Great Magician Hel and a Black Quest

Battles in WEXO are as realistic as they can get.

When a player receives damage, he will feel the pain as if it was true. This is the reason why most melee players always equip heavy armor to protect themselves.

Not only that, if you receive a deep wound, higher-ranked healing magic is needed to close it.

Priests are the most famous class in the game due to this.

With their support, wounds wouldn't last that long. High leveled ones could even cast buffs that reduce the pain of receiving attacks.

One feature of this game is that the player's defense plays a large role in reducing pain.

For example, if a newbie is attacked by a tackle of a Moon Rabbit, the pain is equivalent to receiving a punch.

If a higher-level player receives the tackle, even without armor, it would just feel ticklish at most.

Realistic pain is one of the many features of the game that prevents the player to play recklessly. It acts as a limiter to them.

However, there are still some who pursue the hard path.

They are the ones who grit their teeth and receive every blow.

All for the sake of their skills and their stats.

They are real gamers. Gamers that do not back off despite the pain they are facing.

And among these types of gamers is Zeus.

- - -

"You again… Now, what do you want?"

The first thing that they did in the morning was to speak with the elder.

"We were just wondering if you have any tasks for us to do. Hunting monsters, farming, anything's fine."

This is the preliminary step to achieving their quest. A series of chores!

"Hmmph. You seem competent enough. Then try clearing the warehouse outside the village. I believe that it was full of monsters."

"Is that so? Then, we'll be back in a moment." Zeus quickly replied.

As they were told, they went to the warehouse. It was an old-looking building. It was still in one piece but since it was made of wood, it looks like it could collapse at any moment.

It was surrounded by goblins. Goblins are monsters about level 25. With their strength, it was easy to wipe them out while cleaning.

In less than an hour, they returned. This is due to the two girls having extreme cleaning abilities. Zeus just stood at the front and cleared any approaching monsters.

After they returned and reported, they were told to clear the fields of pesky birds.

Then, they were told to clean the slaughterhouse, the center, and the jail. After doing several series of quests, they finally achieved the last step.

"You all seem quite dependable. However, my trust isn't that easy. If you can hunt all the Jigos off the forest, then I will give you my full trust."

The village chief claimed.

"Jigos is nothing compared to us. We will prove to you that we're not pushovers." Zeus said before leading the party away.

A Jigos is a monster in the shape of a large bull. It was around 29 to 30 in level. Since it was large, around 2 meters in height, it was easy to hit. However, its large body possesses unbelievable vitality and strength. One critical factor too is that they always move in groups of 10 and up.

They love to trample over fields causing great damage to the village's agriculture.

The three immediately prepared and traveled to one of the fields.

"Are you sure they'll come here?"

Faye asked in confirmation. From the start, Zeus did all the talking and other necessary steps. Even the plan wasn't clearly explained.

"Don't worry. They'll surely come here."

They were currently standing at one edge of the field. In front of them, wheat bending to the wind due to its heavy grains filling their view.

"Here they come!"

It was just minutes after they arrived. The monsters came running from the opposite side. It was a stampede of monsters.

"Let's go! Faye, protect the crops. Marielle will confuse those who are outside of Faye's defense."

Zeus ran quickly as he gave orders. In an instant, he was in front of the stampede.

"HAAAAAAA!!!"

With the use of Beast's Roar, the foremost row of Jigos stopped in their tracks. It caused a chain reaction and they bumped into each other, unable to quickly stop. Those at the rear managed to avoid the tragedy by changing their path.

"Triple Shot!"

However, as they went off course, it made them an easy target for Marielle.

Those who are out of Marielle's range bump into a strong barrier set by Faye and went into a confused state.

In a matter of seconds, they managed to neutralize a large number of monsters. In a matter of minutes, the monsters are all dead. To the three, it was just a day's work, nothing too hard.

"Good work. Recover your mana and remain on standby. There are still about 8 more waves."

And so, they guarded the field until the sun was almost setting.

After eliminating hundreds of Jigos, they headed towards the village once again.

After they reached the center, the elder greeted them.

