Chapter XI - Promotion Quest 2

Quests were broken down into multiple categories as their rewards increased but the difficulty and the critiques were much more severe.

D - Beginner

C

B - Normal

A

S - Hard

SS

SSS - Chaos

The clerk was a little shocked at the confidence this adventurer was exuding. "Are you sure sir? In the event of a failure in Chaos Difficulty, you are locked out of taking the Advancement Quest for 7 days. This is not something you should take lightly."

Marcus nodded "Yes. I choose Chaos Difficulty." He knew that this increased the difficulty of the quest from a fairly simple and easy assessment into an arduous and nigh impossible trial.

The clerk nodded once more and stepped out from the behind the counter and opened an adjacent door and motioned Marcus through.

Marcus stepped through the door into a much larger back room that was dimly lit. Three NPCs stood apart minding their own business. The first was a young elven woman donned in the classic Cerulean blue robes. She was busy studying her grimoire, she had to be the Wizard trainer.

Sitting on a stack of crates was a hooded male Lizardman. He was wearing a dark green vest with black trousers as his tail flickered back and forth as he twirled a knife between his scaly talons. The mentor of the Rogues.

Lastly, was a Human standing with a sword in both his hands pointing towards the ground. His blonde hair fluttering as his closed eyes and mouth was muttering an incantation. The tunic under his chainmail was dancing as a small aura captivated Marcus as it had the first time he played. Clearly, he was the master of the Squires.

Marcus' Flutter chat was in a total war as everyone was practically screaming trying to get him to change his mind.

"Go wizard!"

"Choose Rogue!"

"Stay as a Squire!"

Marcus slowly approached the chanting human as he introduced himself "Greetings Sire, I am an Adventurer, I humbly request to take the Chaos Advancement Quest to become a Squire." He said taking a knee.

The man opened his eyes and observed the adventurer who was prostrating him. "Rise child."

Marcus stood tall and stared into the eyes of the NPC. He knew that the test had begun the second he entered through the doorway and everything was being scrutinized by the judge.

He must show courage yet remain a gentleman and above all else show the respect.

"Let us begin then. This way page." The man turned towards the wall as a mysterious doorway appeared he entered and Marcus followed as it closed behind him.

Marcus was whisked onto a mountain trail. The judge was nowhere to be seen but Marcus knew he was being observed. Marcus looked around the valley as he took in his surroundings.

The barren mountain was littered with trees that seemed out of place, as if defying the laws of gravity and reason, they chose their scattered locations and attempted to reach for the heavens.

There was a river that split the valley in two and a lush forest fought for supremacy on both banks of the river. Marcus knew there was going to be a village deeper in the forest as he had to prove his valor and help the village in some manner.

In the lower difficulties it was as simple as carrying a broken down carts supplies to the village, but in Chaos difficulty… as if, he knew better.

The first person to attempt chaos difficulty said it was completely unfair, no chance of survival, it was an absolute nightmare. Thankfully, Marcus knew what to expect and the tricks he could do to pass this unjust trial.

Marcus began making his way down the hill he was on as he entered the valley and began traversing the forest. He heard birds chirping as the early afternoon sky started to be dyed crimson as the sun began setting.

It took hours to reach the clearing where the small village, enclosed on all sides by large wooden stakes acting as a wall. The wooden gate was ajar as a single soldier stood guard.

Marcus approached the guard and saluted him "Greetings, Squire-in-Training Marcus approaches to offer any assistance that may be needed."

The guard eyed the young adventurer up and down "You may approach, the large hut in the back is where the Elder presides, he may have something worth your talents."

Marcus bowed and entered the village. He noticed the small huts placed sporadically around the interior of the defensive barricade as he approached the Elder's hut. The villagers were talking in hushed tones as they ogled the strange visitor.

Marcus knocked on the straw and wooden door as a young boy answered "Junior, get back in here!" an elderly hand grabbed the door and prompted the child back into the hut. "Greetings stranger, what brings you to this remote village?"

Marcus bowed "Greetings esteemed Elder, my name is Nobody, Squire-in-Training, and as I was passing by I was curious if there was anything I could to help the village out on my travels."

As the Elder was about to request assistance, the soldier from the gate rushed into the hut shouting "Goblins! The scouts say a group is making their way through the forest and the village is directly in their path!"

Marcus stepped forward "How many?"

The guard shook his head "the scout didn't have an exact number, but more than a dozen! We need to begin evacuating the village!"

The Elder was staring at the fire as he stroked his long beard. After some time he questioned the guard "Troublesome indeed, how long until they arrive?"

"By nightfall Elder…" the guard replied worriedly "we must begin evacuating immediately!"

Marcus stepped forward "There are many young and elderly here, it will take too long to get them to safety, how many able bodied men and skilled men are there?"

The elder shook his head "The war on the continent has seen all the working men drafted out of the village. We have young boys and the soldier, that's it."

Marcus knew this answer beforehand but assuming the trial, he had to question it, there's a fine difference between arrogance and confidence.

Marcus nodded "Okay have the scout keep them in their sights and get me a more definitive answer. You and I are gonna begin setting up the defense. Elder, I swear on my honor that this village will be standing at the end of this."

The Elder nodded "We will forever be in your debt, anything you need, please let us know what we can do to help."