In The Darkness

Venturing into the Forest, Part 1

This time instead of equipping my usual utility belt, I had worn the new tier II belt I bought. I had latched the tier I handbag to the right side of my belt, opposite to the small pouch located to my left. I had stored the glass identification card in small, left pouch and I kept a few of my coins in the handbag instead of the leather pouch I had previously stored them in. I sheathed my dagger and placed the sheath in the loop hole present on the belt. The swords I previously had were still located where they were before; sheathed in their scabbard attached to the armour. My overall look was nearly the same, the only thing that had changed, was that I used a different belt. The belt was far lighter in comparison to my utility belt. The only problem was that it was off-putting in my opinion.

After a few minutes, I climbed up the stairs and looked at towards the task board. Sasha and Dave were busy as usual and the receptionist was just as drunk as ever. Looking through the missions, today I decided to hunt deer.

Animals were often regarded as secondary means of resources. Due to the advent of dungeons, humans no longer had to worry about the resources necessary for survival. Dungeons stood as a primary mean to gain meat and hide, whereas agriculture stood as the second primary mean to achieve a satisfactory diet. Dungeons spawned an unlimited number of monsters which helped to cover the costs for food, and other than this, they also provided a large amount of jobs to the capable ones who opted for them. I knew of this since I was young, however my destination was different. I was roughly aware of almost everything, yet at the same time, I was fully aware of nothing. 

Ready to kill a few deer, I looked through the task listed.

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Task: Killing Deer

Minimum Rank Required: F

[Permanent: Can be pursued only 20 times a month per adventurer. Any access material will not be accepted.]

Kill a deer.

Description: Only adult deer are accepted. This task is put forth to ensure that the population of the deer in the region do not pass a certain limit.

Using a butcher's knife for skinning is recommended. 

Money gained after completion: 3 - 5 bronze. [Money depends on the quality of the hide presented.]

Proof of completion: Deer's Antlers [I] + Deer's Hide [I] 

Species : White Tailed Deer, Red Deer, Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Fallow Deer.

Extra money awarded for Moose's Velvet Antlers [II]

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After reading through the task, I walked over to the shortest line of the four counters which was handled by Sasha. After a momentary wait, when my turn came, I spoke, "Sasha, I wish to take the task of killing deer. And other than this, I wish to enquire something."

Sasha looked towards me and replied, "Tell me, what is it that you wish to ask?"

With the same bland tone of mine, I responded, "What exactly are tiers? I've been facing the system of tiers ever since I completed the task of killing horned rabbits."

She smacked her hand on her head as she visibly seemed to recall something. "Ah right. That. I forgot to tell you this, but tiers are a form of divisions developed for the sake of adventurers to clarify which set of items are more valuable. For example, monetarily speaking a tier I item is less valuable than tier II item. However, at times certain items are far more valuable to adventurers, and they prefer not to sell them even if they are those that are tier I.

The items handed to the guild are used to create certain equipment and at times, are individually sold to the buyers at the right price. If by chance you wish to buy any item, you may do so from the Guild Marketplace located in town 12.

Usually, adventurers ranked below C don't buy items from the marketplace, but I'm sure a capable adventurer such as yourself will be able to cross that barrier soon."

After looking through a few files located on her desk, Sasha continued, "As for the task of killing deer, you may do so at any time you find apt. The deer population has increased far beyond measure and this is attracting quite many carnivorous animals as well. I won't recommend taking this mission with your current rank, but if you truly wish to take it, I won't stop you. The only danger during this mission is that of the aggressive meat-eating animals. If by chance you face one, climb a tree or do the twelve other things you can, but do not face them head on.

Other than this, the mission of cutting trees is also present. If you wish to sign up for both missions at once, it would be monetarily beneficial, however, with your current rank, I won't allow it. After attaining at least rank D, I'll allow you to take multiple missions at hand."

I responded while leaving the guild house. "Hmm. I see. Then I shall make it quick."

Soon after, I left the guild house and headed to the inn I was staying at. There, I asked the receptionist, "Where's my horse?"

To this, the receptionist replied, "Your horse is currently being taken care of in the town stable. If you wish for it sire, should I retrieve your horse?"

"No. I shall retrieve it myself."

"Alright sir."

"Now tell me, where is the stable?"

"If you continue down this street for a kilometre, you'll find it located opposite to this hotel."

After hearing the hotel's receptionist, I flung a bronze coin towards the desk and departed. As I was leaving the receptionist now behind me, bowed down and spoke, "Thank you for your patronage."

A while later, I found the stable and retrieved my horse after showing the room key. Now equipped with what was necessary, I rode my horse all the way to the dense forest I could see around 40 kilometres away.