"You did great work with the Jigos. Now, they should be wary of our fields and we could harvest more crops. As a token of thanks, please accept these."

They were each given a whistle. It was carved out of wood and designed with intricate glyphs.

"We only did what we need to, we humbly accept your gifts."

The prerequisite for the official start of their chain quest was finally achieved! The three of them couldn't hide their excitement about what was to come.

"Adventurers, since you were all of great help to our village, we are forever in your debt. However, there is one request I have to offer. Is that fine with you?"

Zeus, who was waiting for this moment, quickly agreed. "Of course. Anything you say."

"Thank you. Then could you please deliver these goods to the village of Yale? It is just past the desert, here, this is a map to help in your navigation."

The three of them received a cart full of goods and a map. Then, a confirmation flowed to Zeus's vision.

- - -

QUEST ACCEPTED.

You have accepted the quest of the Myre Village's Chieftain. Since harvest season is near, they can't afford to let their young ones travel far over dangerous lands to trade their goods.

Difficulty: D

Pre-requisites: Must have the Chieftain's trust

Requirements: Deliver the goods to Yale Village and return safely

Rewards: Good Relations with the Chieftain of the two villages

- - -

"If it will be of help to this village then please count on us."

"Your good deed will never be forgotten. Can I know the names of our benefactors?"

"Why of course. My name's Zeus."

"I'm called Faye, I am a traveling priest."

"M-Marielle… Just a porter."

"Zeus, Faye, and Marielle. The whole village is counting on you. I wish you a safe trip."

Then, after their pleasantries, they left the center and headed to the inn they are staying at.

Since they don't have many belongings, packing didn't take that long. However, the two girls decided to take a bath first before leaving.

Having nothing else to do, Zeus told them that he'll head to the village's entrance first.

It was almost too quiet since night was approaching. It seems that this village rests quite early.

While he was guarding the three wagons alone, he heard a commotion near the gates.

"P-Please let me pass… I, I need to speak with that person."

"You cannot! You're suspicious. State your name and affiliation!"

"Please… I beg you…"

"Begging wouldn't take you anywhere! If you have no intention of naming yourself then leave!"

A poor boy was pleading against one of the guards. His clothes were at the level of rags. His body too is ragged, telling the onlookers of his difficult travels.

"What's the matter?"

Having his easily piqued curiosity, he approached the guards.

"Ah! This kid here's persistent in wanting to enter. He's suspicious so we cannot easily let him in."

"Is that so… Boy, what's your name?"

"Z-Zeus! The great adventurer Zeus! Please! Help our village!"

As soon as Zeus approached, the boy grabbed Zeus's legs and begged.

"What's the matter? Calm down. I would like to help you but first, you need to explain yourself."

Being a gamer, he sensed the smell of a unique quest! He waited till the boy calmed down and slowly spoke.

"I, my name is Gilbert. I'm a resident of Extin Village, a land of the Pollin Empire."

"Pollin Empire? That's far… Then why are you searching for me?"

"I-I heard about your exploits when I was near the Vertrand Castle's walls. I then believed that if it was you, you can help save our village."

He must be speaking about when Zeus and Faye defeated the Behemoth. It was talked about in town for quite a while.

"… What happened to your village?"

"… It was… Well, we were attacked by a wave of monsters… It was an army of monsters… Gryphons were flying high up in the sky… Flame Giants walked over the earth, burning the village's outskirts…"

"… That's horrible…"

Flame Giants were boss class monsters of over level 120. Gryphons are simple monsters but their level passes the 200 mark. And based on the boy's story, that's not all.

"Why did they attack your village? Do you know?"

"… I don't… However, before we escaped, I heard the elders speaking about a Cerberus leading them…"

"Cerberus?! Why would a legendary monster attack a village while leading an army of monsters?"

"I don't know… Please… Help our village! My parents… They are stuck inside the dungeon underground in the village… they cannot leave because monsters are all over the place above ground…"

"…"

It was really a unique quest. And it involves a legendary monster to boot. If he succeeds, the rewards will surely be legendary items. However, weighing the risks, he hesitated for a moment.

