13 The Don's Camp (2)

Connor knew well that he lacked plenty of knowledge of this world, and that might cause some issues. 'What should I do?' He thought. 'I need a proper excuse that won't make me suspicious… Maybe I lost my memory in the ship wreck after a few bumps on the head? That seems possible'

Without any hesitation whatsoever. Connor asked the man, named Doug, a few questions. "Can you tell me what that Crystal is and what is a Void Tablet?"

"What?" Doug frowned. "How do you not know what they are?"

"I've ended up on this island after a shipwreck and my memory has been very foggy lately.. Can you please clear a few things up for me?" Connor explained.

"Oh, then you're a survivor from the Inquisition's ship… Good thinking coming here instead of back to those lunatics" Doug patted Connor's shoulder before he continued. "This Crystal right here is called the Void Crystal, found in the depths of the Ruins. They are not common but not rare either. The Mages said that they deciphered some old text which explained how they work, but to be honest with you, no one really listened to the details except that they utilize some energy called the Void energy by whatever ancient civilization created them, which no matter what the Mages tried to do they couldn't figure it out. Naming them Void Crystals" Doug explained. "As for the Void Tablets, they are as mysterious as these things, using the same type of energy with different functions. They allow the user to strengthen themselves by giving you the chance of increasing three options which are Strength, Dexterity and Spirit. To be able to increase any you must provide Soul energy to it, which is what you get after killing creatures around here, but each time you increase a Star, it makes it harder to increase the next one, doubling in the amount required" Doug then seemed like he remembered something. "It also allows people to register their Skills.. For example, I've been training in archery for a long time, ever since I was a child, but someone without any knowledge in archery can become as good as I am in an instant. If the Trainer agrees and is paid the amount he asks for with the required amount of Soul energy, you can learn their Skill, but in grades as well. Depending on the Trainer and their Star rank. For example, you'll have to provide an astronomical amount of Soul energy and piles of Gold to learn all my 5 Star Archery Skills. So you'll just have to slowly learn it Star by Star with time"

Connor's head felt like it was about to explode, and he tried his best to find a way to make this easier to understand.. After a bit, he found a proper way to call all of this. "Game-like".. 'This is like Stats and Skills, while this Soul energy is like XP' He thought to himself, a smile appearing on his face. 'With this i can grow stronger faster and easier'

"Thank you!"

"No worries friend" Doug with a smile.

"I remember you saying that you're a Hunter? What do you hunt in the swamp?" Connor asked. He needed to know the dangers that will face him. Their conversation continued. He learned that there were a few Beasts around, but the ones that exist in this place are ugly and disgusting which seemed inedible, but Connor heard a lot of praise for the chef and her skills in the camp, which made him excited. He learned that this area, from here to the Camp in the north, is run by Don Heart, their leader. He also learned that the official members of the Camp were called Fighters, which were not so friendly if you stepped out of line. They seemed to have been in control of Harbor Town, but unfortunately the Inquisition came and took over. Apparently the Don's pride took a hit and he had been cooped up in the temple, gathering Gold. What he's planning though is a mystery.

"There's a big fellow in the west, a Devilworm big enough to feed all of us, but I need some help taking him down" Doug said.

"How about I help you hunt this worm?" Connor suddenly said.

"Tell you what. If we kill that thing together. I'll give you 30GC" Doug said. "I hope you're well prepared. Don't want your death on my conscience"

"No worries, i can handle myself" Connor looked at Doug's Crystal and said. "But can I borrow one of your bows and a few arrows?" Connor knew a thing or two about archery. He had more confidence in it than using swords.

"Ah, not confident with your sword?" He said. "Sure, here you go!"

"What can you tell me about these Devilworms?" Connor asked.

"They're like.. Giant.. Rotting worms, and the name came from their looks.. Quite terrifying if I might add!"

"Come on, let's go kill this thing!" Connor said, holding the new bow tightly. Doug's words put some fear into him but he also felt excited for some reason.

"Alright! Ready your weapon and stay close to me!"

Both men started their hunt. They jumped down from the land, walking in the muddy water of the swamp and soon after a giant worm with rotting flesh and a hole filled with razor sharp teeth appeared in the fog. It let out some weird sounds before rushing towards Doug.

Connor knocked an arrow in, taking aim and firing. The arrow split the air as it planted itself in the worm's body. Gooey black blood seeped out of it, grabbing its attention. Doug did not stay idle either as he moved swiftly with the blade, dancing around the creature as cuts started appearing here and there. Connor continued, as he distracted it before Doug jumped in. The fight continued this way before a giant wave of refreshing energy filled Connor, making him take a delightful breath in.

"You did well! See, that's what being a hunter is all about! The thrill of the hunt, the buzz of the kill!" Doug spoke, leaning near the Devilworm with a hunting knife and started cutting the creature open. "This will be enough to feed the camp for a day" Connor couldn't watch. The worm was too repulsive as the gooey substance was splashed everywhere. After a while Doug was done, handing Connor giant pieces of meat. "Take this with you to the camp and give it to Rachel, the cook.. I'm gonna stay here, see if I can spot my next challenge! and i'll be taking that bow back"

Connor reluctantly gave the bow and arrows to Doug before he asked something. "Before I go, can you teach me about hunting?" If he could dress and collect material and meat properly he'll be able to earn a good extra amount of Gold.

"I do not have any Void Tablets on me. Sam is your man. He taught me. Ask him. You'll find him in the camp, just look for a man with a large beard" Doug said, before he started walking back to his spot. Connor knew well that they only won that fight due to Doug, so without staying in the swamp any longer, he ran back to the path and started moving.