Chapter 299: Getting another quest

She had thought he was just blinding asking questions. Even after he explained what had caused him to be unconscious for so long she hadn't fully believed him. However, now, looking at the spell module, she had to admit that it must all be true. 

She had to change her mindset. To no longer see him as Plan F, a last-ditched effort to send back information. Rather she needed to look at him as an equal, and the others too. 

"Right, you probably want compensation," Katania said, recalling how eager Eldrian had been to gather money. "We aren't paying right away, it would be crazy to come into the forest with so much money."

"Then how does it work?" Eldrian asked, indeed wanting some compensation. He didn't mind helping just to help, however he needed to help Erik make money. He also wanted to start and try to actually get himself properly equipped. 

"For each confirmed discovery you received this," She said, handing Eldrian a small piece of metal. "The type of metal determines the importance of your discovery."

"Isn't this also quite expensive?" Eldrian asked as he took the metal and used Inspection to see what it was. It looked like a small shield with two swords drawn on it, its size about that of Eldrian's thumbnail.

[Iron Emblem(Adventurer's Guild)]

[A specific emblem created from iron, used by organizations to indicated work done. Used to trade for compensation when things settle down and transferring money is safe and feasible.]

[Special trait: Emblem has been activated, indicating that it was given, not stolen.]

What's that mean? Eldrian wondered, not able to really stay on this topic as Katania continued to speak. 

"Not nearly as much as you would think. For normal discoveries, the ones worth 50 silver, we give you a piece of copper."

"Can't people just imitate this?" 

"It has a special rune engraved to indicate its authenticity, which is nearly impossible to copy. While the copper ones are worth around ten silver due to this, it is still better than needing fifty silver on hand."

"What is this one worth then?" Eldrian asked.

"It is worth five gold, though I am going to discuss with Pelaros about the worth of your spell. I feel I should give you something more, but I can't do that without asking him."

"W-w-wait! Five gold?" Eldrian was totally thunderstruck by this. 

"Yes, and if your report is true then it will be only for the report on the protected area." Katania replied, "If you are curious, the mission statement is here. With the listed possible rewards."

Naturally, Eldrian took the page she offered and looked through it. Suddenly getting a quest popup asking if he wanted to accept. 

Isn't it a bit late to ask me that now?  Eldrian grumbled, feeling that the system was quite asleep. It should have asked him this when he first set out. 

[Player has been offered a unique quest, Accept or Decline?]

[Quest Name: Cleanse the forest]

[Quest Giver: Pelaros, (Backed by the Adventurers Guild)]

[Quest Rank: A]

[Quest Description: Help Pelaros to clear out the forest, up to where the corruption has spread.]

[Quest Goal: Find the hiding spots of the undead, sharing this information with the army, and helping to cleans them if needed. The more important the discovery, the better the payment.]

[Quest Reward: 2 Levels (After completion of the entire quest, not goals)]

[Quest Payment 1: A Copper Emblem, worth 50 Silver. Rewarded for a basic discovery.]

[Quest Payment 2: A Bronze Emblem, worth 1 Gold. Rewarded for a discovery with an Unwilling Undead present.]

[Quest Payment 3: A Iron Emblem, worth 5 Gold. Rewarded for the discovery of an unknown protected area.]

[Quest Payment 4: A Steel Emblem, worth 10 Gold. Rewarded for the discovery of a higher undead.]

[Quest Payment 5: A Silver Emblem, worth 20 Gold.]

[Quest Payment 6: A Gold Emblem, worth 50 Gold.]

[Emblems can be taken to any Adventurers Guild in Taurus to be redeemed.]

Reading through the list, Eldrian couldn't help but be left a little speechless. The latter rewards were simply insanely generous. However, the way to earn them was also not mentioned. Hence it must be something that could lead to a massive shift. 

Naturally, Eldrian wondered if Mana Examination would get him a silver or gold emblem. He was also curious how many people had discovered/created the spell too.

Recalling that the system had said it wasn't unique. He was curious why, if that was the case, the spell wasn't also well known like Magic Inspection. 

