New Game Plus: I crave challenges

Bloody Edge left Lersra's small room carefully. Using his stealth he sneaked along a corridor unseen, keeping Liam's description of the path in mind.

Fortunately, not many bandits roamed around as they still confronted the village leader. The old Ratkin was too fierce after all, only the hostage prevented him from eradicating the bandit fort.

Thus, Bloody Edge had it easier staying undetected within the barely lit, crude hallways.

But after making it towards the upper floor, the situation changed, with bandits patrolling in front of the higher-ups' rooms.

Bloody Edge hid in the shadows, trying to gauge their field of view.

Three groups of patrols. Between group three and one I should be able to enter the room…

The thief felt his body tense up. He was eager to prove himself, seeing hope for his future life as a gamer.

Despite only joining yesterday and having the lowest level, Silver Blade still generously offered him 6000 Credits for the dungeon clear.

Bloody Edge painted a beautiful vision for himself. If he could stick to this party he might manage to make a living from gaming, a dream come true.

Thus, the thief hyped himself up, focusing his mind.

3, 2, 1, now!

Silent like an owl Bloody Edge glided over the floor, his footsteps barely touching the wooden ground.

Patrol team number three had just turned the corner and number one would reappear in a second.

You can do it!

Bloody Edge held his breath, his hand already reaching out for the door.

He quickly pushed it open.

Squeak!

Suddenly the thief froze. The door made a conspicuous sound.

"Who goes there?!"

A shout came from patrol team number 1. The three bandits saw the open door, bellowing angrily.

"Show yourself, thief!"

Rapid footsteps could be heard. Bloody Edge shivered, scanning his surroundings quickly. He looked upwards.

There!

Boosting himself from a chair, Bloody Edge made use of his inhuman agility and landed on top of a wooden beam close to the ceiling.

Right below him was the captain's bed, the target of his covert mission right next to it.

Yet it was so far away as the patrol team entered, scanning the room.

Don't look up! Don't look up!

Bloody Edge prayed to all gods he knew. After a few seconds one of the bandits left to sound alarm, the others keeping their eyes on the room.

Oh no, what should I do?

While Bloody Edge cowered desperately, Black Rat felt that today was his lucky day.

The pro gamer had used his trusty hook to enter the fort through a window, already close to the boss's quarters.

Finally, my luck is improving! I almost doubted myself after getting caught by the guards.

Shaking his head, the thief sneaked along the wall, almost about to touch the door. But at this moment a commotion broke out in the corridor.

Suddenly about a dozen bandits appeared, running in a hurry.

"The thief couldn't have gotten far! Hurry up!"

Black Rat froze in place.

Could I have been found?

Black Rat gulped, pressing his body against the wall, even closing his eyes, still as a statue.

But fortunately, the bandits were too preoccupied, passing him without taking a closer look.

Black Rat wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Let's get out of here quickly.

With a tight chest the thief pushed the door open.

Squeak!

Oh no…

The heavy door made a loud sound. Black Rat felt his stomach drop.

For a moment everything seemed fine, but suddenly the bandits turned around.

"He's here!"

"Audacious thief! Stop right there!"

Bloody Edge heard the sounds outside, leaving him completely confused.

Especially as the guards below him left the room, Bloody Edge felt as if something was wrong with the world today.

But a moment later he recovered.

No time to be dazed! Hurry up!

The thief dropped down on the bed, quickly reaching out for the quest item.

[Lersra's precious book of healing

Category: Magic, Quest

A book compiled by the famous Tractra, given out to all Ratkin who desire to learn the art of medicine.]

Bloody Edge didn't stare at the book for long. He was just about to leave when his gaze swiped a small chest in the room.

As a proper thief I can't leave without taking everything away.

Controlled by a hint of greed Bloody Edge swept away all the valuable items in the room like a whirlwind.

Outside, the footsteps grew louder again. The thief hurried up and exited the room.

At this moment he noticed a moving silhouette at the other end of the corridor. As a thief it was an important skill to recognize other stealthed entities.

Black Rat and Bloody Edge stared at each other across the corridor in a daze.

