Lord Of The Lost

Having a player forum is undeniably beneficial to everyone involved. It offers a way for players to communicate, strategize, and connect, which is crucial in a game where isolation in scattered villages can slow progress. However, William knew the risks were just as significant.

"Fifty silver coins is no small amount," he thought, recalling the cost of setting up a bulletin. "Whoever's behind this forum must be serious." But the forum's flaws were glaringly obvious, and William couldn't ignore them.

In the real world, trying to find another internal test player was like hunting for a needle in a haystack. But online? The anonymity the internet provided was a double-edged sword. While the forum creator promised encrypted identities and secure communications, William had his doubts. "How many will really believe that?" he wondered.

Even if the creator's intentions were pure, there was no guarantee the forum would remain safe. "What happens if a hacker breaches the forum?" William mused, his brow furrowing. "Every player who logs in could have their identity exposed." He knew the golden rule: "You might not intend harm, but you must always guard against those who do."

As he stood near the bustling group of players, he overheard their chatter. Most seemed to share his concerns, and it wasn't hard to piece together the situation. The announcement had appeared on the village bulletin board the day before, stirring up heated debate.

William had still been deep in the Misty Forest at the time, hunting for the Fountain of Life, so this was his first time hearing about it.

Some players embraced the idea, eager to break the isolation and connect with others. But most were still skeptical, choosing to wait and watch. Trust didn't come easily, especially when the stakes were high. "It's not like any of us know much about hacking," William thought, eyeing the group. "And it's far too late to start learning now."

For the time being, many were opting for caution, preferring to keep their heads low until more was known. Yet William knew some players, especially those in small teams, would already be discussing real-world connections in their chats. If people found common ground or interests, exchanging contact information was inevitable.

As the crowd around the bulletin board murmured in modern script, William watched them for a moment longer. He knew they were communicating in a language the game's villagers couldn't understand. "The locals wouldn't have a clue what this all means," he mused, turning to leave without a word.

[Hint: You have arrived at the Iron Mine Village Church.]

He made his way to the village's humble church, where the air felt heavy with age and quiet wisdom. Inside, William approached the old priest, wasting no time. "I saw a werewolf," he said bluntly, his voice steady.

The priest's eyes widened with shock. William could see the immediate concern in his face.

Without hesitation, William reached into his pack and revealed the corpse of the hybrid werewolf he had slain. Though the creature was dead, its fur remained as tough as steel, radiating an eerie, terrifying presence. Its skull, shattered in the battle, still carried the unmistakable imprint of the danger it once posed.

The priest's face paled, and after a long, tense silence, he let out a deep, weary sigh. William could feel the weight of the moment but wasn't entirely sure what it meant. He decided to be completely honest. "They were after Little Red Riding Hood," he confessed, his tone grave.

The old priest didn't respond right away, but William could sense the deepening tension in the room, as if this revelation confirmed something far more dangerous than he had anticipated.

In any case, it was crucial to warn the residents. "We need to report these werewolves to the authorities immediately!" William insisted, his tone urgent.

The old priest nodded gravely. "I see." He didn't pry into who Little Red Riding Hood was but instead replied with concern, "This is a serious matter. I will confer with the village chief and dispatch the guards of Iron Mine Village to Border Town to inform the escort team."

William furrowed his brow. "Where exactly is Border Town?"

A map prompt flashed in his mind, confirming he knew the route. "Right, I know how to get there."

He continued, "The werewolves may have failed this time, but they'll be back before long."

The priest sighed heavily, a look of worry etched on his face. "I'll alert the hunters."

"Can they really kill werewolves?" William asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.

The priest hesitated, his expression turning pained. "Five werewolves working together can threaten the safety of an entire village. Even if we manage to drive them off, the losses will be significant." He glanced out the window, as if expecting the beasts to come crashing through at any moment. "Only warriors of equal strength can stand against them."

"So what's the plan?" William pressed.

"We will request aid from Snow Wind City," the priest said, his voice rising with determination. "The Knight of the Blizzard will freeze the evil lurking in the shadows!"

William watched as the old priest clasped his hands together and began to pray. "Now, all we can do is send the hunters after them. I only hope they return safely."

