I Can Extract Game Items

August exchanged a few words with the chief, noting the new players around who were still struggling to leave the village. Most had not yet met the requirements to progress to higher-level zones, and a few looked visibly frustrated.

One particular player caught his eye—a short, slightly round man with a mop of curly brown hair and glasses that looked out of place in a fantasy setting.

He was pacing near the towering Tree of Life, muttering to himself. His avatar name read *GregoriusMaximus*, and his constant failed attempts to get near the tree had gathered a small crowd of amused villagers and players.

"Ugh! Why does this game hate me?" Gregorius exclaimed dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. He tried once more to approach the tree, only to be pushed back by its invisible forcefield. He landed flat on his back with a loud thud, groaning. "I'm starting to think this is personal."

August smirked, watching the spectacle. He recalled just how many times August himself failed to get past until he came along.

"I'll catch you later chief... That's why I'm here," August pointed at the tree before heading off.

The Tree of Life was as majestic as ever. Its glowing bark emanated a golden light, and its beautiful leaves rustled softly despite the lack of wind.

August took a step forward, unaffected by the forcefield that had repelled Gregorius. Each step closer felt like an acknowledgment of his progress in the game, as the tree's protective aura seemed to part for him.

Reaching its bark, he crouched slightly and jumped.

His body shot upward, soaring over twenty feet into the air until he grabbed onto one of the lower branches.

The Tree of Life didn't resist him. Its golden fruits hung like jewels, glowing faintly, pulsing with life. August plucked one, examining it.

[ System Notification:You have acquired a Fruit of Life. This item restores 100% HP and MP instantly and grants +10 to all stats permanently, boosts internal resistance, and unlocks player perception to other locations. ]

With a look of satisfaction, August pocketed the fruit into his inventory.

He was about to jump down when he suddenly glanced around and thought, 'Why stop at one?' With a smirk, he grabbed another and then another, until he had collected five in total.

As he leaped gracefully back to the ground, GregoriusMaximus was already at his feet, clinging to his boots like his life depended on it. His avatar's comical crying animation played on a loop, complete with exaggerated sniffles.

"Please! Great, noble hero Aleman! Spare a lowly peasant a single Fruit of Life! I'm begging you! I've been trying to get that stupid tree to let me near it for days! My mates are already in Tagharium, and I'm stuck here because I can't progress! Please, I'll do anything!"

August raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. "Anything, huh?"

"Yes, anything! I'll… I'll carry your bags! I'll clean your shoes! I'll call you King Aleman for the rest of my life!"

The surrounding villagers and a few players snickered at Gregorius' antics. August's expression softened as he crouched slightly. "Alright, alright. No need to humiliate yourself further. Here."

He opened his inventory and selected one of the Fruits of Life. A glow surrounded his hand before the fruit materialized in his grasp. He handed it to Gregorius.

[ System Notification: You have given GregoriusMaximus a Fruit of Life. ]

Gregorius's avatar froze for a moment before bursting into a series of dramatic bows. "Oh, thank you, King Aleman! You're a saint among men! A true paragon of virtue! I shall sing songs of your greatness for generations to come!"

"You don't have to really," August replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress his grin.

Gregorius immediately pointed at Tree of Life, yelling, "I'm finally leaving this cursed village!"

As the NPC children laughed and villagers cheered him on, August shook his head, amused. He turned back to the chief, who was also chuckling softly.

"You always have a way of bringing life to this place, Aleman. Thank you for that," the chief said warmly.

"Oh this it's not... *sigh* You're welcome I guess..." August nearly facepalmed.

Fortunately, he had gotten what he came here for so it was time to finally leave.

"Aleman, I have a favor to ask," the chief suddenly called out to him from behind causing him to pause in his tracks.

...

About a couple of minutes later, August was finally leaving.

