Beyond The Frontline

Fragment Charlie

The first month of Colt's journey as an adventurer proved to be a challenging ordeal, marked by the relentless burden of his knapsack that he carries with him on every quest and task, a testament to his lingering lack of trust in others. However, the quests and tasks Colt undertook weren't necessarily considered traditional adventuring by the seasoned guild members; rather, they were perceived as odd jobs or freelance tasks.

Colt found himself engaged in a variety of unconventional tasks that kept him occupied. He spent his days escorting caravans and travelers through relatively safe routes, assisting local farmers with protecting their crops from pests or predators, retrieving lost items or valuables from remote locations, and provided security for gatherings or events held. Though these tasks didn't align with the typical adventuring quests, they provided Colt with the means to earn his keep and gain valuable experience.

For Colt, a job was a job, and he deemed it good enough. While these endeavors may not have aligned with traditional adventuring quests, Colt deemed them sufficient. His reluctance to pursue conventional quests stemmed from a personal preference; many of the typical adventuring tasks simply weren't his cup of tea. Colt preferred keeping a low profile and not standing out too much. While the pay for these uncommon tasks might not have been exceptionally high, it proved sufficient to secure a roof over his head, put food on the table, and procure the necessary supplies for his ongoing journeys.

After two months of staying in Rine, Colt's confidence with the locals had grown significantly. As a result, he felt comfortable enough to leave behind his knapsack and rifle in his inn room whenever the quest didn't specifically require them. Embracing a more streamlined approach, Colt opted to carry only his knife and sidearm on these occasions.

The shift in Colt's approach stemmed from the challenges he encountered each time he arrived at a quest location. It became increasingly awkward to navigate and engage in tasks with both his rifle and knapsack in tow. Recognizing the need for discretion and a place to securely store his belongings away from prying eyes, Colt decided to leave them behind when the quest didn't explicitly require their use. This adjustment not only streamlined his interactions but also allowed him to approach each task with better ease and flexibility.

After three months of venturing through various quests, Colt crossed paths with Dani, an 18-year-old archer. Dani appeared rather average, there was nothing particularly striking or distinctive about him at first glance.

The encounter began when Dani took the initiative to approach Colt while he was in the midst of searching for a new quest. Initially skeptical, Colt was intrigued by Dani's confidence and willingness to prove himself. To test Dani's capabilities, Colt suggested they tackle a challenging quest together.

Colt decided on a quest involving clearing out a nearby orc-infested area, detailing the presence of six roaming orcs. Traveling on foot, Dani showcased his remarkable marksmanship by expertly dispatching two orcs from a considerable distance, each with an arrow to the side of their heads. Impressed by Dani's precision, Colt couldn't help but acknowledge the archer's skill. Dani, reveling in his achievement, couldn't resist a bit of well-deserved bragging about it.

Wanting to humble Dani, Colt smirked and instructed him to cover his ears and observe. Swiftly shouldering his rifle, Colt took aim and efficiently dispatched the remaining confused orcs with a level of precision that matched Dani's, albeit faster. The resounding gunshots prompted a reaction from Dani reminiscent of Lyla's surprise. As the dust settled, Dani's jaw dropped at the aftermath. Eager to know more, Dani inquired about Colt's weapon, to which Colt responded, "That's a secret for now. Trust is earned, Dani."

As the quest concluded, Colt and Dani found themselves seated at a table inside the guild, with the warm hues of the sunset casting a tranquil glow through the window. Colt expressed that he was beginning to trust Dani and reached for his share of the reward to hand it over. However, Dani respectfully declined, asserting that earning Colt's trust was a reward in itself for their first quest together. Dani reassured Colt that in their future endeavors, he would graciously accept the rewards. With that, they parted ways for the day.