"… I heard your plea. I too would like to help if there's something I could do."

However, his gamer heart won over his plight.

"T-Thank you! I was right in choosing you!"

- - -

QUEST ACCEPTED

You have received the quest 'Save Extin Village'. Most of the residents are staying inside an underground dungeon. They have ways to procure food and water but nobody knows how long they will last.

Difficulty: S

Pre-Requisites: Must be level 5 or lower with over 5 million experience points. Must have all the basic stats over 100. Must have at least 20 Fame.

Requirements: Save at least 1,000 of the 10,000 residents of the village.

Time limit: 1 Year after accepting the quest.

Rewards: Unknown

- - -

"You can count on me. However, it's impossible for me as of now. I'm too weak to handle their threat."

"A-As long as you save our village, then it's all good!"

"Then, I'll do my best."

As Zeus was standing up, the boy grabbed the sleeves of his shirt.

"I-I have one other request if it's alright…"

The boy was looking worriedly at Zeus.

"What is it? If it's within my capabilities, then I'll gladly do it."

"Then… Then, can you let me join in on your journeys?"

"That is…"

Zeus once again inspected the boy. His body was quite small, about 10 years of age at least. He has quite some muscle but probably has no experience with the sword.

His saving grace is his burning fighting spirit that is visible through his eyes. His looks say that he will fight to the bitter end, however long it will take.

"… If you have the determination to do so… Then, I have no right to stop you. You may come."

"T-Thank you Very Much!"

Then a confirmation was displayed.

[The legendary magician, Hel, joined your party.]

"… Eh?!"

Then, the boy winked a little with a mischievous smile.

- - -

"Sorry to make you wait…"

"..."

As the two girls arrived, Zeus was holding his head in agony.

A boy that they do not recognize was sitting cross-legged leisurely above his carriage. He was smiling freshly, indicating his great attitude.

"Oh… Welcome back…"

After the two approached, they were finally noticed by Zeus. His face seemed to have aged 10 years. Stress and despair lingered in his expression.

"… What happened?"

Faye asked as she was looking back and forth between Zeus and the boy.

"Nothing really… I just made a mistake and picked up a joker… That's all…"

"I don't get what you mean…"

"I'll explain it on the other side… First, let's finish the chief's quest… If we hurry, we can reach there before midnight strikes."

"Oh, by the way, Marielle, can you still continue?" Faye asked.

"Y-Yes… I was planning on playing till morning…"

"Then we'll meet up after 30 minutes. We better take dinner first. We may be fine but our real bodies are probably starving already."

"O-Okay. Then, I'll go first…"

Then, the three logged out for a moment. Their bodies were left on the carriage positioned as if sleeping together with the goods.

As usual, after logging out, Minami and Joshua took dinner together. Given that they were quite short in time, Minami cooked something easy. Since they are logging in for a long time, she chose something that is easy to digest and light to the stomach.

As she was cooking, Joshua was explaining something to her. It was about the boy that was together with him earlier.

"… As you know, there are certain quests that are up to now, still not clear."

"The black quests right? And what about that?"

"Half of those quests are given by the 12 masters. You know them right? The most famous is Hercules, followed by Athena and Loki, fourth is the Dragon Emperor and the fifth is Hel."

The 12 masters are humans who have reached the peak of their skills. Hercules was the most famous as a berserker. Athena the priest, Loki the summoner, the Dragon Emperor the dragon slayer, and Hel the magician.

"I don't know about their popularity poll but yes, I recognize the names."

"Then, better believe me, that boy sitting behind my carriage is Hel."

"… You mean, you have accepted a black quest?"

"An S class difficulty to boot."

"Don't tell me that it has a time limit?"

"Bingo. It's a total of 4 months. A year in the game. I can't estimate it clearly but I guess I can barely make it if we maximize our hunting time."

"… That's…"

Their conversation quieted down. Words cannot express how she is feeling right now.

"Do you plan to finish the quest?"

As she asked, a smile naturally floated to her face. That is because she already knows his answer.