He had received a sudden request from the chief of Unhidden Mist.
Stay connected via empire

A simple letter delivery to a local baron within the Tagharium—a straightforward E-ranked quest. Barely a challenge so August decided to accept it and get it done before logging out.

Before heading out, Gregorious, the man who August handed a fruit of life, caught wind of the quest and insisted on tagging along.

"Gregorious, you don't have to follow me everywhere," August voiced while adjusting his gear.

"I know, I know, but I feel like the gods sent you to guide me to greatness!" Gregorious replied, grinning ear to ear. "Besides, a little walk will do me good. My wife and kids need food, and I think I can better myself in Enders Light."

August raised a brow. "Wife and kids?"

"Yes, yes! Three little ones, and oh, the way they cling to their old man's legs—"

August decided to let Gregorious come with him but the player could not stop talking.

Not two seconds later, Gregorious changed his tune. "Ah, if only I had a wife and kids, life would be much more fulfilling."

August stopped mid-step. "Didn't you just say—"

"Never mind that!" Gregorious interrupted. "Have I ever told you about the time I tried fishing, and the fish slapped me straight across the face before jumping back into the water? Never trust a fish, I say!"

August sighed. This was going to be a long journey.

---

The duo had long arrived in Tagharium and now they were moving through the streets.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Tagharium, Gregorious filled the air with endless chatter.

"Did I mention I once tried my hand at tailoring? Disaster! The pants I made? They tore apart the moment someone sat down. Can you imagine the embarrassment?"

August tried to tune him out, focusing on the road ahead, but it was impossible. Gregorious had a gift for weaving humor into every sentence.

By the time they reached the baron's estate, August was ready to turn in the quest and leave Gregorious behind.

---

The baron's estate was a grand building adorned with pointy roofs and intricate carvings, radiating wealth and authority. The guards at the gate, clad in red armor, eyed them cautiously as they approached.

"I have a delivery for Baron Hilderan," August showed them a sealed letter from the chief.

The guards nodded and allowed them through.

Inside, the baron was seated at a large oak desk, surrounded by shelves filled with books and artifacts. His stern face softened slightly as he saw the seal on the letter.

"You come on behalf of the chief?" Baron Hilderan inquired.

"Yes," August replied before passing him the letter.

The baron broke the seal and read the contents. His eyes narrowed upon comprehending everything written within.

After a moment, he looked back at August. "Thank you for delivering this. You've done well."

[ System Notification: E-Ranked Quest Completed: Deliver the Chief's Letter ]

Rewards:

- Gold: 5

- EXP: 5,000

- Reputation in Tagharium +5

As the rewards displayed in his interface, August was about to turn and leave when the baron stopped him.

"I have another matter," the baron voiced while setting the letter down. "This concerns what was written in the chief's message."

His expression was one of both concern and frustration. He gazed at August, letting his piercing eyes size up the young adventurer before finally speaking.

"You're capable, aren't you?" the baron questioned while leaning forward. "Tagharium needs people like you—people who can solve problems others cannot. This… issue is beyond the ordinary."

"What kind of issue are we talking about?" August inquired with a calm but curious tone.

The baron waved his hand, summoning one of his advisors who promptly handed him a scroll. The baron unfurled it, revealing a map of Tagharium's outskirts. He pointed to a specific area, a dense forest marked with an ominous black X.

"Soldiers. Dozens of them," the baron began with a low tone. "Vanished without a trace. This region used to be a routine patrol route, but now… it's a no-go zone. Every contingent we've sent to investigate has disappeared. No remains, no signs of battle—just gone. The chief had just informed me that he saw an ominous vision and recommended to send a capable person to investigate..."

August frowned, leaning closer to study the map. "And you want me to figure out what's going on?"

"Precisely," the baron replied. "We need answers, Aleman. The people are starting to whisper. Some say it's a curse, others say something sinister lurks there. I'm giving you full permission to take any measures necessary, but I need you to return with information."

[ System Notification: New Quest Available ]