12 An Interesting Old Man

After the incident with the bandits Akiol and Veryl proceeded. After all that was the quest. Akiol did ask for the worst thing Veryl fought when he was his age, but Veryl simply stated he forgot.

This disappointed Akiol greatly, he was cheered up shortly later, as Veryl told other stories of his past.

Veryl's past was full of action, one would even think he was lying. Akiol had a minor talent in deducing if someone was lying or not. Veryl never once lied, as far as Akiol could tell.

When Veryl was the age of sixteen, his parents kicked him out of their house. Simply because they believed their job to be done. Faced with several trials and life-threatening situations. Veryl grew stronger, much stronger. At the age of 18 he became a founder in the nowadays Adventure guild. He never participated in anything political however.

At the age of 20 he participated in a war between two empires, single handedly turning the tide of battle where he was.

Veryl claimed that he was called Blood Drawing Veryl back then, Akiol made a mental note to research this at some point.

This did remind Akiol to check Veryl's name status above his head. It showed:

This made Akiol ponder, for whatever reason could he not see the level?

He came to two conclusions. First, Veryl's level was higher than Akiol's. Thus making it impossible to tell. Or Veryl has a level hiding skill. Akiol thought if the old man's stories were true, the answer would be the former.

Akiol pointed out, "I am unable to guard your strength. If you were as strong as you said why would those weak bandits try to kill you?"

"I was getting to that part." Veryl replied waving his hand, "You see, when I was in my forties I fought against a being I never should have. Something that could be related to a god if you will. I was gravely injured in that fight and I weakened as a result. Many enemies that I made sent their subordinates after me when I was weak, the cowards. I was forced to flee, I was on the run for a very long time. I stopped keeping track a long time ago. I eventually found some peace in Red Bush Village, but I looks like I will have to find somewhere else." With a sigh Veryl looked dejected.

Akiol offered,"I could track down the bandits and kill them if you want. That way they can't report to their boss."

"You'd do that for this old man? That's very nice of you."

A notification popped up:

<Triggered Hidden Quest!

A Kind Act: Veryl was hunted down by his various enemies, just as he found peace he was found once more! Stop the bandits before they report to their boss. So Veryl can live in peace again.

Quest Difficultly: ?

Time limit: 2 days

Reward: ???

Failure: -200% experience>

While Akiol was grateful that his kind act triggered a quest, he was quite upset at the penalty. Two levels was to be lost for failure? It wasn't much now, considering how easy it was to level up currently. Had someone did this quest in the future however, the penalty would have been far worse.

The duo continued along the path. Shortly later they reached the mines.

"Stay here, I will do the rest myself." Veryl said. Before Akiol could say anything he already had entered the mines.

Akiol respected the old man's request. Yet he was slightly worried that it was going to take another two hours. So Akiol spent his free time doing some practice fighting, he needed to get used to this weaker body soon, less it be the death of him.

An hour later Veryl appeared, signaling to Akiol it was time to go.

Akiol asked,"If you don't mind me asking, what did you do in the mines?"

"Just payed respects to an old friend." replied Veryl.

The trip back was peaceful. Akiol learned much about the virtual world through Veryl's stories. He was sure that this would be added to his fondest memories.

When they eventually reached Veryl's home, Akiol bade farewell. Also stating he would be back with news of the bandits death. He was also greeted with a notification.

Akiol ignored the notification and as soon as Veryl's house was out of sight. He used [Form] to transform back into the ball shape. He used [Roll] and went back where he fought the bandits. He did not wish to lose any trail the bandits could have left.

Once Akiol arrived he searched the area. He saw footprints, heading the same direction he saw the bandits flee. Akiol quickly traced the tracks. After swapping between using [Roll] as his slime form and running as his avatar. The trip only took around fifteen minutes.

Akiol saw a the bandits, sitting around a fire pit. Whispering amongst themselves.

Akiol made his presence clear, and the bandits immediately jumped up and ready themselves.

One of them, recognizing Akiol the stammered, "I-It's you!? What do you want?!"

"I am afraid I will have to end your paths here. The path of life I mean."

The bandits were immediately on guard, one even questioned, "Why? You let us go!"

Akiol did feel bad, he did let them go. Now he had to hunt them down.

"Simply to silence any news of your meeting with Veryl." Akiol responded with an ice-cold tone.

The bandits became infuriated, "You are with that old man?! We thought you were just an arms for hire!"

"You're not half-wrong."

Whilst Akiol and the bandits has there vocal quarrel, a pair of eyes could be seen in the trees.

"Now let's see what is so special about you..."

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