Chapter 14 : Small Victory


    As Noah held the Nectar Star Fruit in his hand, a wonder filled his thoughts. The relatively short progress of events that had led him to this moment was nothing short of extraordinary. Was it a mere chance? The answer remained elusive, yet he couldn''t help but consider the implications.


    The Ring of Wonder, a fragmented artifact with its simple looking effect, had indeed given upon him a huge sum of lucks that seemed almost too serendipitous to be coincidental.


    A whooping 70 lucks...


    As far as he knew, luck was important in having higher chances in terms of drop from treasure chests, killing monsters, finishing quests, and such. Luck would also make the player have a higher chance in achieving critical strikes, which meant more damage done to enemies. Not only that, luck would also make players have higher chances to miss damage received from enemies'' attacks, which really helped in terms of survivability.


    That was why luck was frightening and highly sought after.


    Even a top expert having a pitiful looking 5 lucks would get jealous eyes over him…


    Could this piece of equipment truly hold such power? Could its luck attributes have guided the sequence of events that had ultimately led him to possess this unique fruit? Or more like, the chance to get this fruit?


    …Isn''t this freaking OP then?


    He shuddered as his thought reached this point. He knew that this might not be the case, after all he didn''t have any proof. Even if that was the case, he thought that the chance of such things happening might be once in a while, occasionally giving him the opportunity of it. He really needed to check and see whether it was the case or not.


    After all, coincidence happens, but if it happens for thrice, one would normally think that there might be something about it.


    But he really couldn''t help but become excited. A grin appeared on his mouth as he kept walking toward his destination.


    Arriving at the town''s center, Noah''s eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of the old man named Aiden. It didn''t take long before he spotted the familiar figure, standing near a marketplace stall and conversing with another NPC. Noah''s demeanor appeared to be calm and composed as he stride toward the old man.


    As he neared Aiden, he cleared his throat to capture the old man''s attention.


    "Excuse me," Noah began, his voice respectful. "Are you Aiden? The one who was searching for his son in the Restless Forests?"


    Aiden turned his gaze toward Noah, his eyes widening slightly, "Yes, that''s me," he replied casually. "But who are you, if I may ask?"


    Noah''s attention was drawn to a figure resting beneath a tree a short distance away for a moment as he heard the question of the old man. The figure was young, and even from this distance, Noah could see the exhaustion etched into the lines of the person''s face. A small smile tugged at his lips as he recognized the worn-out person as none other than Arden, Aiden''s son.


    Yes, that was the name of Aiden’s son as its name appeared on its status.


    Noah cleared his throat gently, his desire to clarify the situation evident in his expression. "Actually, I encountered Arden in the forest when he was being chased by the 3 Horns Bear. I managed to divert the bear''s attention and ensure Arden''s safety."


    Aiden''s eyes widened in surprise, his gaze shifting between Noah and his son, who was still dozing. "You mean to say that you were the one who protected him from that beast?"


    Noah nodded, a modest smile gracing his lips. "Yes, that''s correct. I''m glad I could help him get away from danger."


    Aiden''s expression transformed from surprise to a mix of relief and gratitude. "My gratitude could finally be relayed, then," he said, his voice carrying sincere appreciation. "You''ve saved my son''s life, and I am indebted to you."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Noah''s smile widened, looking touched by Aiden''s heartfelt response. "I''m just glad I was able to assist when it mattered most. It was the least I could do."


    Aiden looked up from his son''s slumber and met Noah''s gaze, his eyes holding a mixture of gratitude and disappointment.


    "Thank you for your efforts," Aiden said, his voice carrying a heavy sigh. "But it seems my son has returned on his own. The quest has lost its purpose now."


    Noah''s brows furrowed slightly as he absorbed Aiden''s words. He honestly didn’t expect this turn of events.


    Aiden''s shoulders slumped as he nodded, his gaze shifting between Noah and his son. "Indeed, I was hoping that this journey would strengthen our bond once more. But it seems fate had other plans."


