Journey To The West Part 3

With newfound determination, I wiped away the remnants of tears that clung to my cheeks and mentally steeled myself for the formidable challenges that lay ahead. Leaving behind the tattered bed that had provided a brief sanctuary, I stepped outside the dilapidated house I had stumbled upon the previous night, my temporary refuge from the unforgiving darkness.

Despite the burdensome fatigue that hung over me like a wet blanket, I couldn't afford to gloss over the unvarnished truth: my destination remained days away, and I was about to dive headfirst into might be one of the most demanding trials I had faced thus far.

My gaze fixated on the colossal wall that loomed in the distance, encircling the sprawling city of Euquator. Behind those imposing walls was the very heart of this vast metropolis and, most importantly, the sole location where I could procure the indispensable "[world map]" I required.

In no way did I harbor delusions that a massive city brimming with activity would lack formidable players. Just considering the prospect of navigating its busy streets and treacherous alleyways sent a chill down my spine. However, I remained resolute and unwavering in my determination, despite the mysterious dangers that loomed at the edges of my mind.

*

As Eidos ventured closer to the city of Euquator, he found himself traversing a winding forest path. Tall trees loomed overhead, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was thick with the hum of wildlife and the rustling of leaves. It was a tranquil setting, but Eidos remained alert, knowing that danger could strike at any moment.

His instincts proved right as the distant sound of hooves and carriage wheels reached his ears. Eidos picked up his pace, heading in the direction of the noise. As he rounded a bend in the path, the scene unfolded before him.

A grand carriage, adorned with gilded trim and emblazoned with the emblem of a prominent merchant guild, had come to a halt. Surrounding it were a group of guards, armed with swords and spears, desperately trying to fend off a horde of monstrous attackers. The creatures, with gnarled claws and menacing jaws, seemed determined to lay siege to the carriage.

[Beginner's set equipped] The armor set materialized around his body.

Eidos didn't hesitate. With a graceful leap, he landed on a nearby tree branch and assessed the situation below. The guards were skilled, but they were outnumbered, and the players traveling within the carriage looked terrified.

"this is bad."

[KingsWolf sword equipped]

Drawing his sword with an elegant flourish, Eidos descended from the tree branch like a whirlwind of steel. His first strike cleaved through a monstrous attacker, and from that moment on, he moved with breathtaking precision.

The guards and players watched in awe as Eidos dispatched the creatures with grace and efficiency. His movements were a mesmerizing blend of martial prowess and agility, his strikes finding their mark with uncanny accuracy. The attackers were soon reduced to a mere memory.

Once the last monster fell, Eidos landed beside the carriage, his sword banished into the air. The guards gathered around, their expressions a mix of gratitude and curiosity. Whispers filled the air as they questioned who this mysterious savior might be.

"Thank you so much!" said by the guards. The players, on the other hand, had a sour expression, like they were saying, "We could do that as well if he had not interfered."

Eidos acknowledged their thanks with a nod, his demeanor exuding an air of quiet confidence. Without a word, he turned and began to walk away, each step slow and deliberate. His every movement commanded attention, and he left an indelible impression on all who had witnessed his intervention.

Inside the carriage, a mysterious figure, hidden in the dim light of the compartment, leaned towards one of the guards, their voice dripping with curiosity.

"Can you tell me who that noble gentleman was, the one who saved us from those monsters?" the figure inquired, their silky, blonde hair brushing gently against the carriage door as they leaned closer.

The guard, perplexed by the question, glanced at his fellow guards, all of whom wore expressions of bewilderment. "I wish I could, ma'am," he replied, "but we have no idea who he is. He appeared out of nowhere and fought with incredible skill."

As the conversation unfolded, the enigmatic figure remained concealed, their identity a well-guarded secret. Unbeknownst to all, a sense of mystery hung over their journey to the city of Euquator, deepening with each passing moment.

**

-A day later.

The day had finally come when Eidos stood at the entrance of the colossal city of Euquator. The sheer magnitude of the city's walls left him in awe; it was even more massive than he had imagined. The towering walls made him feel insignificant, a mere ant beside a mountain.

Eager to enter this bustling metropolis, he approached the city's entrance. However, his anticipation was tempered by caution. Before joining the long line of people waiting to enter, Eidos activated his skill [eye scope]. With a subtle nod, he surveyed the surroundings, ensuring his safety in this new and unfamiliar territory.

His keen eyes didn't miss the piece of paper affixed to the wall beside a vigilant guard. As he examined the poster, a sense of shock washed over him, quickly followed by apprehension. It took a moment for recognition to dawn – the image on the poster was none other than himself, clad in his distinctive King's Wolf armor.

The words emblazoned on the poster were like a harsh verdict: "Wanted: wolf-like monster." Eidos, the wolf in human form, was now cast as a menace, a threat to be hunted down by those who had issued the notice.

The rewards were substantial – 200 gold for capture, 150 for his death. It was clear that his anonymity was slipping away, and he had become a target within the very city he had longed to reach.

The notice directed potential hunters to contact the VOLCAN Guild for further details, leaving Eidos with a choice to make.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as I contemplated the price of my own bounty. The reward offered for my capture or demise amounted to a sum equivalent to two pieces of the coveted King's Wolf gear, the very armor that had become my signature. The irony of it all is kind of funny; if the goddess were her, she might be laughing her ass off. or maybe not.