The mountain winds howled through the narrow pass as Uther and Mara advanced, their breath misting in the cold air. The terrain was steeper now, jagged stone underfoot and the sharp scent of iron hanging in the wind — a sign monsters were near.
The System flickered to life again.
> [Warning: Mana Signature Detected Nearby – Unknown Entity Approaching.] [Note: Rare Material Signature Also Detected. Threat Level: Medium-High.]
Mara stopped, lowering her stance as she scanned the cliffs ahead. "Did you see that shimmer just now? Something's stalking us."
Uther nodded, unsheathing his blade slowly. "Yeah. And I think it knows we're carrying something valuable."
The mist began to swirl unnaturally, twisting and folding as a shape emerged — a long, serpent-like creature with crystalline scales and glowing eyes. It slithered from the mist like liquid shadow.
> [System Notification: You've Discovered a Mist Serpent – Elite Class Monster.] [Rare Material Possibility: High. Recommended Action: Engage with Caution.]
"Elite class…" Uther muttered under his breath, gripping his sword tighter.
The Mist Serpent let out a hiss, its breath icy and shimmering. In a flash, it lunged.
Mara loosed three arrows in rapid succession, each one striking true, but the serpent's body bent and twisted unnaturally, absorbing the hits. Uther rolled under its snapping jaws and slashed upward, sparks flying as his blade met crystal-like armor.
The System chimed again:
> [Skill Unlocked: Reactive Insight – Increases Reaction Speed +15% in Combat.] [Skill Bonus Activated: Adaptive Targeting – Increases Critical Chance Against Unique Monsters.]
A burst of clarity rushed through him. Uther narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, dodging another tail swipe. His next slash hit true — right in a vulnerable fold of the serpent's neck. The beast shrieked, coiling violently before collapsing into the rocks.
Uther breathed hard as the creature dissolved into shimmering particles. Left behind was a glowing violet crystal, humming softly with latent energy.
> [Rare Material Acquired: Mist Core – Used for Advanced System Functions.] [Current Rare Materials: 2/10]
Mara exhaled slowly. "That… was harder than the wolf."
Uther nodded. "And I don't think that was the last of them."
---
Return and Reflection
As night fell, they returned to the village with the two rare materials in hand. Borin and Garrick were already working by torchlight, raising the foundation of the guild hall. Wooden beams stretched like ribs into the night sky.
Elena, the village's quiet healer, rushed forward as they entered.
"You're hurt," she said, touching a hand to Uther's bruised side.
"I've had worse," Uther replied with a tired grin.
The System blinked again:
> [Village Morale Increased.] [Structure Progress: Guild Hall 45%. Estimated Completion: 3 Days.]
Inside the temporary inn, Uther reviewed the map of the region. New icons had appeared — faint pulses where potential rare materials might be found.
One location drew his eye: The Forgotten Quarry, northeast of the mountains. It shimmered ominously, marked with a red warning symbol.
> [New Objective Unlocked: Investigate the Forgotten Quarry.] [Suggested Party Size: 3+ | Threat: High | Reward: Rare Materials, Unknown Artifacts.]
Uther rubbed his chin. "Time to start building a real team."
---
Recruitment Begins
The next morning, Uther stood in front of the half-finished guild. A temporary notice board had been erected, and a new System prompt appeared.
> [New Function Unlocked: Recruitment Board.] [Available Roles: Warrior, Mage, Scout, Builder.] [Requires Basic Guild to Begin Official Recruitment – Estimated Time: 3 Days.]
He turned to Borin. "Once the guild is up, I want notices sent to the nearby villages. We need anyone with skill — mercenaries, mages, craftsmen. Anyone willing to work and fight."
Borin grinned. "Sounds like you're finally building more than just houses."
Uther looked out across the land — the small beginnings of a powerful force slowly taking shape.
"No," he said. "I'm building a future."
---
Current Status:
Village Population: 5
Rare Materials Collected: 2/10
Monsters Defeated: 1 Mist Serpent, 1 Gargantuan Wolf
Guild Hall Progress: 45%
New Area Discovered: Forgotten Quarry
System Level: Tier 1 (Pending Upgrade)
Unlocked Skill: Reactive Insight
Next Objective: Assemble a Party for the Quarry Expedition