Overgeared: Saharan Successor

Chapter 23: Quests Cleared (I)

The journey back to Fullbaz was smooth since the players were like the scourge of the Lich King, preying on any monster that was worth an EXP and some silver coins to fund their extreme expenditures into Potions, Skill/Spell Books / NPC Trainer's Skills or Advancements for their Class transition, and that was not including the high cost of good gear. 

For the average Joe, playing Satisfy World to the highest levels was a grueling task. Only talented people had been blessed with great luck, and those who poured thousands of hours into the game could see a difference. 

Still, Satisfy World wasn't just about leveling up or killing monsters, there was an interconnected system that could include even the low-level players in the global system. The Economy of Nihilaine could make use of the RP folks and the Joe's, by far, they were more then welcome to join the NPC Mercantile Guilds or Adventuring Guilds for each of their States.

Odin's caravan of peasants caused a stir inside the walls of Fullbaz because the number of rescued villagers was considerable, around ~84 heads. 

It didn't take long for the players inside Fullbaz to notice the scene unfolding. 

In a world as vast and interconnected as Satisfy World, news traveled fast, thanks to the Forums and the in-game Chat Windows. Whatsmore, when it involved a Top-Ranker, the news traveled instantaneously. 

A few players, standing at various vantage points, quickly recognized the masked man on the horse, and within moments, they began spreading the word.

⤷ "Holy crap, is that really Odin? Odin of Leviathan?"

⤷ "It's him! Look at the crimson aura. There's no mistaking it!"

⤷ "Did he just bring back a whole village worth of NPCs from the Monster Wave Event?"

Soon, the whispers grew into excited chatter as more players caught on.

Whether through online forums, in-game encounters, or tales passed from player to player, Odin's name was synonymous with power.

"He cleared all the monsters in the Villages, didn't he? The rumors were true then…"

"Yeah, I heard from some guys that returned from Madelaire, who were there. Odin and Eve pretty much wiped all the monsters in that hunting ground single-handedly."

Players idly browsing market stalls or training near the guild hall suddenly found themselves craning their necks or rushing to the city gates for a glimpse of the spectacle. 

When Odin arrived at the gates of Fullbaz City with the caravan of villagers behind him, the first one to greet him was Guard Olaf, the tall man with a scar running down his cheek. There was also the young woman guard, who gave him some insights into the whole situation in the region.

Olaf gave you the impression of a bandit boss, but he was a soldier to his core, even granting Odin some extra quests thanks to his Persuasion and decent Favorability.

Meanwhile, the young woman wearing her plate armor gave you the impression of a naïve village girl who, at that moment, acted nervous for whatever reasons he couldn't explain.

The sound of heavy boots echoed from the walls above as the city's guards took notice of Odin's arrival. 

Olaf gave a short, approving nod when he saw the state of the villagers, who were in great spirits to make it to safety, but before he could speak, a figure next to him stepped forward with an unusual sense of eagerness, Adelinn, the young female guard who along with Olaf granted Odin the new string of Quests for the Monster Wave Event.

"Sir Odin, welcome back," Adelinn said, her voice more formal than she intended, but there was a slight waver to her tone, one that Odin didn't miss. 

Her sharp salute seemed almost too stiff, as though she were compensating for the rush of emotions she struggled to suppress, and when Odin removed his mask, she fidgeted nervously beside Olaf, who had a perplexed expression on his scarred face.

Odin dismounted from his steed and approached the guards as the faint crimson glow of his energy still lingered in the air, giving him an aura of majesty. His medium-length black hair, tousled from the ride, framed his sharp, handsome features, and his crimson eyes met Adelinn's with calm intensity.

'What's wrong with this woman? Don't tell me she got butterflies from our past encounter?'

[ City Guard Adelinn's favorability towards you is (51/100) reaching the 'Trusted' state.]

'The favorability might have risen from the news she heard about my exploits from the players who got killed while hunting which had to be spawn in Fullbaz.'

 "Sir Knight," Olaf greeted him, his voice a rumble that carried through the open gate. "I've been hearing stories. It seems your reputation from Madeilare and Ording has made its way here, and judging by the villagers trailing behind you, I'd say those stories were not exaggerated."

"I'm proud to say that my judgment was right in trusting you with that mission." Adelinn's voice carried a deep blend of respect and genuine appreciation for his actions.

What one with the Lord's Command could identify from Adelinn was that she came from a modest peasant background. For this reason, she wanted to look after the satellite villages of Fullbaz in whatever form she could muster.