"Don't let him escape!"

A shout from the bandits quickly allowed the thieves to snap out of it.

Black Rat dived through the window while Bloody Edge escaped through the staircase.

The party was already waiting downstairs when the door was suddenly pushed open.

"Friend, did you accomplish your task?"

"Did you get it?"

"Finally!"

Bloody Edge panted, ignoring all remarks as he approached Lersra.

"Here, this is the item you wanted."

"Indeed, thank you adventurer."

The female Ratkin smiled brightly as she caressed the precious book.

"Good. Let's go!"

Bloody Edge was in a hurry, basically shoving the two Ratkin into the tunnel.

"Hurry up guys! Bandits will arrive soon!"

The party members were infected by Bloody Edge's anxiousness, hastily following him into the tunnel.

A short while later the group paused within the forest, looking at the bandit fortress in the distance.

"We did it."

"We're save."

Scrarn turned towards the party.

"Thank you, adventurers. Now it is time for those daring bandits to pay!"

The young Ratkin's face turned grim as he pulled out a rocket from who-knows-where.

Bang!

A moment later a bloody red firework could be seen above the forest.

The village leader nodded his head. This was the agreed upon signaled.

From Liam's position he only saw the old Ratkin suddenly vanish, as distressed shouts echoed from within the fortress.

Cyclone plugged her ears with her fingers, not willing to listen to the screams.

Fortunately Scrarn signaled the party.

"Let's go adventurers. There is nothing left for us to do here."

Following the two Ratkin, the party soon returned to the village. Surprisingly the leader was already waiting for them, murderous intent still lingering in his eyes, cooling the atmosphere.

"I have to thank you, adventurers. You helped our little village greatly."

"No need, no need.", spoke Silver Blade, somewhat intimidated.

"Thank you for saving me! Here, take this as a token of appreciation."

Lersra took out a small book, looking identical to her own book of healing, eliciting baffled looks from the party.

"If there is more than one book and the bandits died, then what did Bloody Edge take the risk for?", questioned Cyclone skeptically.

But the NPC didn't react to the question, only waiting for Silver Blade took the book of healing.

[ Quest: Assist the village leader; Completed!]

[Evaluation: B]

[Receive 450EXP]

[Receive Ratkin pass]

[Receive Skillbook: Heal]

[Receive 500 Relationship with 'Ratkin Village']

[Receive 100 Relationship with 'Ratkin']

[Don't judge a book by its cover!]

Seeing a skillbook appear in their inventories, everyone realized why Liam chose this quest before diving into the dungeon. [Heal] was the bread and butter of every heling class, a backbone for every party.

Radiant Shield's thoughts moved as he coughed embarrassedly, turning towards Liam:

"Mirage. These skillbooks should be worth quite a bit. And we only need one. Don't you think…"

Liam raised his brow with a smirk.

"My trusted companion, your words sound as if spoken in foreign language. Please forgive me for not being able to comprehend."

Radiant Shield rolled his eyes as their friends chuckled.

"Is it possible to trade this precious skillbook for some coin?"

"You can, but it would be better to wait for a while. Let Balm buy it from you after making some money. Skillbooks not only teach skills, but also increase their ranks."

Silver Blade added her opinion as well:

"Bleary Mirage's suggestion sounds solid. We shouldn't sell these books yet, lest someone takes advantage of it and uses it to beat the dungeon."

"Alright, I'm convinced."

The others nodded as well, planning to store their books for now.

But Cyclone had another question:

"Mirage, what is this Ratkin pass thingy?"

"Doesn't it say in the description? It allows you to enter the Ratkin's underground network.

Those can be found anywhere in the world.

But you can explore them later. Right now, let's focus on the dungeon."

Liam's face grew serious. Having already promised Silver Blade to succeed in getting the first clear, he didn't dare to dawdle.

The party members thought similarly, exited and eager.

Thus, the group bade farewell to the Ratkin and returned to the town. They sold some miscellaneous items and bought health potions.

A few minutes later they gathered at the town square, as one last important matter remained. They were about to meet three new teammates.