    Noah''s gaze slowed as he looked at Aiden''s expression.


    I mean to be honest, that lad ran away, leaving us behind and all, but that lad should’ve known that I brought him to safety first before, right?


    He should’ve told his old man too about this, right?


    If that’s the case, isn’t this old man too shameless…?


    Aiden''s gaze lifted, meeting Noah''s with a mixture of appreciation and resignation. "Indeed. Perhaps the purpose of this journey was different than I initially thought. Arden''s return is a small victory in its own way."


    “....”


    Small victory…


    Bruh, this guy must be trolling right now…


    Arden''s eyes suddenly fluttered open, and he looked at Noah with a bit of confusion. "Huh? Oh, right, Dad, well, you remember what I said right? There was this guy who came out of nowhere and distracted the bear. He fought it off and then told me to run away. He even helped me find a safe path back here."


    Aiden raised his eyebrows with a mix of curiosity and contemplation. He turned his gaze to his still dozing-looking son, Arden, and then back to Noah. "Arden, my boy, if you are sleeping then just sleep, why are you trying to even wake yourself up, you are tired right…" he called gently, his voice carrying a fatherly tone.


    Arden then turned toward Noah, "Well… I just woke up for some reason, but Dad, this man was the guy who kinda helped me..."


    Aiden''s brows raised, and he turned to Noah with a respectful looking expression. "So, it seems my son''s account matches your words, young man…"


    Noah nodded with a small smile. "Yes, sir. I''m just glad I could help Arden out of a dangerous situation."


    Aiden''s expression grew thoughtful before he spoke again, this time directing his words to his son. "Arden, it seems that this young man here played a crucial role in ensuring your safety, hmm?"


    Arden looked a bit embarrassed, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, Dad, he really did. If it weren''t for him, I might not have made it back here in one piece."


    With a nod of his head, Aiden turned back to Noah. "You have our gratitude, and I believe some form of recompense is in order."


    Noah''s eyes widened a bit in surprise. "I appreciate the sentiment, but please, it was my pleasure to help."


    Aiden chuckled softly. "Young man, it''s only fair. You saved my son from harm. Consider it a token of our gratitude."


    ...


    [Quest : Saving the Son of Aiden, changed to Helping the Son of Aiden]


    The old man Aiden urgently needs help to save his son from the danger. The quest has a duration of 1 day.


    Reward : 5 Gold and an equipment, changed to 5 Gold or an equipment.


    Quest is finished! Please choose the reward as you turn in the quest!


    Do you want to turn the quest in?


    ...


    Noah didn''t think much as he chose the equipment unhesitatingly. It was true that gold in this area was very rare, and it was a lot for people in his level. But he knew that he could get gold more later on, while this unknown equipment piqued his interest.


    Aiden looked at Noah with a smile, "Allow me a moment," he said, rummaging through his items.


    Finally, Aiden pulled out a wrapped package, carefully handing it to Noah. The package felt slightly heavy, indicating that the item within might have some substance to it. Noah''s curiosity piqued as he unwrapped the package, revealing a beautifully crafted staff.


    Noah looked in surprise at the sight of the staff. Its design was smooth, with some carvings running along its length. The gem at its tip sparkled with a faint glow. He held it in his hands, feeling the power resonate within the staff.


    Aiden''s eyes crinkled as he observed Noah''s reaction. "That, my young friend, is the promised equipment. A staff forged by a skilled artisan, meant to aid ones on their journeys."


    Noah''s gaze shifted from the staff to Aiden, "Thank you, Mr. Aiden. I appreciate this reward of yours..."


    Aiden extended a hand toward Noah, his weathered face looked softening, "Once again, thank you, young man. You may not have completed the quest as intended, but your actions have had a profound impact on my son''s well-being."


    Noah shook Aiden''s hand warmly, "It was an honor to help. If there''s ever anything else I can do, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    He did expect that the equipment that he would get would not be amazing or anything, but this staff that he received indeed surprised him...