She stood beside Olaf, her bright eyes filled with admiration. Unlike some of the other 'Chosen Ones' who entered the city with airs of superiority or trepidation, Odin had always treated the guards with respect, and Adelinn had quickly come to admire him.

"There's no need to exaggerate things, miss," Odin said, his deep voice cutting through the air with authority. "I've only done my duty as a Knight. The same could be said for the brave soldiers behind me."

His expression was calm but with an edge of humility that softened his otherwise commanding presence. 

What he wanted was to share in whatever glory he was gaining from his success, rubbing it off to the NPCs and players. Thus, he gestured toward the soldiers and players who had helped him along the way, particularly Austen, Edvard, and the group of players, including Rohan.

Those brave people had fought along with them to fend off the monsters from Madelaire and stop at Wesmar.

Austen, who outsiders could consider his lieutenant, stood proudly with his sword sheathed, his armor bearing the scars of the recent battle. 

Edvard, the grizzled veteran with his weathered face, had a faint smile on his lips, though the fatigue from battle was apparent in his eyes. Both men had earned their place beside Odin, having fought valiantly to protect the villagers.

"These men," Odin continued, "and even the Chosen Ones, fought fiercely to protect these villagers. Without their help, the outcome could have been very different."

A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd as the players and soldiers acknowledged Odin's praise. Austen stepped forward and took the stance of a retainer bowing down to his Lord, giving next a respectful nod toward Olaf and Adelinn. 

"It was an honor to fight alongside you, Sir Odin," he said simply, his voice carrying the weight of his sincerity. "We did what we had to do."

"Aye, it was a bloody fight, but we pulled through. And with men like Sir Odin leading the charge, there's no need to fear even Yatan and his Demons."

Though younger and less experienced than the soldiers, the players couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at Odin's words. Which soldier wouldn't lift their heads a bit higher after hearing a General praise them?

Many of them had only recently joined Satisfy World, still adjusting to the harsh realities of life within its borders. For them, fighting beside a legend like Odin had been a dream; now, to be recognized for their efforts felt like an achievement.

Adelinn, still standing at attention, stole a glance at Odin from the corner of her eye. His humility in sharing the credit with his comrades deepened her admiration for him. 

She bit her lip, trying to maintain her stoic guard persona, but inside, she couldn't shake the flutter of excitement. It frustrated her how her feelings were so clear even when she tried to act professional.

"We're grateful for your service, Sir Odin," she managed to say, her voice steady this time. "And to the soldiers and Chosen Ones who fought with you. Fullbaz owes you all a great debt."

Odin nodded in acknowledgment. "Guard Olaf, Adelinn, I'll leave the villagers in your care. Make sure they are well taken care of, they've been through enough. I still need to report to the Adventuring Guild, but perhaps if time allows, we'll share a drink at the Tavern later."

Olaf's rough exterior softened slightly as he gave a hearty chuckle. "It would be my honor, Sir Odin. And I'll make sure the villagers are safe. You've done more than enough already."

Odin's gaze shifted back to Adelinn, whose cheeks flushed slightly under his piercing crimson eyes. She quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.

"And don't worry, I'll put a good word for you with the other guards and knights," Olaf added. 

"The Marquis will hear of your deeds soon enough, and I wouldn't be surprised if you're summoned to the court. His Excellency will want to hear your story firsthand."

Odin smiled faintly. "That would depend on him, but I wouldn't decline such an invitation."

Olaf paused, glancing at the villagers making their way into the city, their faces no longer painted with fear.

"Sir Odin, once again thank you for all the efforts you put in helping up. With more Heroes like you, we would no longer fear the monsters lurking in the shadows or the Demon Worshipers of the Yatan Cult."

With that said the notification of him clearing the completion triggered in his system interface after bidding farewell to the City Guards, the villagers, and children sticking around his legs like glue to a tree.

[❗]

[ Quest: The Forgotten Villages(B) has been cleared]

[You have gained 450,000 EXP, 180 Gold Coins, Epic-rated Farming Equipment Voucher (3x). Favorability with all the inhabitants of the Villages (Madelaire, Ording, Wesmar) increased by (+40).]

[You have gained (+9) Reputation Points with Fullbaz Marquisate. Current reputation with Fullbaz Marquisate (48/100)]

..

[You have leveled up! Congratulations on reaching level 75.]

..

[ City Guard Olaf's favorability towards you has increased by 10 points, and your favorability has reached 'Trusted' (50/100).]

Gaining additional favorability with the City Guards wasn't something he would decline, it was more than welcome, but he started to get suspicious of another incident, especially when he was staring at the young woman guard who instantly got bashful at the sight of him.

