Rewards

Hello dear readers. Well, starting with some sad news, I am dropping this novel. Sadly, I haven't obtained the contract I was aiming for, and this site is as greedy as ever. Oof, I am extremely sorry to leave it halfway; I really don't easily make such decisions. Lately, I am a tad busier than usual, and out of the three novels I am currently writing, this one has the lowest reaction and reader base. Thanks to everyone for your comments.

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Caelum slowly focused his gaze on the system message blinking in his vision, the words from the 'Emergency Quest: The Ruse of the Deep' seeming to float before his eyes. Despite the pain wracking his body, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He had chosen to defend the town of Lighthaven against the monstrous onslaught, and his rewards reflected his valorous choice.

[System Message: Quest Completed - The Ruse of the Deep

Rewards:

Experience Points (XP): 500

Goldens: 30

System Points: 40

Item: "Tidal Force" Gun Blueprint

Rare Ingredient: Kraken Ink

Title: "Defender of Lighthaven"]

Caelum then looked at the second System message, a reward for his insight and daring defense of the sewers—a part of the quest that had unfolded beyond the expectations of the Gunslinger System.

[System Message: Additional Reward Granted for Strategic Foresight and Valiant Defense

Rewards:

Additional Experience Points (XP): 250

Bonus Goldens: 50

Extra System Points: 30

Special Item: "Eclipse Core" - a rare artifact resonating with dark energy.]

Caelum absorbed the information, a grim satisfaction settling in. Despite his battered state, he had made a difference, a fact that the system's rewards only emphasized. He turned to Elara, his voice rough but clear, "What happened to the creature in the sewer?"

Elara took a deep breath, the weight of recent events shadowing her features. "Lord Redthorn and General Tarnis led their men into the sewers after we left. The Artisan Guild was already there, holding the creature at bay. They had some losses, but they were managing." She paused, her gaze flickering to Lily, still asleep, then back to Caelum. "When Redthorn arrived, he didn't hesitate. Ordered a full charge. It was... chaos."

Caelum's eyes narrowed, his suspicions about Redthorn's tactics the previous night taking a darker tone. "And the creature?" he pressed, his voice steady despite the throb of pain that accompanied every word.

"It retreated," Elara confirmed, her voice laced with frustration. "After it fed on the fallen... took their bodies with it. The sewers were a slaughterhouse, Caelum. Redthorn's and Tarnis's men... dozens dead."

Caelum's fist clenched, the sheets rustling under his grip. "Fodder," he spat out, the word like venom. "He used them as fodder."

Elara's expression softened, her eyes meeting his. "We were lucky to have you. You saved countless lives, Caelum. Without your stand..."

A heavy silence fell between them, the weight of their losses a tangible presence in the room. Caelum's hand absentmindedly reached for the item he had received as part of his quest reward, the Eclipse Core. It was a small, obsidian-like orb, its surface swirling with an inner light that seemed to pulse with dark energy. It felt cold to the touch, yet the power it contained was undeniable.

He turned his attention to the system message, specifically the item rewarded: the Eclipse Core. Curiosity piqued, he focused inwardly and commanded, 'Observe.'

It looked like a dark, spherical artifact, approximately the size of a fist. Its surface was a swirling mass of shadows, constantly moving, absorbing any light that touched it. The core emanated a palpable aura of power, its energy was pulsing with an almost heartbeat-like rhythm. When held, it feet simultaneously cold and burning to the touch, a paradox that defies natural law.

[System Message: Observe: Eclipse Core

Usage: The Eclipse Core is a potent source of dark energy. It can enhance dark-based abilities or spells, serve as a catalyst for creating powerful enchantments, or even be used to summon shadow beings. However, its use comes with a risk, as the core's energy is volatile and can potentially overwhelm its wielder.]

Caelum's brow furrowed as he processed the information. The core was powerful, no doubt, but the inherent danger it posed was not to be underestimated. He locked the information away in his mind, a card to be played at the right moment.

Caelum eased himself out of bed with a deliberate slowness, mindful not to disturb Lily, who had fallen asleep with her head resting near his arm. His movements were cautious, a testament to the lingering pain that shadowed his every motion. 

Elara, who had been a vigilant presence by his side, rose swiftly, her intent clear in her determined gaze. She moved to gently push him back towards the bed, her hands light but firm. "You're still hurt. You should rest," she reminded him.

Caelum, however, resisted with a gentle shake of his head. "You should rest," he insisted, his tone carrying a soft but unmistakable edge of authority. Stepping closer to Elara, he enveloped her in a brief, comforting hug. His lips brushed her forehead in a tender gesture of gratitude. "Thank you for looking after me," he said, the warmth of his breath caressing her skin.

Elara's cheeks flushed with a subtle hue of pink at the contact, her eyes briefly meeting his before nodding silently, her gesture a silent acknowledgment of his thanks.

With careful steps, Caelum navigated his way out of the room, leaving behind the quiet sanctuary for the silent corridors of the inn. The usually lively atmosphere was conspicuously absent, replaced by a somber stillness that spoke volumes of the town's recent ordeal. As he made his way outside, the town of Lighthaven greeted him with its subdued reality. Grey clouds hung heavily in the sky, a mirror to the collective mourning and silent respect of its people.

The townsfolk, upon noticing Caelum, offered nods of recognition and respect. Though many did not know him personally, the title "Defender of Lighthaven" that now preceded him lent an aura of distinction. His actions had spoken on behalf of his character, earning him a place of reverence in the hearts of the people he had helped save.

As Caelum walked, the tangible expressions of gratitude from the townspeople felt like a bittersweet reminder of the cost of their safety. The air was thick with an unspoken mix of loss and appreciation, each nod a silent thank you, each glance a wordless acknowledgment of his sacrifice.

Caelum's thoughts were momentarily derailed as he approached Ironhand's forge. The familiar clang of metal and the glow of the forge greeted him like an old friend. Ironhand, noticing his approach, paused his work and offered a nod of recognition mixed with a hint of surprise. "Oh, it's you. Glad to see you're still kicking," Ironhand said, his voice rough with genuine relief.

Caelum managed a smile, his body protesting even this small gesture. "Same here. I regret leaving you with that monstrosity in the sewers," he admitted, easing himself onto a nearby stool with a grimace.