“Haxks!” Brek called out, his voice firm—then, as if catching himself, he hesitated. His expression softened, and he averted his gaze. “…I mean, Leader,” he muttered sheepishly.
The Slum Sprites’ jaws dropped.
“Back in Dusthaven, you took us in when no one else would. You looked after us, taught us how to work together, how to survive. No matter how hopeless things seemed, you always found a way.” He bowed his head, his voice laced with raw sincerity. “Please… tell us what to do. Big Sis Tiphanna and Sister Aeliana have done so much for us. We want to repay them.”
Ribbit, Garrett, Casper, and the others scrambled forward, falling to their knees in unison.
“Big Brother Haxks!” they pleaded together. “Please help us!”
With the exception of the still slumbering elves, everyone in the room was flabbergasted. Sister Aeliana, Tiphanna, and Josephine were particularly taken aback by Brek’s uncharacteristic plea.
Haxks had only recently become acquainted with most of the people present, but it was becoming increasingly evident that his extraordinary nature had been shaping him long before his arrival in the Arcanium Kingdom.
Daisuke placed a hand on Brek’s shoulder, his smile warm and sincere. “Of course, I’ll help,” he said, then turned to the others still knelt before him. “You guys, get up. We’re friends, right? It’s only natural that friends help each other out when they’re in need.”
Brek lifted his head, a faint smile breaking through his usually tough demeanor.
“Sister Aeliana,” Daisuke began, walking towards the woman with a relaxed stride as he retrieved something from his inventory. “This is just a temporary solution, but for now—” he said, handing her several large slabs of monstron wrapped tightly in leaves. The weight of the bundles almost knocked her off balance. “I want you to use this to supplement the Horned Rabbit they caught.
Daisuke gestured to the Slum Sprites who stood frozen in shock. “In the meantime, I have a foolproof method for hunting Horned Rabbits that I’ll teach them. It’ll have them bringing in more game in no time.”
“…I can’t believe you had more of that rare Venomscale monstron,” Lyndoria remarked, raising an eyebrow. “You act like you have the entire creature hidden away in your possession.”
Daisuke started whistling nervously, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Tiphanna and the others. They smiled knowingly and shook their heads.
“I’ll come by every day to check if there’s enough food,” Daisuke said solemnly. “But, unfortunately, there’s not much more I can do for now. My priority lies with my obligations to the princess.”
“But I promise,” Lumielle vowed fiercely, her gaze unwavering, “once we’ve achieved these critical goals for the city, I will personally ensure the orphanage is well taken care of.”
“You can count on it,” Daisuke said with a wink.
“M-My goddess!” Sister Aeliana uttered, her eyes brimming with tears as she struggled to hold the heavy load. “You’re too kind. Thank you both so much! May Goddess Seraphina bless you.”
DING!
[Goddess Seraphina’s eyes narrow warmly, touched by your noble deed.]
Daisuke stilled for but a moment, keeping his expression cool and collected as he followed up with the exuberant nun.
This was the second time that Goddess Seraphina had interacted with him and he wasn’t any closer to figuring anything out. Was this divine connection something players also experienced? Or was it unique to NPCs? Perhaps it was only anomalies like him, those existing in the gray area—though he suspected he was the only one of his kind.
A sudden impulse to ask Sister Aeliana if she had ever felt the goddess’s presence crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Such a question would likely come off as disrespectful, and it could jeopardize any trust he had with her. For now, he decided to ignore the issue.
As Lyndoria helped Sister Aeliana into the kitchen with the monstron, Tiphanna approached Daisuke, her warm smile stretching into a wide grin. “You have my thanks,” she said, her expression softening with gratitude.
“For what?” Daisuke asked, glancing at Josephine who lowered her head in a sincere bow.
The elf playfully punched him in the arm, causing Lumielle to frown slightly. “For agreeing to help out with the orphanage and the children. To show my appreciation, I’m heading straight to the blacksmith to pour my heart and soul into crafting the perfect weapon for you.”
Daisuke’s face lit up, his butterscotch eyes gleaming with excitement. “Thanks! I can’t wait!”
Tiphanna and Josephine bowed gracefully, offering their goodbyes to Lumielle before turning to leave. After a brief glance at the elves, they quietly made their way out.
“As for you guys,” Daisuke said, shifting his focus back to the children. “Let’s head out back, shall we?”
***
In the backyard of the orphanage, the air buzzed with excitement as Daisuke stood with his arms crossed, observing the training session. Before him, Brek, Garrett, and Ribbit took turns attacking a well-worn straw dummy, eager to demonstrate their growth with the weapons he had gifted them over a month ago.
Brek was up first. With a confident smirk, the Wolfkin rolled his shoulders, adjusted his grip on his glaive, and charged.
[Stormcleaver Glaive +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Polearm
Melee Attack Power: 228~255 | Durability: 83/89 | Attack Speed: -2%
With its imposing design and elemental prowess, the Stormcleaver Glaive is favored by warriors who seek to dominate their enemies from both near and far.
Its broad, curved blade is etched with lightning motifs, symbolizing its capacity to harness wind and lightning magic. When swung with enough force, the glaive unleashes razor-sharp blades of wind that shreds through distant foes.