[ City Guard Adelainn's favorability towards you has increased by 15 points, and your favorability has reached 'Loyal' (66/100).]

She was just like Austen, Edvard, and Olaf, a Blue-named NPC, which meant that she was a secondary character in the Questlines of Satisfy World, not being fateful to play a crucial role in this life, but it couldn't be ignored that starting with the Blue-named tags each of them played a role, regardless of how small and insignificant would be.

'I never had such success with farming favorability points with NPCs in the past. My assumption is that since gaining the Holy-Trinity of Rizz, Persuasion, Dignity and Charm, I have an easier time granting the NPCs the best image of myself without pulling that much of an effort.'

'Only if I was acting outright hostile to the Guards would this be an inconvenience, but since I have the Black Knight Title which takes my favorability with the NPCs of the Empire to an 'Friendly' state by default, it's easier to climb up from a friendly start.'

With the formalities done, Olaf took control of the villagers, organizing them with military precision, and Odin turned to Jaren, the young boy he had saved in Madelaire. The child had been quiet for most of the journey, but as they stood at the gates, he clung to Odin's leg, his wide eyes full of worry and attachment.

"You'll be alright now, Jaren," Odin said, kneeling to the boy's level. "Fullbaz is a safe place, and the guards here will look after you. They're good people."

Jaren's lip quivered, but he nodded. "Will I see you again, big brother?"

Odin smiled, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Perhaps. I'll be busy with more missions, but you'll hear of my adventures, I'm sure."

The boy's eyes shone with admiration and sadness, but Odin ruffled his hair before standing back up. "Stay strong, Jaren. Make sure to become a Knight that I will be proud of in the future."

After bidding farewell to Jaren and the other villagers, Odin turned to Rohan's group. They had grown quiet, perhaps realizing that their time together was ending. 

Rohan approached Odin one last time, a hint of hesitation in his steps.

"Well, Odin... It's been an honor," Rohan said, his tone sincere but touched with the awkwardness of a player who still couldn't quite believe their shared experience. 

"I didn't think we'd ever get the chance to fight alongside you."

Odin smiled lightly. "I'm sure we'll meet in the future. Who knows, you might stand again beside me, but in a complete formula."

..

Odin and his group continued their path toward the Adventuring Guild after splitting up with Rohan, Austen, and Edvard, who had to return to the Garrison to report past events to their superiors.

Upon reaching the grand building of the Adventuring Guild, the flanking armored guards, who usually acted coldly, recognized Odin. They greeted Odin, acting in a friendly manner, shocking the passing players who got adjusted to the 'Silent Treatment'.

It was a normal reaction from the Guard's side since Odin, by default, had a Friendly Favorability with them thanks to his Black Knight Title. 

"Safe passage to the Esteemed Knight!"

Odin carried himself dignifiedly, nodding calmly at the guards before passing them with the group members, who also felt smug that they were received like celebrities. 

Once inside, the guild's lobby was a hive filled with NPCs and players alike. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes crowded around various boards displaying available quests while clerks behind desks processed requests and handed out assignments. 

Unlike the previous visit, Odin gestured for the team to follow along, even though some got their seats ready for waiting. 

"Ahh, we also have to clear the quest. Makes sense." Purphoros commented while stroking his chin.

Odin made his way to the first available desk that he could see, and ironically it was the same middle-aged man with sharp features and a meticulously groomed beard that was up there to service him.

[Adventuring Guild Clerk - Jacob - LV.50](Green)

The clerk quickly stood up, bowing respectfully to Odin while only giving a small acknowledging look to the party members behind him, yet, his main focus was strictly on the tall man wearing the Lycanthrope Set as he exuded the regal crimson aura that made him stand out in this enclosed space.

"You made it back, safely, Sir Odin," the clerk greeted. "How may I assist you today?"

Odin offered a polite nod in return, his presence radiating a dignified aura. "We're here to gain the rewards from completing the following two quests, [Mutated Wild Beasts(A)] and [Dire Beasts(B)].

The clerk stood behind his counter and was surprised to hear that those two quests were completed already since it required the 'Adventurer' to defeat Elite monsters, which had a higher difficulty. Other 'Chosen Ones' picked the easier quests from the Guild related to the Monster Invasion.

His fingers moved deftly over a crystal-topped device. "Of course, place your hand on the crystal for confirmation."

Odin relented, placing his large hand on the magical crystal. The device started shining with red mana, and soon the clerk had the information he was looking for, confirming their quests were indeed completed without tricking the system.

..

[ You have cleared the Quest [Mutated Wild Beasts(A)], gaining the following rewards: 100,000 EXP, 50 Gold Coins, Moonstone Essence (1x) ]

[You have leveled up! Congratulations on reaching level 76.]

