[Unique Skill: Nature's Embrace Learned…]

I got the skill, but I guess the quest will not finish until after I return to Noel. Which means I need to grab the pendant and head out. But first. “Thank you. I will use this wisely.”

“No, thank you for helping me live, even if it is only for a while longer.” The dryad smiled at me before turning and walking into the tree. It was as if she was walking into a pool of water. A green ripple appeared as she and the tree became one, and only I was left standing there. 

I walked around the big tree to the roots that were slightly standing above ground and looked around to see a small hiding spot. It was quite hard to spot if you were not looking so I can guess why the soldiers had missed it. I bent down and looked inside but did not see anything, such as a pendant. There was grass and moss under the roots, so it was hard to see much of anything, really. I could only lie on my stomach and feel around with my hand. Luckily, the spot was not very deep, so I could reach the opposite side. After feeling around a bit, I did finally find what I was looking for. A small wooden locket with a vine for a chain.

It seemed to be something hand-carved and probably had a lot of sentimental value for Noel. I put it into my inventory and quickly made my way out of the forest and headed back to Noel’s house. 

When I returned to the town, besides the stares I was getting, which I ignored, I could see many players now running around. Everyone seemed to be at a loss as to what to do. There were no markers above an NPC’s head, so you had to go up and talk to everyone you saw in order to hopefully find a quest. 

This was why the forums were always so active. You could access them in game and could even start new threads. These forums were linked to the real world as well. It would eventually turn into a huge hub for not only just forum posts but also for buying and selling goods. But it was here that people would begin sharing information about quests. I, of course, have already read through many of these forums and know which ones give the most experience and high-quality items. That as long as everything continues as my dream did. Which, as of now, I am sure it will.

I once more stood in front of a locked gate and stared at the house in front of me. “Noel! I am back!” I yelled out, but still no answer. I sighed and took a deep breath as I once again used my trump card: “Noel doesn’t wear any….”

“I get it already! Just shut up!” Noel yelled out as the door to her house swung open. I smiled and waited for her to unlock the gate, which she did with a wave of her hand. “Get in here. Do not say anything more!”

I pursed my lips, trying to hide my smile, as I walked into the yard with my hands behind my back. The gate shut behind me without me needing to do anything, and I walked right into the house. But of course, I only got a few steps in when Noel turned to me and held out her hand. “Give it.”

“Here you go,” I said, handing the locket over.
 
[Hidden Quest: ‘Nature's Embrace’ Completed!]
[Completion Rate 200%]
[Main quest: 100%]
[Rewards]
[Experience Points Gained!]

[Level up!]
[Level up!]

[Hidden Optional Quest: 100%]
[Hidden Optional Quest: The Elf’s Request]
[Rewards]
[Experience Points Gained!]

[Level up!]

I did not expect that the locket was a hidden quest. This was actually a huge extra for me. Having three extra levels was very rewarding!  Currently, my stats are looking quite good at the moment.

[Name]: Zoe  
[Race]: Demon
[Level]: 11
                              
[Health]: 180/180
[Mana]:     170/170 

[Stats] 
[Strength]:     17
[Dexterity]: 17
[Intelligence]: 17
[Vitality]: 18
[Mind]: 17
[Charisma]: 16

[Skills] 
[Sword Mastery]: 3/99  
[Magic]: 1/99
[Shadow Step]: 1/99 

[Unique Skills]
[Shadow Mimic]: 1/99
[Natures Embrace]: 1/99

It’s been about three hours, and I was already level 11. This was not possible unless you got all the unique quests. “Since you did me a favor, I will do you one. I am sure the ancient gave you a skill called Nature’s Embrace. If you wish to understand how to truly use it, go to the village near the river and help remove the infestation that is going on there. Now get out!” 

[Hidden Quest: ‘Floral Allies’ Started]
[Conditions Updated…]
[Noel told you about a village that needs help with an infestation. Use your newfound skill to summon Floral Allies to help you combat the infestation.]

As I was pushed out the door and out of the yard. Even as I listened to the sound of the gate being slammed behind me, I couldn’t help but think that Noel was actually quite nice in her own way. Of course, I did know the next part of the question line, but it seemed the locket part had been left out. It makes me wonder if they had just missed the point in the conversation about the hidden quest or if I was just getting lucky. Either way, as of right now, I still had one final quest to finish before I could go and get my mask and hopefully keep people from staring at me.