The dawn of the fifth day broke with a chill in the air, hinting at the challenges the day held. Alan, however, was ready with something special for his players. There, neatly lined up, were rows of leather vests. The light caught their surface, giving them a slightly polished look.
[Leather vest]
[Type: Armor]
[Rarity: Common]
[Attributes: Defense +4]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 14]
The vest was simple but elegantly made from the leather of animals the group had hunted down over the past four days. Though it wasn't imbued with any enchantments, and its defensive capabilities were modest, it was certainly better than nothing. For those among the group who had been wandering without any armor, this vest was not just a piece of equipment; it symbolized hope and the possibility of surviving a little longer.
"Alright, everyone," Alan began, his voice breaking the early morning silence, "suit up!"
From the swords, the wooden shields, and now the leather vest, The players were overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness that Alan showed.
Yet Alan redirected their gratitude, casting a hand towards the group of dedicated crafters who stood slightly apart from the main group. All three crafters stood proud for the contribution they gave for the group.
After ensuring each player had adjusted to their new armor, Alan decided it was the perfect time for some group combat drills. With deft demonstrations, he imparted simple tactics that could prove invaluable in group battles.
Once warmed up and newly enlightened, Alan, led the group on a mountainous trail, hinting at another mission.
"Where do you think he's taking us now?"
"I hope it is nothing difficult"
"With him so generously giving us this armor, I bet we are fighting lions next"
The new armor actually made these players more anxious than brave, however when they finally found out the beast they needed to kill next, they were all turned dumbfounded.
[Hidden Quest Activated]
[You encounter a frog infestation]
[You received F-level quest: clear frog infestation]
The frogs, though numerous, didn't pose much of a threat. Their croaks filled the air, almost mockingly, but the group's synchronized efforts soon brought silence.
While they were still in high spirits, Alan took them to the next quest area.
[Hidden Quest Activated]
[You encounter a flock of crows]
[You received F-level quest: clear the farms]
Although they were difficult to deal with, however, there were not many crows around, within fifteen minutes, Black feathers fell like rain as the crows met their end.
[You have completed F level quest: clear the farms]
[You received 200 survival points, 100XP, rank F reward]
Even though the group dispatched them swiftly, the distance of these quest sites had them trudging for miles, making their journey tiring and prolonged.
During their trek, nature offered up opportunities for additional provisions. A few unsuspecting deer and boars, grazing leisurely, soon became targets.
However, the day was far from over, and the wilderness still had a challenging opponent for them.
[Brown Bear]
[Type: Beast]
[Rank: D-]
[Remarks: Paw Paw, watch out for its paw]
A shadow loomed large in the distance. The bear, with a frame and power eerily similar to the Dark Wolf Alan, had previously bested, growled threateningly. But this time, Alan wasn't alone. With Rose's sniper skills delivering devastating headshots and Merle's relentless assault rifle bursts, the odds soon tilted in their favor. Before the massive creature could fully understand its predicament, it fell to their combined might, signaling yet another victory for Alan and his team.
As the formidable Grizzly bear collapsed, a sense of achievement washed over the group. The atmosphere was thick with pride, evident from the glint in each player's eyes.
[You have killed the Grizzly bear]
[You gained 500 XP and 250 survival points]
[You received Uncommon Box]
Alan, ever the curious leader, hurriedly opened the box. Inside was an item that made his eyes light up with satisfaction.
[Name: Bear Skin Bag]
[Type: Accessories]
[Rarity: Uncommon]
[Attributes: None]
[Effects: Increased carrying capacity by 50 kilograms]
[Able to Bring Outside the Game: No]
Alan was elated to find a useful item, with this bag, Alan could carry more than double his previous limit, a boon for the trials ahead.
Fatigue from the morning's events was setting in. Alan signaled for a break, and the group settled in a shaded area, feasting on an assortment of berries and fruits they had gathered over the past days. Their laughter and banter filled the air, a stark contrast to the grim atmosphere of the game's beginning.
With their spirits lifted and their bellies full, Alan rallied the group for one last adventure. He led them to a ravine, its depth hidden by towering trees. As they ventured further in, an eerie screeching sound echoed around them, sending shivers down their spines.
Alan halted and turned to face them. His voice, while calm, carried an undertone of warning, "Alright, this one's going to be tricky. It's your choice if you want in or out."
The memories of the previous day, where they felt coerced into the missions, hung in the air. However, today was different. Every single player, inspired by their recent successes and motivated by the potential rewards, stood firm beside Alan, ready to face the unknown.
Drawing a deep breath, Alan cautioned, "Stay alert."
[Hidden Quest Activated]
[You enter a monkey nest]
[You received E-level quest: kill monkeys]
The very mention of an E-level quest was enough to make the players' hearts race with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
These weren't ordinary monkeys; they were more formidable, more agile. The trees swayed as they darted from branch to branch with an elegance that belied their dangerous nature. Every flash of red fur signaled another potential attack, another threat.
In the dense forest, the vibrant chatter of monkeys was unmistakable. Their piercing calls echoed from every direction, creating an almost symphonic but tense atmosphere.
[Red Monkeys]
[Type: Beast]
[Rank: E-]
[Remarks: They are not really red, but they are dangerous]
The players tightened their grips on their weapons, their pulses quickening with every monkey screech. Their rapid movements through the treetops combined with the calculated precision of their strikes were a challenge for even the most seasoned players.
The telltale flash of a blade signaled an incoming stab, swiftly piercing the thick fur of one of the monkeys.
[Stabbing: Inflicted 25 damage]
The red-furred creature howled in pain, retreating momentarily but still eyeing the player with malice.
However, as one monkey retreated, another lunged. With incredible speed and fury, it aimed for a player's exposed neck, its teeth sinking deep into the flesh. The sharp pain was immediate, a burning sensation that spread quickly. The player grunted, pulling away as the monkey released its grip, leaving behind not just a bite mark, but a significant reduction in points from their health pool.
[Bite, Received 21 Damage]
Every player felt the weight of each attack. Their health points, the crucial numerical value that determined their survival, were always at the forefront of their minds. For many, their total HP hovered around 100 points, meaning every strike had the potential to be deadly. A mere four or five such assaults, and they could be incapacitated, if not worse.
The newly acquired armor they wore became not just a protective layer but a lifesaver. Had they been without it, the monkey's sharp teeth would have inflicted far greater harm, further jeopardizing their chances of survival.
Alan, his eyes scanning the canopy above, shouted his instructions, "Form groups! Circle up! Remember the training!" The players swiftly fell into formation, groups of three forming tight circles - a solid defense against their agile foes.
The formation was elementary, but in its simplicity lay its brilliance. The players felt a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie, knowing they weren't facing this threat alone.
Each trio stood with their backs to each other, creating a protective circle. The first player, shield up, was ready to defend from any frontal attacks. The second, weapon poised, was prepared to strike back once an opening was found. The third player remained vigilant, eyes darting side to side, safeguarding their teammates from any second attacks.
However, even as they repelled wave after wave of monkey assaults, they couldn't help but feel the pressure building. The trees above were thick with red-furred creatures, their numbers seemingly endless. And the sporadic gunfire from the Blood Patriots added a layer of cacophony to the already tense situation.
Just as the players felt they were making headway, a deafening roar cut through the noise. Trees trembled and leaves fell like rain. Emerging from the deeper forest was a sight that chilled their spines: a hulking form casting a long shadow, its eyes locked onto the players with malevolent intent.
[Blood Gorilla]
[Type: Magical Beast]
[Rank: D+]
[Remarks: Here is the king of monkeys]