"Of course. I'm Zeus, the Trickster, the Magician, and The Immortal. There is no Quest that I cannot complete!"

He was overflowing with confidence!

After completing every game he played without failing a quest, he earned many titles on many online communities. And he too knows about these titles and was proud of them.

Moments later, Minami finished cooking and started setting the table.

Then, after hearing his somewhat predetermined response, they quickly finished their dinner and logged in once more.

Right after logging in, just as he opened his eyes, Zeus saw the boy's, Hel's face, up close.

He (she) was staring at his face as his character was resting!

"Ugh… What are you doing?"

For argument's sake, Zeus tried to ask.

"Staring at your face, isn't it obvious?"

"I know that at least. I mean, why are you staring at my face?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Then, can you move your face… I can't stand up like this."

"What would you do if I said no?"

"…"

The conversation isn't going anywhere! Then, as if on cue, Faye and Marielle joined the fray.

"W-W-What are you doing!? Y-You're both boys! T-T-That's inappropriate!"

Marielle Immediately shouted with her face deep red. Faye just stared blankly for a moment then silently turned around. After backing off for about 10 paces, she faced the cart again.

"Calling forth the spirits of the forest…"

She chanted her highest-ranking attack spell! If she seriously did that, all the goods will be spoiled leading to Zeus's quest to fail.

"W-Wait! Faye! Calm down!"

"… Gather and heed the summons of your humble servant…"

She even took the spell to another level! Normal ways wouldn't reach her now.

"… Spirits, gather in my hands and support me in my battle! Holy Ray – Third Step!!"

Then, a blinding light fell to where Zeus was.

After the light faded, the cart was destroyed and all the goods were spoiled… or should have been.

"Hahaha! What a lively brat. That spell just now took quite a significant amount of my mana away. You're quite something!"

The boy, or rather Hel was laughing out loud as he stood atop the cart.

The cart was still in one piece. Not even a slight scratch or burn was inflicted by Faye's extravagant attack.

"You, my little priest, have managed to pique my interest. How is it? Do you want to learn magic straight under my guidance?"

"Shut up. I don't want to have anything to do with you."

An extremely cold refusal! This sort of attitude appears once in a while for Minami, but for Faye, this was the first time.

"That's quite a shame… Then, how about a new item? Hmmm… An earring that multiplies your mana by 10. How's that?"

"… What do you want? Isn't all you want is to have your village saved?"

The mention of a rare item immediately made her hesitate. She went back to her default mode. The gamer mode!

"Hahaha! That's not my village. I was just spouting some random reasons to approach you all."

"…"

"...."

"…?"

"I was just looking for someone strong enough to challenge the absurd. Someone who can challenge the impossible. And then, I stumbled upon you lot. Quite some luck you have there."

"""..."""

The three were left out of the conversation, especially Marielle. She was left dumbfounded since the moment Faye attacked the cart.

"… Just to confirm… The village of Extin exists right?"

Zeus tried to get back on track. At his notion, Hel immediately nodded.

"Of course. All I said is true. Even this visage is true. However, this boy died the moment he left their village so he couldn't call for any help."

"… Can you return to your normal look…? It's hard to speak to someone dead…"

"No, I can't. I am currently weakened after fighting with Cerberus several times. I am in this form to limit my mana usage and maximize its regeneration."

It seems that the two legends have clashed before. However, the result wasn't favorable to Hel.

"Then try changing your clothes at least. That should be fine right?"

- - -

After leaving the gates of Myre, they headed to the town first before moving to Yale Village. They had quite a load of loot in their bags to dispose of and also need to find a set of clothes for Hel.

Their detour lasted for an hour. They chose a purple robe and pants for Hel. It was then matched with a purple wizard's hat. Since her figure was now that of a boy, the clothes that she selected were for all genders. Even the size was at her discretion.

"Now that you look prim and proper, let's continue traveling."

A total of 400,000D expenditure! Wizards and Priests really have it tough. Clothes alone cost insane. Zeus was lamenting inside due to the expense.

Before leaving, they also rented 4 horses. Then, they lined and connected the three carriages before connecting them to the horses.