But deep down, the priest knew the grim truth. "Hunters and werewolves are both predators, but the latter are more savage and powerful." His voice grew somber. "In close combat, even a seasoned hunter might only meet their end alongside a pure-blooded werewolf."

"So what's the alternative?" William inquired, sensing the growing tension.

"We need time," the priest replied, his gaze distant. "An experienced hunter can set traps and lure a pure-blooded werewolf into a kill zone, but will a pack of them grant us that luxury?" He sighed, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "Do we even have enough experienced hunters in Border Town?"

There was an unsettling quiet as the priest continued. "The curse in the Black Forest grows stronger every day. Werewolves stalk the darkness, thieves roam the wilderness, black magicians are plotting, and pagans are making their return."

William felt a chill at the priest's words. He could sense the tension rising, a storm brewing just beyond the horizon.

"To the north of Border Town, unrest brews in Shadow Castle. A vampire lord who has lived for centuries has transformed into something unrecognizable, sending his subjects fleeing."

"And what of the south?" William asked, gripping the edge of the table.

"There are troubling reports from the knight's fiefdom. A former knight has returned, but whether it's for good or ill remains a mystery." The priest's eyes darkened. "The threats lurking in the shadows have never vanished; they simply wait, concealed in darkness."

William's heart raced. The so-called peaceful Border Town was rife with danger.

He picked up the crescent moon pendant, the hunter's token gifted to him by Little Bob. It was a crucial item for his transition to the role of Hunter.

The old priest raised an eyebrow in surprise at the sight of the pendant. "Is that...?"

William smiled confidently. "Can I consider myself a hunter now?"

The priest looked contemplative for a moment before nodding slowly. "If you're willing to face these dangers, then yes, you have the heart of a hunter."

William felt a surge of determination. He was ready to embrace this path, no matter how perilous it might be.

The old priest hesitated for a moment, then shook his head firmly. "No, child, you are not yet a qualified hunter, and I cannot allow you to participate in this hunt."

William's eyes widened in surprise. "But the border town needs all the combat power it can get right now! Why not me?"

The priest's expression grew serious. "You possess great potential, William. It would be tragic to see history repeat itself." His gaze fell sorrowfully on the fine iron spear slung over William's shoulder, its surface marred by deep, jagged claw marks from the recent battle with the werewolf.

"Those claws are sharper and stronger than any steel," the priest continued, a hint of sadness in his voice. "They shattered your spear like it was nothing."

William felt a flicker of confusion, but it quickly gave way to understanding. He realized that the previous owner of this spear had also been a promising young warrior, skilled and full of potential. Yet, he had met a grim fate in a mine, dying before his time.

The priest's voice turned heavy with emotion. "I vowed never to let that happen again. We cannot send untested children into the storm of battle. If we do, we undermine everything we teach about hope for the future."

He looked William in the eye, resolute. "You cannot go to war... at least not until all the adults have fallen."

William clenched his fists, frustration bubbling within him. "Even if you disagree, my mind is made up. If those werewolves show themselves, I will make sure they pay the price!"

His confidence radiated as he continued, "A few of those wolves will definitely fall to my spear! It's necessary!"

With that, he turned sharply and left the priest standing in the dim light of the church.

William knew the prerequisites for his job transition to "Magic Wolf" were clear: he needed to acquire one complete "werewolf" trait and one complete "demon trait." It was a complex path, a fusion of both powers.

The "Werewolf" route seemed to meld the essence of wolf and man, but in reality, it was a singular path dominated by the wolf's characteristics. The very first werewolf had absorbed the essence of the magical silver wolf without possessing any unique traits of his own.

His thoughts shifted to the elusive demon wolf, a shadowy figure that moved silently, always hunting the gods. This hidden profession offered two distinct paths, and William was determined not to let this opportunity slip away.

His eyes blazed with a fierce resolve. "Werewolf! I will hunt you down!" he declared, his voice rising with intensity. "Not even divine intervention can save you from me!"

With an unshakeable determination, he added, "And you, Demon! I want you too!"

The adrenaline surged within him. "I can't take it anymore! I'm heading to the abandoned mine to put an end to all of them!"

With that, William set off, ready to face whatever awaited him in the shadows.