Chapter 30: A big quest

Alongside Dart, Luke decided to visit the chaos site.

His mother was worried, but when he explained what could happen if they failed to assess the situation properly, she did not stop him.

Beasts had entered the town at the worst possible time. There were no strong guards present, and the soldiers from the head tribe were absent as well.

The perimeter should never have weakened to the point that monsters could simply walk in. Or was the absence of patrolling unit the cause?

“This is saddening,” Dart said as he looked at the blood splattered along the side of the street and heard the crying voices drifting from the houses they passed.

The monsters had taken this very path earlier that morning.

Luke crouched and examined the claw marks carved into the ground. ’What do you think, System?’

[It appears the monster was roughly one and a half meters tall and possessed enough strength in its legs to gouge these marks.]

Luke frowned. This was bad. The village was no longer safe. At least not until the chief returned.

Soon, they reached the barter’s hub, where a small crowd had gathered.

They were not warriors, but ordinary villagers who had come to learn more about the incident.

As Luke stepped closer, he heard the murmurs.

“To think they breached the perimeter…”

“What is the point of having so many warriors if they cannot protect us when it matters?”

“Aren’t you a man yourself, Golbir?”

“Still… those beasts were so close to my house…”

Luke shook his head. Nothing useful.

Just then, Gary stepped out, a stool in his hand.

Everyone turned toward the short man, surprised to see him serious for once instead of irritated.

He placed the stool down, climbed on top of it, and addressed the villagers.

“As you all know, we were ambushed yesterday. Several wild monsters attacked our village. We lost lives… lives that were sacrificed to keep the chief’s mate and his daughter safe.”

No one was unaware of what he had just said.

Then he added, “I have just received word that the chief will return by tomorrow at the earliest. So, just for tonight, I ask you to step forward and help keep those precious to the chief safe…”

Gary’s voice faded as the crowd began to disperse. They already understood what he meant.

Guard the chief’s house. The very duty that had claimed four lives that morning. Of course they would not even consider it.

In the end, only two people remained.

Dart and Luke.

After a brief silence, Gary spoke again. “If… you agree to take this job, I am willing to offer two hundred tora for just one night.”

He knew the danger of what he was asking. Wolves followed the blood and movements of other packs, knowing such trails often led to prey. There was a high chance of another ambush tonight. With no backup, the risk only grew greater.

Luke was already weighing the offer when something appeared before him, solidifying his decision.

[Quest: Guard the chief’s house for one night.]

[Reward: 100G

Magma Tooth]

[Grade E: Magma Tooth]

[Int: +5]

[Effect: Releases a burning effect that scorches the targeted area, delaying recovery and inflicting severe pain. Using the weapon, the user would become more aware of heat presence around them.]

[Price: 600G]

Luke’s brows lifted. Damn… that was a good reward. An item worth 600G, and he would obtain it for free?

But if the System valued this quest so highly, then the risk behind it would be just as significant.

“I… would need to discuss this with my mate,” Dart said, rubbing the back of his head.

Luke, however, did not hesitate. “I will do it.”

Both Dart and Gary stared at him. Gary blinked. “You will? Truly?”

Luke nodded. “Yeah. I will guard the main gate of the house tonight. Just make sure you pay me, and do not even think about negotiating.”

Gary immediately jumped off the stool. “I swear, if nothing happens by tomorrow, I will give you more than what I promised.”

The two men then looked at Dart.

His expression had hardened.

After a brief pause, he nodded. “You will need someone watching the rear as well… so count me in.”

….

Luke walked back toward his house, his mind already racing ahead.

Preparations.

[Stats:

Str: 11.5 → 13

Spd: 10 → 11

Def: 5 → 8

Int: 11

Gamma: 6 → 12]

[Attribute Points: 0]

[Gamma Reserve: 850]

[Inventory:

Toras: 1202

Throwable Knife: 1

Massaging Oil: 1

Mantis Claws: 1]

He was about to guard the most important house in the village.

But not from his perspective.

For him, nothing outweighed his family. His mother came first.

That was why he said, ’Show me traps.’

[Trap Alarm: An alarm extendable up to thirty meters. Emits a loud explosive sound when the wire is triggered.]

[Price: 200G]

[Electric Fence: A perimeter extendable up to twenty meters. Releases 30–50 mA, capable of paralyzing trespassers and potentially lethal against those with weak defense.]

[Price: 300G]

Luke hummed softly.

He was definitely buying the second one. Considering the size of his house, which was not massive but still wide enough, he would need at least two sets.

Six hundred G.

Was he really going to spend that much?

Maybe not for his family.

But for the only woman he wanted to keep safe.

In this entire village, there was no place safer than their own house.

’I guess this needs to be done…’

He soon reached the house and found Lex and Gustav seated in the dining hall.

It didn’t appear Lex was going to hunt today, and for obvious reasons.

Luke sat beside his father, his shoulders heavy as he told him, “I have taken the duty to guard the chief’s house tonight.”

Lex nearly fell face flat on the table while Gustav’s eyes widened in shock, “Luke…that’s too risky. You shouldn’t be putting your life at threat just for some Toras.”

Luke shook his head, “It’s not just about money, father. If those beasts enter the town, to reach our house, they would need to cross the chief’s house first. So, if I am stationed there..I know I would at least be informed of the danger and move you all away in time.”

Lex rolled his eyes, “What a grand plan.” Leaving those words behind, he got up and left.

Gustav remained silent for a few moments before speaking, “Have you…told Monica about this?”

Luke turned to look in the direction of the kitchen. Now comes the hard part.

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