Dark Lord: Rise to Power

Arin was alone on the table, sipping beer. People were slowly arriving; the guild hall was getting livelier. "Ahem" a female voice was heard from behind. Arin turned his head. It was Ashley, the Guild receptionist. "Good morning, Madam" he greeted her, "care to join?". She smiled a bit, "I still have a little time, so okay?". She shrugged her shoulder and joined Arin. She was no more acting like the cold woman as she used to be with Arin earlier.

Arin poured beer on her mug. They raised their mug for each other's health. "So have you chosen your next Quest?" she asked. "How can I?", Arin frowned, "My first quest has not been resolved yet!"

Ashley fell silent for a while. Then she told him, "well, tell me something?". "Yes?" Arin replied eagerly. "Are you really sure there would be NO issue with your quest? Like, the cleaners will come out unscathed, unharmed; and they will give clean-chit to you? Like, there will be no issue of negligence from your part?". Arin nodded in assurance, "absolutely!"

Ashley gave a cryptic smile, "so, you can do one thing! Just pick a suitable quest of your liking. And give it to me. I will save it for you, and as soon as you are given a clearance, I will register the quest against your name!".

"Can you really do it?" Arin asked excitedly.

"I think I can" she winked.

"Thank you so much!" Arin grabbed her hand and thanked her, "It meant a lot!"

Ashley smiled back and said, "okay you go and pick a quest of your liking, and meet me at the counter!"

Arin stood up and said, "the bill is on me!"

She laughed and said, "oh darling, I am an employee. I can drink free of cost! Now hurry up, before someone else take your quest."

Arin bowed and walked towards the Quest Board. Only one quest he found suitable for him, at his level. It was 'gathering quest'. He had to collect 30 Singing Mushrooms from Cave of Echo on eastern side of the Dark Wood.

Arin walked towards the Counter where Ashley was alone at the moment. He handed over the Quest to her. She glanced over the quest, her face turned grim a little. She asked him, "Have you been to Dark Wood? It is a treacherous forest!"

- "Yes, I have!" he replied, "I have spent good time exploring it!"

- She gave him a weird look. "So, have you seen the cave? The Cave of Echo?"

- "No I have not!" he replied.

- "The Cave of Echo is a cave with three layers. The first layer, which is outside, is where the Singing Mushroom blooms. There would be some few small enemies, but that should not be something an Adventurer like you can't handle!". Arin felt proud at her sudden praise of him. She continued, "But don't think of venturing deep inside in deeper layers. It would have stronger enemies."

- Arin nodded, "Okay!"

- "Wait!" she stopped him, "And at no cost, venture at third level. Those who have returned, said this level is strangely connected to some other caves with subterranean paths. It would be very dangerous to venture there."

- "Thanks, I will keep this in mind!" Arin replied.

- "So, are you leaving now?" she asked.

- "No, I will have lunch, and will set out at evening!"

- "What's with you and always going to adventure at night?"

- "What can I say? I love Night!" he winked back, only to realize that she won't see him winking because of the mask.

Arin decided to visit the marketplace to do a bit shopping for his upcoming adventure.

The marketplace was alive with the clamor of voices and vibrant colors as Arin navigated through the maze of stalls. With each step, to his surprise, he felt the weight of his mission.

First, he approached the weaponsmith's stall, where an array of glistening weapons was displayed. His eyes were drawn to a pair of daggers, their blades as sharp as a viper's fangs and etched with intricate patterns. The weaponsmith explained that these daggers were forged from a rare metal, known for its strength and ability to channel energy. The handles were wrapped in fine leather, providing a firm grip. There were no extra enchantments on it, but it was alright for him as they cost only 10 golds. Arin needed to save his money for something which was more important for him right now- a trinket to hide his details from hostile scrying. 

At a quaint little shop filled with mysterious artifacts, he found a ring with an iridescent stone at its center. The shopkeeper whispered that the stone had magical properties, capable of veiling one's level from anyone attempting to scry without permission. The pendant was delicate yet powerful, its charm enchanting and discreet. But Arin was not sure whether it was fake or real. So, the shopkeeper advised him to use his 'observation' skill. Arin did not know his 'scrying' skill could be used to identify special trait of inanimate objects as well. He held the ring in hand, and used scrying skill. He received a status window-

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| Name – Ring of Secrecy |

| Material – Iron |

|Special Trait – Hides Information

of users from Adept level Scrying |

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At another stall, he spotted a coil of rope, unlike any he had seen before. This rope was woven from enchanted fibers, making it incredibly durable and resistant to wear. The merchant assured him that it could withstand extreme conditions and would prove invaluable in his adventures.

Though he had wandered the marketplace many times before, this visit was different. He had come with purpose, each purchase a step closer to his journey's start, the air buzzing with anticipation of the unknown adventures that lay ahead.

After the shopping was done, he went back to Guild Hall to have lunch. Being an Undead, Arin did not have any hunger or thirst. He did not actually feel taste of foods that much. Rather, everything felt more or less bland to him. However, he still used to have Lunch, Dinner or Breakfast. It was partly because of his dietary practice of past life, and partly to continue his facade of impersonating as a living being to everyone.

As he was having Afternoon lunch, a guard entered Guild Hall and started enquiring about Arin Drez. Some people near the entrance directed him towards the Table where Arin was having his lunch. The guard approached Arin and informed him that the Captain had summoned him immediately.

Arin gulped everything remaining in the dish at a time, much to surprise of the onlookers, and asked the guard to take him to the Captain.

As Arin entered barrack, the Captain was talking to Deputy. When his guard informed him of Arin's arrival, he looked up and invited Arin to enter inside. "What have you done?" he asked Arin. "I beg you pardon?" Arin replied. "You really don't know what you have done?" Duran asked again. Arin shook his hand sideways to reply in negative.

Duran got up from his seat, walked towards Arin with a stern voice. He raised his hand and grabbed Arin's shoulder. Arin was a bit scared. He was afraid that the Captain had discovered the secret chamber. He kept mum. Duran spoke again, "Till I have took control, it was first time, the cleaners had returned completely unharmed, unscathed and so quickly. It was not only completely clear of any hostile beings, but it was actually pretty clean as well.

"So, my contract…." Arin asked.

"It is fulfilled" Duran said and stretched his hands towards the Deputy.

The Deputy handed him over a pouch and a letter.

"Take this" Duran said, handing him over the pouch, "it is special bonus for your successful completion!". The he gave him the letter, "This is special letter with my seal, in recognition for your efficiency and contribution!"

Arin bowed and accepted both. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he bid goodbye to them and left for Guild Hall.

He went to Guildhall to update Ashley of his achievement. He was also summoned to Guild Hall Master's room. Zikar congratulated him and encouraged him to do better.

The day was going to end soon. The Sun was setting to the West. Arin made the necessary preparation and went out. There were different guards at the front gate. He showed them the new quest and left the City.

He now needed to visit his castle first, check on the kids and then go for the new quest.