.
Then the swarm descended upon him.
A terrible buzzing filled the air.
From the ruptured nest, a swarm of Level 20 Venomous Hornets burst forth, their wings a furious blur of motion. Their stingers gleamed under the moonlight, each strike carrying a painful venom effect.
One hornet stung the assassin.
[-1000 HP]
Then another.
[-1000 HP]
Then five more.
The assassin let out a string of curses as the swarm enveloped him, their relentless assault forcing him back. Liam didn't wait to see the outcome—he turned and ran, ignoring the pain in his side. The sounds of the assassin's struggle echoed behind him, followed by a sharp, enraged roar.
Liam grinned despite himself. That should keep him busy.
He sprinted through the forest, pushing his body to its limits until the lights of Duskwind Village came into view. Only when he crossed the village gates did he finally allow himself to breathe.
Liam stumbled into the inn, ignoring the curious glances from other players. He collapsed onto his bed, body aching, mind racing.
The Veil of Thorns had set their sights on him.
That assassin had been toying with him. If they sent someone who was actually serious…
Liam clenched his fists.
"This Veil of Thorns was a pretty strong NPC organization, with many players often enlisting it for services or even completing some missions posted by the order for decent rewards."
But why did I see someone here at a beginners village? And why was that guy following me?
And how did he know my name?
Liam shrugged and eventually realized that he could not answer the questions, so It was best to take it one step at a time.
-------------------------------------------
Liam woke up feeling refreshed. The exhaustion from the previous night's battle had faded, and his health and stamina were back to full.
As the morning sun bathed Duskwind Village in golden light, the town square bustled with activity. Players ran about, some forming parties, others chatting excitedly as they accepted beginner quests.
At the center of it all stood the village chief, an elderly man with a long white beard, dressed in a heavy brown robe. His sharp eyes watched over the players, handing out quests with practiced ease.
"Ah, another eager adventurer," the chief said, nodding to a nearby player. "The wolves in the outskirts have been growing aggressive. Slay five of them and return with their fangs."
Ding!
[Quest: Kill 5 Dire Wolves – Accepted!]
Liam smirked slightly. He had already completed those early quests, far beyond what the average player was doing at this stage.
He made his way toward the chief.
The old man turned as Liam approached. For a moment, he simply observed him, his gaze lingering on Liam's armor, his stance—his aura. Unlike the other adventurers crowding around, Liam exuded something different.
"...You. You are not like the others."
The surrounding players barely noticed as the chief gestured toward Liam, his expression thoughtful. "Follow me, warrior. There is something I wish to discuss in private."
Liam nodded without hesitation.
A few players threw curious glances his way, but most were too busy accepting their quests to pay attention.
The chief led Liam through the village, past rows of thatched houses, until they arrived at a large wooden structure—the Village Chief's Residence.
Inside the Village Chief's Residence
The room was quiet, save for the faint crackle of a hearth fire. Liam took a seat as the old man sat across from him. For the first time, the village chief's expression was not one of a quest giver but of a man burdened by something far greater.
"I have lived in this village for many years," the chief began. "I have seen countless adventurers come and go, seeking fortune, power, or glory. But you… There is something about you. Something that tells me you are capable of far more than simple beast hunts."
He leaned forward, his eyes darkening.
"I have a request—but it is not one I offer lightly."
Liam's attention sharpened.
The chief reached beneath the table and retrieved an old, worn leather book, flipping it open to a page covered in faded ink. He turned it toward Liam.
[Duskwind Ravine – Class S Threat]
[Name: Shadowfang, the Ravine Terror]
[Level: 40]
[Threat Level: Extreme]
[Abilities: Stealth, Enhanced Agility, Razor Claws, Dark Howl]
Liam grinned, as he already knew the contents of this quest
Shadowfang.
A world boss-tier monster, hidden in the early zones, known only to those who had dug deep into the game's lore. Even for level 40 players, they would need to form an organized party with tanks, healers and DPSers to take down this beast.
"This beast," the chief continued, "has been lurking in the depths of Duskwind Ravine for over a decade. It has claimed the lives of many—including my son."
His voice wavered, but he pressed on.
"A decade ago, my son, Aldric, led a party of warriors into the ravine, seeking to slay the creature. None of them returned. Their bodies were never recovered. I had long abandoned hope of vengeance…" He exhaled slowly. "Until now."
Liam remained silent, waiting.
The chief's eyes locked onto his. "You are strong. Stronger than any adventurer I have seen in years. That is why I ask this of you. Will you face Shadowfang?"
A notification popped up.
Ding!
[S-Rank Quest: Hunter of the Ravine]
Quest Details: The beast known as Shadowfang, the Ravine Terror ,has lurked in Duskwind Ravine for over a decade, feasting on unfortunate travelers and warriors alike. Its strength is unmatched in these lands. The village chief seeks revenge for his fallen son and for his people.
Objectives:
Locate Shadowfang's lair deep within Duskwind Ravine. Defeat Shadowfang and bring back proof of its death.
Rewards:
+1000 Reputation (Eldoria)+500 Gold Coin+Rare Equipment Chest Hidden Reward (??? - Depends on completion method)
Failure Penalty:
None
Time Limit – None
Difficulty: S-Rank
Accept? [YES] / [NO]
Liam exhaled slowly.
An S-Rank quest. This early in the game.
He pressed YES.
The chief's tired eyes seemed to glisten with faint hope. "Thank you, Liam. Should you succeed… You will have my eternal gratitude."
"Please take this amulet. This should be able to guide you to the beast's exact location."
Liam stood up after collecting his mind already racing with strategies. A Level 40 world boss at his current level would be suicide if fought head-on. But he wasn't a rookie. He had a lot of knowledge, which was not what other players had
This was definitely not going to be easy, but Liam had a few plans in his mind