The One Branch of The Tree

We stared at each other in silence, the night air chilling, a thin mist moving through the stone ruins. On one side was me, the smell of blood, dungeon dust, and questionable life decisions. On the other, a strange woman with two daggers and the aura of someone who clearly knew how to kill. 

A very healthy dynamic. I examined his appearance in more detail; he was probably around my age or slightly older. Short, shoulder-length black hair, sharp eyes, as if always calculating the worst possible outcome, dark leather armor, and light, efficient movements with no wasted movement. Experienced.

A small notification appears.

Target analysis limited.

Level unreadable.

Threat: Unknown

I frowned, unable to read the level? Not good at all. The woman seemed to see my reaction, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

“Hm.”

“At least you have some instinct.”

I sighed.

“Thanks, I guess.”

He kept one of his daggers but kept the other in his hand, semi-friendly or semi-threatening it was hard to tell.

"I'm Nara," she said briefly.

What a beautiful and nice name, I nodded slowly.

“Cancer.”

"I know."

Oh well he really did know, I crossed my arms.

“News about me spread fast.”

Nara leaned against a large rock.

"A child who was thrown into the Forbidden Forest, then in two days killed several hunters."

He tilted his head.

"Quite interesting."

I chuckled.

“Glad to entertain.”

Nara didn't laugh, it wasn't a joke. Okay, it's been noted, she stared at the ruins behind me.

“You went in there?”

“Yes.”

"You are alone?"

“Unfortunately yes.”

Nara's gaze turned slightly sharper, more serious.

“You defeated the guardian alone?”

I shrugged.

“With unhealthy levels of stress.”

There was a moment of silence, and for the first time, her expression showed a hint of surprise, indicating that this achievement was indeed unusual. Good, her brand is improving. Nara stepped closer, and I was automatically on guard. She stopped about three meters away from me, a safe distance for negotiation and possible betrayal.

“Why aren't you dead yet?”

The question is direct, I like it.

“The motivation of revenge is quite helpful,” I replied.

He stared at me for a long time as if looking for a lie then gave a small nod.

“An honest answer.”

“Sometimes,” I said.

Nara looked towards the forest.

“They are looking for you.”

"Who?"

“Hunter. Adventure. A bit of a mercenary.”

Oh, it's getting more and more exciting.

“Why?”

He looked at me blankly.

“You bring something that interests them.”

I was speechless. It wasn't just my presence? That meant there was a bigger reason, I narrowed my eyes.

“This forest,” I said softly.

“There's something here.”

Nara smiled faintly, finally showing a bit of human expression.

“You caught on quicker than I thought.”

I didn't answer. Nara continued.

“In the past few months, the mana in the Forbidden Forest has increased drastically.”

“Monsters evolve faster.”

“The ancient ruins are starting to become active.”

He glanced at the ring on my finger. Ah there he was, he noticed of course he did.

“And some artifacts are starting to reappear.”

I lowered my hand casually to cover the ring slightly, not subtly but instinctively. Nara looked amused.

"Calm."

“I'm not interested in low-grade artifacts.”

A little offended, this storage ring is amazing to me but okay perspective.

“I'm here for something bigger,” he continued.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Are you from Zona?”

He nodded. Bingo, so everything was leading there, I leaned against the stone wall.

“Okay. Let's save time.”

“You didn't approach me to have a casual chat.”

“So what do you want?”

Nara looked satisfied, perhaps because the conversation had finally gotten to the point.

“I need someone.”

A sentence that raised a red flag, he continued before I could comment.

“Someone who is reckless enough to go deeper.”

"And it's enough to use once if things are bad."

Ah there it is. Such refreshing honesty, I smiled.

“Your charm is extraordinary.”

"Thank You."

He really said it flat the master of flat expressions, I'm starting to like this guy a little, a little within safe limits.

“And why should I agree?” I asked.

Nara raised one finger.

"Information."

Second finger.

“Guide.”

Third finger.

“The chances of life are greater.”

Quite convincingly, he then added,

“And you're not strong enough to enter the core zone alone.”

Well, that part is really annoying, but true. Just a level 18 rock gorilla makes me want to reconsider my life choices. 

I think a few seconds of temporary companionship might be helpful. Just a word of caution: don't stab them while they're sleeping. Important detail.

“What is your purpose in the core zone?” I asked.

Nara was silent for a moment, a little longer than before. Hmm, sensitive topic, so she finally answered,

“Looking for something that belongs to my family.”

Cryptic? Looks suspiciously like a protagonist, but to be fair, I'm not completely transparent either.

“And if we find it?”

He answered without hesitation.

“I'll take what's mine.”

“You take whatever is left.”

Pragmatic I like the clear distribution of loot reduces drama very potentially, I nodded slowly.

“Temporary cooperation?”

"Temporary cooperation," he said.

He held out his hand, I looked at his hand then looked at his face.

"If you betray me"

“I know,” he interrupted.

“Revenge, unreasonable growth, creepy tree trunks.”

I blinked.

“…has it become my reputation?”

“Less is more.”

Great, his personal brand is growing rapidly. I finally shook his hand briefly, coldly, and there was no trust built at all. A perfect alliance.

Notifications pop up suddenly.

Party formed (Temporary)

Members:

Cancer

Nara

Bonus:

Minor EXP increase while cooperating.

I stared at the screen.

“Oh, so the system supports teamwork.”

Nara shrugged.

“Sometimes.”

He started walking.

“Take a rest first.”

“We'll go deeper tomorrow morning.”

I follow.

“And if I refuse halfway?”

Nara glanced at me.

"Please."

“Then die alone.”

Fair enough, we arrived at a small, sheltered area near the ruins. Nara's temporary camp had been lit with a flint, a very primitive fire. I was a little proud of having Ember Slash, which boosted my confidence a bit. We sat across from each other in silence, the small fire burning in the middle. It was awkward, and I decided to break the silence.

"So."

“Do all your introductions always start with an ambiguous threat?”

Nara stared at the fire.

“Usually worse.”

“Relieves.”

He glanced at me for a moment, then said softly,

“You don't look like a murderer.”

I chuckled.

“Two days ago I didn't either.”

It was quiet again this time not so awkward more like two people who were both tired and both had too many problems, I saw the quest.

Day 2/7 complete.

There are still five days left, but I'm no longer alone. Whether this is good news or the beginning of new problems remains to be seen. I slowly close my eyes. Tomorrow, the Core Zone will be filled with greater danger, greater rewards, and the possibility of even more spectacular bad decisions as planned.

[END CHAPTER 9]