[ You have cleared the Quest [Dire Beasts(B) gaining the following rewards: 200,000 EXP, 80 Gold Coins, Raider Shortsword - LV.75 (Rare) ]

[You have leveled up! Congratulations on reaching level 77.]

..

As the notification of the quest completion flickered across Odin's interface, he quickly glanced through the rewards, curious to find out what type of effect the Moonstone Essence had, and he wasn't disappointed. 

[Moonstone Essence]

[Type: Alchemical Material]

[A shimmering, translucent liquid that can only be collected during a full moon.]

[Effect: Enhances potions of Intelligence. Grants an increase in Intelligence and Insight. Increases the potency of spells related to illusion and stealth.]

'Pretty good one, among the best the Adventuring Guild is willing to offer. Was it because of the increased reputation with the Fullbaz Marquisate? Maybe. I can only find out if I try this quest again with 100/100 reputation.'

'Huhu, as if.'

On the other hand, when he took out the Raider Shortsword, he held a sleek, curved blade with a jagged edge and shimmering blue runes engraved along the hilt. 

It was nothing so great, in fact, you might add that Soulrend Blade as a level 1 Sword, was stronger than a level 75 Sword.

[Raider Shortsword]

Rating: Rare

Durability: 130/130 | Attack Power: 150~230 | Attack Speed: +3%

* Increases Attack Speed by 2%.

* Deals an additional 10% damage when striking from behind.

* The skill 'Swift Raid' has been generated: A rapid thrust that deals 180% weapon damage and briefly stuns the target for 2 seconds. (Cooldown: 120 seconds) - Consumption: 350 MP

A lightweight blade designed for swift and precise attacks, often favored by raiders and scouts for its ability to deliver quick, deadly strikes in close combat. The sword's design emphasizes speed over brute strength, making it perfect for hit-and-run tactics.

User Restriction: Level 75 or higher.

Weight: 210

--

'Decent, but nothing that can make you go 'Wow, this is great.'

'I mean, it is only a Rare-rated Sword. I'll change Soulrend when I hit level 100 with my BiS pick when I reach that stage.'

'It will not fork much gold either, I should just give it to one of the newbies.'

He turned towards Purphoros, their party's stout Tanker, whose eyes gleamed as he examined his own rewards. 

Despite his gruff demeanor, there was a palpable satisfaction in his face as he was admiring a large shield with the 'My Precious' face.

Odin knew the Raider Shortsword would be of more use to Purphoros, who could use a better one-handed sword along with his shield.

Without hesitation, Odin held the Raider Shortsword towards Purphoros. "Here, take this. It's not something I need, but it'll serve you well."

Purphoros blinked, momentarily taken aback by the gesture. "For me? You're not kidding, right?"

He straightened, his armor clinking slightly as he reached out, gingerly taking the sword from Odin's hand.

Purphoros gave the blade a once-over, marveling at its sharpness and the faint magical hum that emanated from it. "You sure about this, Boss? This thing's a beast compared to my level 20 junk. I bet you could probably fetch a hefty price on the market for it."

Odin shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I assure you, it will not. Besides, I have no need for it, Soulrend can take me to level 100 without struggles. Consider it a token of appreciation for a well-done job."

Purphoros's temporary stoic face broke into a foolish, toothy grin. "Well, if you're giving me this, I can't just stand here with nothing in return."

He fumbled through his inventory for a moment before pulling out a shimmering Alchemical Material, a Crystallized Frostvine. It was a rare item that glowed faintly with icy blue energy. 

The frost vine, twisted and curled like a delicate crystal, was cold to the touch, a known reagent for powerful frost resistance potions.

"Boss, you can take this for the Sword. I don't have much use for materials. They feel like junk to me that I would for sure sell at some NPC vendor to clear space in the inventory bag."

"Maybe, you could put it to better use than me," Purphoros said, handing over the material.

Odin took the Frostvine, examining it briefly, feeling the cold emanating from it, before nodding in appreciation. "Thanks, this could come in handy."

Purphoros clapped his hands in excitement, the sound echoing through the lobby, causing some nearby adventurers to glance their way. "Damn, this sword's a game changer for me."

Their rewards were of their own choosing, and seeing Purphoros' gesture, they made the rest want to return this favor.

Slowly, one by one, they filled Odin's pocket with Alchemical Materials, ranging from Sunshard Nectar to Blessed Water Flask, all but excellent materials that could be sold for 5000 Gold at the Auction House.