As they moved, they chose a formation. Faye will drive, Marielle will stay atop the middle wagon, Hel was staying inside the first and Zeus was running along with the horses.

When monsters were in view, Marielle will immediately eliminate them with a rain of arrows. If they managed to break through her defense, Zeus will immediately clear what remains from their HP.

Their convoy moved quickly even within the forest. That's because there are not many monsters there to cause them hardship.

In a matter of 20 minutes, they passed through the forest and reached the desert. They maintained their speed but Zeus became more vigilant. Sandworms love to hide before attacking so if they missed one and let it attack, their quest is doomed.

To avoid this, Zeus walked several meters in front of the convoy. This way, he could clear the road ahead of them.

Then, as expected, a sandworm appeared and attacked Zeus. However, before it could even swallow him, it was slashed into two and it faded into the air as dust. Quick Draw! It was a multipurpose skill that can slash instantly in almost any direction.

Hel watched Zeus as they continued traveling. Her smile never faded. It was as if she was mocking him.

In less than an hour, they reached the center of the desert. Here, sandworms will not appear anymore, however, swarms of monsters will continuously approach.

"Faye, give Marielle some Support. Also, protect the caravan. Marielle, shoot those that are approaching, if they come close, leave them to me!"

An immediate decision. Following his orders, Faye casted support spells for Marielle. Then, she erected a barrier in three directions of the caravan.

Marielle, as soon as she received the buffs, started shooting the monsters. Due to the increase in damage and speed, her arrows flew much more accurately and sometimes immediately killed monsters. However, there are too many of them.

Zeus then ran constantly around the caravan, eliminating those that came within 50 meters of the caravan.

When they first came here before, the waves ended after about an hour, however, this time, their speed was quite higher. In about 30 minutes, the hordes of monsters started to dwindle.

When the monsters weren't much of a threat anymore, they continued moving their caravan. Ahead of them, the rest of the road, monsters didn't appear anymore. However, Zeus still was on alert. He ran ahead of the convoy to confirm.

After 40 minutes, they reached the end of the desert. Marielle then announced that she could see a village in the distance. They immediately headed there and doubled their speed.

As they approach, the figure of the city became clearer. High walls made of clay towered over 10 meters. The interior couldn't be seen clearly but the houses too were built with clay. It was a village on the level of a fortress.

The distance was covered instantly within 20 minutes! They approached the gates where two guards stood.

"Good Morning. We're here to deliver goods as per the Myre Village's elder request."

"We have heard about your arrival. Please enter."

They were immediately allowed to enter. One of the guards acted as a guide. Minutes later, they arrived at the Village's Center where a large house stood. An old man, about the same age as the Myre Village's Chief, walked out of the door.

"Thank you for the hard work. We've already heard about you. Please receive these."

They were given a bag of money. It probably was the payment for the goods. Faye was the one who received it.

"We will deliver these back safely."

"Please. If you would like to rest, we can offer you some refreshments."

"No. That's fine. We're in a hurry so just the thought is enough."

"Is that so… Then, please remember that you'll always be welcome here in our village."

"If there's nothing else then we'll take our leave."

They then removed the horses and placed a saddle prepared beforehand. All of them rode a horse each. It was good that they all had experience riding horses.

"Then, let's head back at our highest speed. Marielle will just need to confuse the monsters. Faye will cast speed buffs. Hel will… Try to cope up with our actions."

And so, their horses ran like the wind towards the town once more. Since they have just cleared the monsters on their way, their return trip was quiet. In less than an hour, they reached the village.

They quickly entered and went straight to the village chief. After Faye handed over the payment, a confirmation window appeared.

- - -

QUEST COMPLETE!

You have successfully finished the village chieftain's request. You are now friends with the chiefs of the two villages. To proceed with the next step of the quest, speak with the Yale Village's chieftain about a missing person.

- - -

"Thank you for your efforts."

Then, the village chief known to have a really bad attitude smiled!

"N-No, if we could help you then we'd gladly do so." Zeus, although slightly taken aback, replied.

"If I ever have another request worthy of your time, I'll send the word."