Alix steps forward, his expression solemn. "We accept these terms and will uphold the honor of the guild."
The guild master nods approvingly. "Very well. Welcome to the Adventurers Guild."
After completing his evaluation, Alix approaches the guild’s quest board, scanning the various postings. One particular notice catches his eye—a special request from the royal family. The quest details a mission to eliminate an unknown entity that has been terrorizing nearby villages, having already destroyed two village. The description also notes that two Gold rank adventurers have perished attempting this task.
Intrigued and undeterred, Alix removes the notice from the board and approaches the receptionist’s desk.
"Excuse me," Alix begins, placing the quest notice on the counter. "I’d like to accept this mission."
The receptionist glances at the notice, her eyes widening in surprise. "Sir, this quest is exceptionally perilous. Even seasoned Gold rank adventurers have..."
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"I understand the risks," Alix interjects calmly.
The receptionist hesitates, concern evident in her expression. "But, sir, at Level 400, this mission..."
Alix offers a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your concern. However, I am confident in my abilities."
After a moment’s pause, the receptionist nods reluctantly. "Very well, sir. Please exercise extreme caution."
"Thank you," Alix replies, accepting the quest documentation.
Alix and Grixx arrive at the devastated village, the stench of death heavy in the air. Bodies lie scattered, many gruesomely mutilated. Ravenous beasts, drawn by the carnage, scavenge the remains.
Alix surveys the scene, his expression stoic. "Stay alert, Grixx. We need to understand what did this."
Grixx nods, his hand resting on his weapon. "Understood, Your majesty."
They move through the village, noting the deep, clean lacerations on the victims. Some bodies are sliced into pieces, limbs severed with precision.
Alix kneels beside a fallen villager, examining the wound. "These cuts... they’re too precise for beasts. This was done by something—or someone—with skill."
Grixx scans the surroundings, his posture tense. "Could it be bandits?"
Alix shakes his head. "Unlikely. Bandits wouldn’t leave such clean wounds, nor would they decimate an entire village without taking valuables."
He stands and approaches a nearby wall, where deep gashes mar the surface. The marks are uniform, as if made by a blade.
Grixx observes the cuts. "Those resemble sword strikes."
Alix nods thoughtfully. "Yes, and the strength required to cut through stone..."
Grixx furrows his brow. "Your majesty, perhaps a beast or monster with blade-like appendages?"
Alix and Grixx proceed cautiously, following the trail of destruction deeper into the forest. The signs of battle become more pronounced—trees cleaved in half, scorch marks searing the ground, and remnants of weapons scattered about.
"These signs," Grixx observes, his voice low, "they suggest a fierce confrontation."
Alix nods, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Yes, and recent. The previous Gold rank adventurers must have fought valiantly."
They continue until they reach the mouth of a cavern, its entrance partially obscured by overgrown foliage. The air is thick with an acrid scent, a mix of blood and something else—something unnatural.
"This must be where the battle concluded," Alix states, his tone measured.
Grixx tightens his grip on his weapon. "I will lead the way, Your Majesty."
Alix and Grixx proceed into the cavern, the air growing cooler with each step. Grixx raises his hand, summoning a luminous orb that bathes the cavern in bright light, dispelling the shadows around them. The passage narrows before opening into a larger chamber, where they spot a slumbering figure.
The monster lies curled on the cold stone floor, its form both familiar and strange. Long, rabbit-like ears twitch occasionally atop a feline face, and beside it rests a katana, its blade gleaming even in the dim light.
Alix narrows his eyes, whispering, "This monster... it seems familiar."
At the sound of his voice, the monster’s eyes snap open, revealing a bloodshot gaze filled with fury. It scrambles to its feet, clutching the katana, and snarls, "Monsters! I’ll kill you all!"
With a guttural cry, the monster lunges at them, katana slicing through the air. Grixx steps forward, raising his sword to parry the blow effortlessly. The clash of metal echoes through the cavern. Seizing the moment, Grixx delivers a swift kick to the creature’s midsection, sending it crashing into the cavern wall.
The creature slumps to the ground, dazed but still conscious.
Alix raises a hand, signaling Grixx to halt. His eyes narrow as he focuses on the creature before them. Through his system interface, he identifies the being’s race: Lagomian—the same as Liss and Nikon. Recognizing this, Alix deactivates his human disguise, revealing his true monstrous form.
"You are a Lagomian," Alix states, his voice calm yet commanding.
The Lagomian blinks in confusion, his red eyes flickering between Alix and Grixx. He watches as the human forms before him shift—Grixx transforming into a formidable lizardman, and Alix into an indistinguishable yet awe-inspiring entity. An overwhelming aura emanates from Alix, compelling the Lagomian to feel an instinctual urge to submit.
Struggling against this sensation, the Lagomian grips his katana tighter, his voice strained. "Monsters... leave. I... only want to kill humans."
Observing the Lagomian’s unstable state, Alix concludes that reasoning is futile. He turns to Grixx and nods. "Render him unconscious."
As a Tier 5 being, Grixx easily subdues the Tier 4 Lagomian. With swift precision, he strikes a pressure point, and the Lagomian collapses, his katana clattering to the ground beside him.
Alix approaches the unconscious Lagomian, his expression contemplative. Activating his system interface, he examines the Lagomian’s status and discovers an ominous contract: a pact with the God of War. This agreement grants the individual double their original strength but at a dire cost—they lose all rationality and are compelled to kill fifteen people daily. Failure to meet this quota results in immediate death.
Alix’s brow furrows as he absorbs this information. The concept of deities influencing mortals through such perilous contracts unsettles him. He ponders silently, ’Are there truly gods in this world? If so, how formidable are they?’ Shaking off these thoughts, he refocuses on the immediate situation.