With the possibility of more rewards coming, Eldrian felt much less motivated to go out again. His first venture had certainly been rewarding, but it had also been a close call. Eldrian would rather not lose three levels in another attempt. 

Maybe I should just stay in the more known area?  He wondered, contemplating this against practicing. 

It went without saying that Eldrian accepted the quest. He did not need to actively do anything, as long as they didn't need to retreat he would accomplish it. Hence it was just 2 free levels. 

Realizing this caused Eldrian to be even less inclined to go out and risk his life. While he could technically die, the cost of it wasn't worth it. 

As such Eldrian instead waited in the area. Continuing to practice his spells, specifically Mana Examination and Vrachos. He still had a long way to go for the former. The latter he felt he was really close to fully controlling. 

Sitting on the chair which he had used to gain access to the table, Eldrian placed the pile of stones he had gathered at his feet. Casting Vrachos until the entire pile was formed into little spikes. Now struck into the ground like the needles of a porcupine. 

I think I need to practice shooting them a bit. Eldrian thought as he realized he hadn't gained much insight after casting the spell 20 times. 

Standing up he was about to head out to practice, but stopped when he saw Pelaros and Katania heading over. 

"Haru, it seems I didn't give you enough credit," Pelaros said with a wide smile on his face. He quickly turned into his human form to be at a similar height to Eldrian. Not wishing to look down at the person he was speaking with.

"I had realized you were capable, but this is a bit more than I suspected," Pelaros said, indicating to the page Katania had given him. 

"This spell is actually not unique, I believe you can understand the modification you did isn't all that complicated. The reason why people generally ignore it is that the vision it gives you does little for you."

"In fact, in a fight it is more of a hindrance than anything. It just clouds your sight. However, I understand why you made this. Like before I would suggest you do not experiment too much."

"You knew of this spell?" Katania asked in uncontained surprise. 

"Yes, it is called Colorful Sights. You can find it in any city's library." Pelaros replied, "However like I said, its use is generally not all that great. Like Magic Inspection it needs constant concentration, however, what it delivers isn't anywhere nearly as useful."

"I disagree," Eldrian said, "It can allow you to actually see the footprints of the undead. I am still unsure how the footprints are created, but it is still something. It can also show you where they are grouped, as their mana would overtake the surrounding."

"Right, that is why I am here. This is a new discovery. Generally, we use divine magic to find the traces of the undead, through a spell called Detect Evil. It basically just informs us of the presence of mana which classes with normal elemental mana."

"The range of this spell however is quite limited, and while Colorful Sights clouds your vision; if you can see past, you can see far."

"I have a unique item which allows me a similar ability to your spell. It is more refined, allowing me to pick what I want to see. However, this spell; be it called Mana Examination or Colorful Sights, is much more accessible."

"Katania, please make as many copies as you can. I want everyone to learn it tonight. Also recalled those who are still out searching, I fear our tracks have already been discovered."

"What!?"

"You both wondered why Haru was chased but not caught. The most likely reason is they are aware of our group, or at least the increase in people. They had most likely hoped to follow him to our camp."

"That... That's actually quite likely. Luckily I could disappear for some time," Eldrian mumbled, explaining a little to Pelaros how he could literally disappear.

Naturally, he didn't mention that he logged out, but rather made something up along the lines he returned to his world. Katania left after listening to this, Pelaros having needed to give her a stare for a few seconds. 

"That's good, they must have certainly given up in that case. Now, would you mind telling me why you altered Magic Inspection?" Pelaros sighed with relief.

After hearing Katania's report he had been worried that a horde of undead would come charging at them soon. Eldrian's explanation had eased his worry. 

"Well... I wanted a way to see how mana acts when I cast a spell. Specifically, with regard to wind magic, I am sure you know of Dynamic Magic."

"Of course, it is also why I told you to stop trying to teach Myropsis. Dynamic Magic, while strong, is quite hard to learn. Much more so when you are already past Tier 5."