Visiting the elders

*A few minutes later*

"That's done... Now, what else can I do?" Damien muttered as he walked along the stone paths of the village. I still have some time before I need to log out for today.

I might as well work on gaining the Elders' favor.

With that thought, he set out to visit the other village elders.

The first elder he visited was Edna. Convincing her was relatively easy, and after a brief visit with her he learnt a little about all the elders as well as what a few things about Edna herself.

She used to be the Leader of the ancient city guards and was currently the second strongest in this village right after Troy.

After bidding her his farewell he continued to meet the remaining members of the Elder council, starting with Ophelia.

Ophelia was once the best adventurer that used to work with Edward. She was a master of bow however, due to a severe injury to her fingers and arms also from the city's curse, she could hardly use her bow but that did not mean she was weak.

Similar to Edna, she's a kind old lady, but she's... calmer somehow.

He also found out that she and Edward seemed to be in... Some form of romantic relationship.

She had taught Damien a bit about the forest, but his time was limited, and he knew he'd have to visit her again later.

She was also more than happy to help him and in her words.

"This place has been in a start of stagnation for a long time it high chance it changed."

Next person he met was Gareth, the old blacksmith.

He got a similar mission as with Yumi.

_______

[Ding: Quest Activated]

[Ding: A once great blacksmith who has lost his passion for his work.]

[Ding: Reignite his passion without causing his death: 0/1]

[Reward: Support from Blacksmith, +100 reputation with Gleyma]

_______

At first Damien was confused with the task until he realised something.

The curse would indeed kill them if the used too much of their power but if they were careful it barely affected them.

So all he did was hand over all his supply of Rank 1 metals, a few rank 1 weapons and armours as well as rank 1 blacksmith equipment that he had with him and he immediately completed the task.

'Pretty much a freebie.' Damien thought with a smile.

Although the metals wouldn't last for long he planned to go back to Ophelia and Edna to learn more about the forest. The would surely be metal deposit there.

He thought about asking him to teach students but decided against it since the resources were still too low.

Next he went to meet Elara, She was a rune master and one of the elders that wasn't the best at her craft in the city at that time,she wasn't included in the project at that time because she offended her superior and was sent to work on the runes on the walls as a punishment which ended up saving her.

Even then she was still a reputable Rank 5 rune master.

Elara was weird or better said eccentric.

The other elders had shared that her eccentricness stemmed from grief after losing her family years ago. It wasn't fair to judge her harshly for it so he was told to keep his patience when talking to her.

However Damien was very surprised when he finally spoke to her.

The conversation went:

"What do you want?"

"I need your approval to bring people into Gleyma."

"Ask the other elders."

"I have asked them only you and the village head is left."

"Oh okay, what will I gain if I accept."

"I will try to find a cure to the curse."

"I don't care." Damien's heart skipped a beat when he had her reply, this was exactly what he was scared of and he doubt he had anything else to give but before he said another thing she said.

"Can you revive the dead?"

Damien sighed,"I can't"

"Good, you have my blessing to do what you want."

Damien paused confused he was about to ask her questions when she shouted.

"Fuck out, what are you still waiting for, do you want me to change my mind."

Damien immediately walked out the house onto the street not wanting her to take back her acknowledgement, he didn't know if it was possible but he didn't want to test his luck.

After looking back at the house, Damien continued down the street towards the inn. Only one person that remained for him to convince wass the village head, Desmond.

Unfortunately he wasn't available but Thankfully Troy said he would contact him and get his approval as well, all he had to do now was wait.

He greeted everyone as he made his way to his room and just as he layed down he received a notification.

_______

[Ding: Congratulations you have completed the special quest 'Earn the leaders' support' quest.]

[Ding: Earn the leaders' support]

[Ding: Supports earned 8/8]

[Ding: You have received Increased authority in Gleyma]

[Ding: You are on trial to become the ninth elder of Gleyma]

[Ding: You can bring people approved by the elders to the village.]

_______

A wide smile blossomed on Damien's face as he read the new quest.

_______

[Ding: Special quest as been activated]

[Ding: Trial Of Elders]

[Ding: The impacts of your decisions on the village shall be evaluated and you contribution rewarded with authority.]

[Reward: Reward shall be given according to results]

_______

'I am definitely going back to the city tomorrow' Damien thought before logging out.

*******

Damien stretched his arms, feeling the subtle release as he disconnected from the game. The darkness of his room came into focus, punctuated by the soft hum of his AI assistant, Claudia, whose gentle voice chimed through his earpiece.

"Welcome back, Damien," Claudia greeted, her voice crisp yet warm.

"Thanks, Claudia," he replied, rubbing his eyes to adjust. "It's done. The Elders agreed to my proposal. I'll be able to bring people into the city." There was a slight thrill in his voice—this was a victory, one more step forward in his plans.

"Good" Claudia said. "How would you like to proceed with sending the children in?"

"Have them start tomorrow no matter the cost and also stress that going to Gleyma is important." Damien instructed. "Cook up something to make sure they go there without spraying."

"I will tell them there is a very important quest in Gleyma and you need their help," Claudia confirmed. "And I assume they're to operate with confidentiality?"

"Absolutely. No mention of this to anyone outside of the selected circle, Inform them of that as well and if they don't meet me they are to go meet the Adventurer leader Edward he will tell them what to do."

"Is that all?" Claudia asked.

"Yes, time to sleep." Damien said as he made his way to his room, "Wake me up immediately I complete a six hour sleep."

"Affirmative."