Rank C beast
The capital city, nestled between imposing natural barriers, had a strategic advantage against potential invaders. To the west, a majestic mountain range loomed, its peaks often shrouded in mist, creating a formidable natural fortification. The rugged terrain was dotted with sparse vegetation and hidden caves, known to harbor various creatures and minerals. In stark contrast, to the east lay a vast, dense forest. Its thick canopy teemed with life, from towering ancient trees to a myriad of flora and fauna. This forest acted as both a resource and a buffer zone for the city, its depths hiding secrets and dangers alike.
Jacob headed east, his mind focused on the task at hand. The mission required him to gather fifteen stalks of Shining Grass, a rare medicinal herb known for its temporary speed-enhancing properties. As he ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew cooler and the sounds of the bustling city faded into a symphony of rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
"Nova, scan the surroundings for Shining Grass," Jacob instructed.
'Scanning... Target identified. Proceed northeast,' Nova's voice responded in his mind.
Following Nova's guidance, Jacob navigated through the forest, his eyes scanning the underbrush for the telltale glimmer of Shining Grass. The herb's distinctive silvery sheen made it easier to spot in the dim forest light. After carefully collecting fifteen stalks, he decided to gather a few more as a precaution.
As he moved to collect his twentieth stalk, a rustling sound caught his attention. From behind a thick bush emerged a rank C scaly lizard, its scaly body glinting menacingly. The creature, almost as tall as Jacob, let out a low growl and advanced.
He read about it in the booklet handed to him by the guild receptionist.
Even in the rank C category it was stronger than many other beasts with the same rank due to it's defence
Jacob drew his sword, his senses heightened. The lizard lunged at him, its claws swiping dangerously close. He parried the attack and struck back, but the creature's thick hide absorbed much of the blow. The battle was fierce, the lizard's agility and strength pushing Jacob to his limits. Despite his best efforts, a powerful tail swipe sent him crashing into a tree, "arghh" he let out a grunt with his side throbbing with pain.
'enemy is too powerful with zero chance of host's victory.....intiating contegency escape plan'
Realizing he was outmatched, Jacob received instructions from Nova with quick decision. He swung his sword in a wide arc, forcing the lizard to retreat momentarily, and seized the opportunity to escape. Running through the forest, he finally lost the lizard and paused to catch his breath, his body aching.
After narrowly escaping the lizard and feeling the throbbing pain from his wounds, Jacob knew he needed to assess the damage.
As he made his way through the forest, he found a quiet clearing and decided to pause for a moment."Nova, examine my injuries," Jacob instructed, his voice steady despite the pain.
Nova's response was immediate. 'Scanning for injuries...'
Jacob felt a faint tingling sensation as Nova conducted the scan.
The AI's voice then echoed in his mind with the results. 'You have sustained multiple injuries. Minor lacerations on your arms and legs, significant bruising on your right side, and a mild concussion. Additionally, there are signs of muscle strain in your upper body.'
Jacob winced, but nodded."Understood. We need to get these treated as soon as possible."
"I'm still too weak," Jacob muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice. "I need to strengthen my body and improve my skills."
He finished collecting the herbs and made his way back to the city. At the mercenary guild, the receptionist greeted him warmly.
"Welcome back! Did you complete the mission?"
"Yes," Jacob replied, handing over the twenty stalks of Shining Grass.
The receptionist counted the herbs and shocked that he completed the mission so fast but still nodded approvingly. "Excellent work. Here are your ten silver coins."
"Thank you," Jacob said, accepting the reward. "I'd like to buy a healing potion, please."
"Certainly. That will be six silver coins," the receptionist replied, handing him a vial of shimmering blue liquid.
Jacob pocketed the remaining coins and headed back to the Phoenix Chick inn. In his room, he examined the healing potion, then drank half of it and poured the rest over his wounds. To his amazement, the injuries began to heal rapidly, the pain subsiding almost instantly.
"Incredible," Jacob whispered. "Nova, analyze this process."
'Analyzing... The potion increases the healing factors in the affected area by 1000 fold. Once the wound closes, the potion's remnants are excreted as sweat,' Nova explained.
Jacob marveled at the potion's efficacy. "I need to learn how to make these potions," he decided, his interest in potion-making piqued.
After the healing potion worked its wonders, Jacob felt a surge of relief and renewed energy. Heading downstairs to the inn's common room, he decided it was time to eat. The aroma of grilling meat filled the air, making his stomach growl.
He found a seat and soon, the innkeeper's wife approached. "Good evening. What can I get for you?"
"Grilled steak with fruit juice and some vegetables," Jacob replied.
Minutes later, his meal arrived: a perfectly grilled steak, crisp vegetables, and a refreshing glass of fruit juice. Jacob savored each bite, the flavors revitalizing him further. The combination of good food and the healing potion had restored his spirits. Feeling satisfied and ready for his night training.
Determined to improve, he spent the rest of the night training his body and practicing his swordsmanship in the inn's courtyard. The quiet of the night was broken only by the sounds of his exertion, his movements growing sharper and more precise with each swing. As exhaustion finally set in, he returned to his room and collapsed onto the bed, his body sore but his resolve stronger than ever.