I Can Extract Game Items

[ Objectives: ]

- Investigate the outskirts of Tagharium.

- Assist the royal knights in stopping Malrik.

- Optional: Destroy the monolith.

[ Rewards: Significant EXP, Gold, Reputation, and Unique Loot. ]

---

The notification sparked an uproar. Players scrambled to prepare, shouting over each other as they discussed the best approach.

---

At a nearby tavern, Lilo, Boris, and Ezran sat at a table with their eyes glued to the notifications.

"Malrik?" Lilo voiced with a frown. "Wasn't that the name Aleman mentioned in the chats?"

"It was," Boris confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "Looks like he wasn't kidding about this guy being a big deal."

"World-changing event, huh? Sounds like the kind of chaos we thrive on," Ezran eyes scurried about.

Lilo hesitated as her fingers drummed against the table. "This isn't just another quest. If Malrik's as powerful as Aleman mentioned, this could get ugly fast."

"All the more reason to jump in," Boris said, already opening his inventory. "If we sit this one out, we'll miss out on the rewards. Not to mention the bragging rights."

Ezran laughed tensely. "When's the last time we were part of something this big? Except for the Swordking's Dungeon we cleared very erm recently... Besides, we've got each other. What could go wrong?"

Lilo sighed. "If this goes wrong I'm blaming you two but yaay for a new adventure."

---

The trio accepted the mission and their notifications were updated in the logs.

System Notification:

[ Mission Accepted: Stop the Dark Force ]

[ Objective: Head to the Southeast outskirts of Tagharium. ]

They stepped out of the tavern, joining the throng of players heading toward the outskirts.

The atmosphere was electric as the adventurers armed themselves for what promised to be a defining moment in Enders Light.

---

Back at the outskirts, the royal knights marched in formation.

Their leader suddenly raised a hand to halt them at a ridge overlooking a vast, desolate plain. In the distance, the monolith stood, pulsing with an ominous blue glow. Surrounding it were hordes of shadowy creatures whose forms flickered like static.

The level 80 warrior turned to his men. "Information reaching us warns about direct contact with these shadowy beings. However, we cannot wait for reinforcements. We charge and we charge now! We cannot let Malrik complete his ritual. For the kingdom!"

A chorus of battle cries erupted from the knights as they charged forward.

---

As Lilo, Boris, and Ezran approached the ridge, they paused to take in the sight.

"That's… a lot of knights..." Boris voiced while bringing unstrapping his Axe.

"And a lot of shadowy beings too," Ezran voiced tensely.

Lilo readied her bow as she stepped forward; "Well, what are you guys waiting for? We can't let the others hoard all the glory."

...

...

System Notification:

[ Tier 2 Qualification Test – Assassin: Stage 2. Objective: Gather accurate information on the target, 'Dakar Marow,' an illegal weapons dealer. ]

[ Warning: The target is surrounded by layers of misinformation. Incorrect information will result in failure. Time Limit: 3 days. ]

August sighed while rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course, it couldn't just be 'stab this' or 'sneak past that.' No, let's turn this into a full-blown detective game."

The streets were alive with activity, a chaotic blend of bustling markets, drunken revelers, and shadowy figures lurking in the corners.

August had been teleported to this location and he had no idea where he was.

One thing for sure was that this wasn't the bright and orderly Tagharium he knew—it was the underbelly of a city, where deals were struck, lives were lost, and power was traded in whispers.

August pulled his hood lower over his face as his footsteps silently blended into the crowd.

August's eyes scanned the streets as he moved. Every corner, every alley, and every shadow was a potential lead or a trap.

The first step was finding someone who knew something worthwhile. For a man like Dakar Marow, someone with enough paranoia to surround himself with lies, that meant starting with the small fish.

His gaze landed on a group of gamblers huddled around a makeshift table in an alley. Their laughter was loud and their movements sloppy as their eyes darted to the shadows whenever they spoke too loudly.

'Perfect,' August thought while slipping into the shadows and activating Stealth.

He crept closer, positioning himself within earshot.

"...Dakar's got everyone jumpin'," one of the gamblers voiced before slamming a handful of coins on the table. "You heard about the new shipment? Explosives, they say."

Another man snorted, taking a swig from a flask. "Nah, you've got it wrong. It's enchanted blades, top-tier stuff. He's sellin' to the guilds in Shadowmoor."

The first gambler scoffed. "Shadowmoor? Dakar doesn't go near that place anymore. Too many eyes."

August smirked slightly. 'Shadowmoor's a dead end. That narrows it down.'

---

System Notification:

[ Progress: Shadowmoor eliminated as a potential target location. Proceed with investigation. ]

---

He slipped away unnoticed, focusing now on following the trail further. The next logical step was the Stonebreak Market—a labyrinth of underground tunnels and hideouts known for harboring illegal activity. If Dakar was still in the city, that's where he'd be.

As he made his way through the streets, he searched and searched for any signs of Dakar but there was none.

He had been given a description of how Dakar looked and no one he spotted fit the description.

Not to mention that he hadn't noticed any shady deals going on. There was no mention of Dakar anywhere, no matter what shadowy corner he slipped into.

August spent hours moving about till he passed an old woman selling charms. Her voice was low and raspy, but her words caught his attention.

"Looking for something special? Maybe information, hmm?"

August stopped, making sure his hood was properly obscuring his face as he turned to her. "Depends on the price."

She cackled softly. "Oh, I don't need gold, boy. I need favors. You find what I need, and I'll tell you what you want to know."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Find adventures at empire

"What do you need?"

"A certain ledger went missing from a trader's stall near the market. Find it, and I'll tell you where Dakar's latest shipment is being held."

'How did she know I was looking for Dakar?'

This woman's presence raised questions in his head.

"How did I know what information you are after? Very easy child. Worry about bringing back what I want instead," the old woman suddenly voiced out loud.

"Fine. I'll get it."