Chapter 15: Quests & Humble Beginning
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{
Quest 1: Getting on Track
Description: After spending months without training, Reich's body is getting out of shape. This quest is here to make sure that doesn't happen. If Reich doesn't train his body, he will lose his stats and looks.
Requirements:
1. Do at least 100 pushups for seven days.
2. Do at least 100 squats for seven days.
3. Run at least 10 km for seven days.
4. Train your sword skills every day.
Time Limit: 7 days and 5 hours.
Rewards upon completion:
1. 1000 exp
2. 5 skill points
3. Offensive skill (common)
4. Slight improvement in your reputation.
Failure:
1. Stats will be reduced by half.
2. Growth will be stunted.
3. Loss of looks (Reputation decrease).
}
"Just when I was thinking about it," he smirked.
"Well, the requirements look pretty easy to complete. It's just a 10 km run, pushups, squats, and training. This guy used to do a lot more than that before. I can easily manage it, although it may sting since this body has been rusting," he added as he stared at the screen.
*Ding*
Just as he was about to click 'X' on the screen to close it, another notification sound rang. It was much louder and sharper, like a tornado horn meant to gain attention.
"Another quest?"
He looked at the screen. It was different from the normal quest he was just looking at, which was colored blue. This one was painted alarming red, the kind of red used on stop signs on the roads.
{
Ending Quest 1: Wish of the Dead!
Description: This quest is made to respect the wish of the original owner of the user's body before dying a terrible and shameful death. This is a mandatory quest that needs to be completed.
Requirements: Fuck the hero Gris' mom in front of his eyes.
Time: 12 years.
Rewards: ????
Failure: Death or ???
}
"Wait! Why's there a time limit for this quest?" he said, confused.
"And also, what's this end quest #1? Shouldn't there only be one ending quest?" he added.
[There's a time limit on the quest because if you don't complete the quest within this timeframe, Gris' mother will die,] Eri explained.
[Even though Gris' mother is a half-elf and has a 150-year lifespan, she will die in cannon events.]
[There can be multiple ending quests,] she finished, and Reich nodded in understanding.
"Wait... Since she does not die of natural age, does that mean I can increase this tight time limit by years if I eliminate the factors leading to her death?" he asked curiously.
[Yes, the limit can be increased since the factor is death, but it also means it can be shortened too if you mess with it and end up doing something wrong,] she agreed and answered his query.
"I see, thanks."
'Damn, it's already 8 o'clock. It's time to chug down some protein; I am hungry. Shouldn't she already be bringing food to me?'
*Knock*
"Master, can I bring the food in?" Sulvia asked politely.
Maybe it was his lucky day, but his guessing was abnormally accurate at some moments.
"Bring it in," he gave her permission in a composed manner.
She brought in the food and handed him the tray, which had cutlery and a big bowl of chicken broth soup.
"Thanks, I was just beginning to feel hungry," he said.
'Little by little, humbly, let's improve my reputation,' he thought as he began to eat his food.
"Well, you don't have to bother yourself standing here. You can attend to other stuff if you want, and you can come back after half an hour to pick up the plates. I will leave them outside," he offered.
Well, the plan to improve his reputation was pretty simple: stay humble and build up his reputation within the hearts of the people of his estate. He wanted to regain the respect of the servants that worked in the estate because he was aware that any rumor or truth about him always starts from here.
These servants were the first to know that their master was a cuck, and the rest of the rumors spread through their mouths. So, if he could gain respect in their hearts, he could easily expect his bad reputation to be slashed by half because if they had respect, they wouldn't dare spread any bad rumors about their master. The respect would work as a restraint.
Well, the tyranny of the previous owner had left hatred in their hearts as he used to do a lot of despicable stuff, and even his own servants weren't safe from him. Although they couldn't do anything rash since he was the one with power, inside all of them resented him to their core.
'Let's just take things at a slow pace, improving my reputation and stuff... Slowly, but I will make sure to create a place in their hearts,' he thought, smiling.
After he was done eating, she took away the cutlery. Nothing particularly interesting happened between them since he was too busy in his own thoughts.
"Let's hit the bed. I gotta wake up early," he said, turning off the magic lamp.
Having finished his meal, it was time to call it a night. He had a long day ahead of him tomorrow, filled with tasks and training that he needed to tackle with a fresh mind and body.
The moonlight streamed gently through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. This natural light served as the perfect ambient lighting, creating an ideal atmosphere for sleep. It felt calming, washing over the room like a soothing balm. The serene illumination added a touch of aesthetic beauty that some would find deeply appealing. The shadows cast by the moonlight created a peaceful, almost magical ambiance, making the room feel like a tranquil haven.
As he settled into bed, he took a moment to appreciate the tranquility. The stresses of the day began to melt away, and his mind drifted toward the tasks awaiting him tomorrow. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, allowing the gentle moonlight to lull him into a restful sleep.
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"You shouldn't be close to him. You don't know when he might go crazy and hurt you," the head maid cautioned, her plump figure blocking the hallway as she spoke.
The Sulvia paused, taken aback by the maid's words. The head maid, known for her stern demeanor and raspy voice, was not one to give warnings lightly.
"I know you are new, but you shouldn't engage with him too much. It could be harmful to you. He's crazy and he's a sadist," she added, her accent making her words sound even harsher.
The Sulvia looked around nervously, unsure how to respond. She had heard rumors about the master, but hearing such direct warnings was unsettling. The head maid's expression was serious, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and disdain.
"He may seem calm at times, but don't be fooled. His temper can flare up without warning, and he's been known to take his anger out on those around him. Just be careful and keep your distance," she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"But he's been nothing but kind to me. He hasn't even talked rudely to me, not even once," Sulvia said, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I will keep your warning in mind, though. I don't want to get on his bad side."
"You better do," the head maid replied sternly, her eyes narrowing as she spoke. "Just because he's shown you kindness now doesn't mean it will last. His mood swings are like the weather—unpredictable and often severe. One moment he can be charming, and the next, he might be lashing out. It's for your own safety that I warn you."
Sulvia nodded, her mind racing with the implications of the head maid's words. She appreciated the advice but couldn't shake the sense of unease growing within her. "Thank you for the advice. I'll be careful and keep my distance as much as possible."
The head maid's expression softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "Good. It's for your own good. Many of us have seen his darker side, and it's not something you want to experience firsthand. Just remember to always be on your guard, no matter how kind he appears to be."
Sulvia felt a chill run down her spine. She had hoped to find a stable job and a fresh start in this household, but now it seemed that she would have to constantly watch her step. The master's unpredictable nature cast a shadow over the kindness he had shown, and she knew she would need to navigate her new role with caution.
"Thanks again," she murmured, more to herself than to the head maid. As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance back, the head maid's stern warning echoing in her mind. Sulvia resolved to stay vigilant and avoid any situation that might provoke the master's wrath, hoping to stay safe in this new and uncertain environment.
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This will be the new word count.