After settling his business at the Adventuring Guild, Odin led the group towards one of Fullbaz's more renowned taverns, The Serpent's Fang. 

The tavern had a cozy, old-world charm, with warm light spilling out from the windows and a lute playing softly in the background. The scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, reminding some players to eat too, IRL, instead of pleasuring themselves in the game with the tavern's meals.

"Ah, Sir Knight!" the innkeeper exclaimed. "What an honor to have you here. Looking for a room tonight?"

Odin nodded, his crimson eyes glowing faintly under the dim tavern light. "A room, yes, just for the night. My companions will likely be heading out soon."

The innkeeper motioned for a barmaid to show Odin the way upstairs, but only after Odin returned to his party, gesturing for them to settle around a nearby table. They gathered around, some ordering drinks, others simply lounging in their chairs, enjoying the brief respite after the long day.

Alysha leaned back in her seat, spinning a dagger idly between her fingers, contemplating her day while her blonde hair caught the light as she grinned.

"Well, Odin, I have to admit… today was a hell of a ride. You really know how to get things done. Also, I can understand the thrill those hardcore idiots were talking about."

"Unfortunately for me, I need to focus on my medical residency, and enter Satisfy World whenever I can."

Purphoros, who watched Alysha for a while, took a jab at her in a playful tone "By the time you return to Satisfy, I'll be on everyone's radar as the best Tank. Hit me up, for a power level by then."

Purphoros leaned in as well, meeting her gaze with a grin. "Take my pulse, and I might even do it for free."

Alysha chuckled, shaking her head. "If you're banking on that, you're gonna be waiting a long time, buddy."

"It's your loss. Don't regret it later."

Alysha leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Tell you what, Purphoros. When you actually make a name for yourself as the 'best tank,' maybe I'll consider hitting you up for a power level."

Purphoros chuckled, shaking his head. His hulking figure, clad in his heavy armor, made him look like a giant beside her, but his tone was light, as if he was uncomfortable talking to girls. He was trying his best to impress the blonde beauty. "That will be a great honor for you to be in the presence of the best Tank in Satisfy."

Alysha rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the amused grin tugging at her lips. "Yeah, sure. That's if you're not face-planting into mobs like you did back at the Dire Beasts fight. What was that again? 'I've got this' and then bam! You were down faster than I could blink."

Purphoros leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a mock offended expression. "Hey, that was one time, alright? I was tanking four elites. Can't expect miracles every time. But, don't forget how you cowardly piled all the monsters you lured on me, without any shame."

Alysha's playful smirk widened as she leaned back, her fingers casually tracing the dagger's hilt at her waist. Purphoros, despite his hulking figure and tough exterior, had a certain awkward charm to him, especially when it came to dealing with her. She couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Oh, so it's my fault now?" Alysha teased, tilting her head slightly as she narrowed her eyes at him. "I didn't hear you complaining when I bailed you out with a perfectly timed stealth strike. Maybe if you weren't so busy flexing your muscles, you'd have noticed those elites closing in."

Purphoros cleared his throat, his cheeks flushing slightly as he struggled to maintain his bravado. "You… got a point. But this doesn't exclude you from responsibility. If it wasn't for Miss Eve's Barrier, I would have been turned into monster treats."

"Alright, big guy," she said, her tone teasing but not unkind. "My bad, next time when we team up, I'm sure you'll be powerful, so you better take care of me."

The others around the table laughed, enjoying the back-and-forth between the two. Odin, seated nearby, was busy with some Guildmaster Administrative Jobs that no one with a head on their shoulder would take. 

He was reading all sorts of mails, responding to the Aesir's mail's, scheduling and planning the Dungeons they were set on undertaking, such as the Naga Palace.

While inside Satisfy World, he handled even his IRL work, taking advantage of the mental acceleration technology. He was working on a couple of big projects, businesses that could or could not take over Satisfy World both in VR and IRL.

He was filtering out whatever the players were discussing by this point but raised his eyes from his system interface when Purphoros was talking bullcrap. His crimson eyes observed the group's dynamics. 

'Oh boy, please, you better not start simping for that crafting vixen. Should I give him the 'Uncle' talk?'

'No. I should just let him suffer a bit if he's so dumb to simp for a woman. Maybe my assumption of Alysha is wrong, and in fact she can be a great girl for a relationship, but her career path makes it hard for a stable relationship.'

'Well, it depends. If they continue interacting with both IRL and Satisfy, they could reach a healthy starting point.'

'Not my monkeys, not my circus. Let's return to the Plans for the Esports Organization and Leviathan Nexus. I still got 15 minutes IRL before making it quit.'