▪︎ Critical Hit Chance +10%
▪︎ Knockback Chance +20%
▪︎ Unlocks the «Wind Blade» skill
Conditions of Use: Lvl 45+ | Strength 39+ | Stamina 24+]
[Wind Blade]
[With every ninth strike, the motifs on the glaive glow a brilliant blue, releasing blades of wind that grate through nearby or distant enemies. The attack deals 45% of the wielder’s maximum mana as damage.]
His strikes had decent flow and precision, each one slicing cleanly through the dummy’s stuffing. The children who had abandoned their play and were watching from the sidelines clapped and whooped with each hit.
Then came the ninth strike.
The symbols on the glaive shimmered and with a sharp whoosh, blades of wind erupted from the weapon. The razor-sharp gusts cut the dummy into ribbons, sending tufts of straw flying everywhere.
A brief silence followed. Then—
“WHOOAAA!!” The children erupted into cheers, jumping up and down.
“Hmph,” Brek scoffed, turning toward them confidently, his chest puffed out. He flicked his nose and grinned, basking in the admiration. “That’s what you call real skill.”
Daisuke raised an eyebrow, nodding slightly. “Good work,” he said, though in his mind, he was already picking apart Brek’s form. Too much flare, not enough efficiency. The power’s there, but he’s still wasting movement…
Garrett stepped up next, gripping his short sword tightly. “Alright, my turn!” he declared, raising the crimson-red blade.
[Bloodstained Short Sword +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Sword
Melee Attack Power: 204~228 | Durability: 91/91 | Attack Speed: +11%
Forged in the fires of battle and tempered with the blood of its foes, the Bloodstained Short Sword is a formidable weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of adversaries. Its blade, stained with the crimson hue of countless battles, exudes an aura of relentless ferocity.
▪︎ Agility +4
▪︎ Attack Damage +5
Conditions of Use: Lvl 40+ | Strength 35+ | Stamina 20+]
He took a deep breath and began his assault, slashing and thrusting at the dummy with sharp, controlled movements. The children cheered him on, their energy fueling his momentum. He finished with a spinning slash, exhaling as he stepped back.
Daisuke remained silent, eyes sharp. Decent footwork. Good follow-through. Still too hesitant between attacks, though.
Then came Ribbit.
“Okay, Ribbit, show us what you got!” Garrett called, stepping back. “And absolutely no farting.”
[Mighty Axe +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Axe
Melee Attack Power: 310~340 | Durability: 87/102 | Attack Speed: -5%
The Mighty Axe is a brutal weapon designed for devastating blows and overwhelming strength. With its massive, double-sided blade and reinforced handle, this axe cleaves through armor and bone alike, leaving destruction in its wake.
▪︎ Strength +6
▪︎ Knockback Chance +25%
▪︎ Armor Penetration +15%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 42+ | Strength 38+ | Stamina 22+]
Ribbit waddled forward like Cockatoopenguin, dragging the large axe behind him. He huffed as he lifted it over his shoulder, adjusting his stance. “Alright, dummy,” he muttered. “Time to—whoa!”
The weight of the axe pulled him off balance, nearly sending him tumbling flat on his face. The kids burst into laughter at what seemed more like a comedy skit than training exercise.
“Hey, Ribbit! The dummy’s over there, not under your feet!” Brek howled with a patronizing grin.
Ribbit scowled and tried again, this time lifting the axe with both hands. He swung with all his might—
And missed.
The axe’s momentum spun him around like a top before he crashed into the dirt with a thud.
“Pffft—HAHAHAHAHA!!” The children howled with laughter, some clutching their sides.
Daisuke pinched the bridge of his nose. This guy…
Ribbit sat up, rubbing his head. “Ugh… I meant to do that…”
Daisuke sighed and stepped forward. “Alright, listen up.”
The trio straightened, looking at him expectantly.
“You’ve all made progress,” he said, his voice even. “Brek, your movements are strong, but you’re wasting too much energy on unnecessary flair. Garrett, your technique’s solid, but you need to commit to your attacks. Ribbit…” he paused, glancing at the chubby boy still brushing dirt off himself. “You can lift the axe now. That’s… something.”
Ribbit beamed. “Yeah! See? Improvement!”
Brek and Garrett shook their heads.
Daisuke exhaled. “Sure, but you three still have a long way to go.”
They nodded in understanding, their determination unwavering. The children clapped and cheered, excited by their Big Bothers’ progress. But off to the side, Casper, LR, Poppy, and Corey sat glumly, watching in silence.
Daisuke’s gaze flicked to them. “Hey, you four. Get over here.”
They perked up in surprise before scrambling forward.
Without a word, Daisuke reached into his inventory and pulled out a bow, a crossbow, a spear, and a dagger. He handed each weapon to its respective new owner.
[Battle Bow +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Bow
Melee Attack Power: 24~27 | Durability: 61/65 | Accuracy: 32 | Attack Distance: 18
The Battle Bow, crafted from oakwood, is imbued with subtle enchantments that enhance the wielder’s precision and agility. Its taut string and lightweight design make it a favorite among skilled archers, allowing for swift, deadly strikes. Though unassuming in appearance, the Battle Bow holds the potential to turn the tide of battle in capable hands.
▪︎ Agility +2
▪︎ Critical Hit Chance +3%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Strength 8+ | Stamina 3+]
[Ravenbolt Crossbow +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Crossbow
Melee Attack Power: 680~765 | Durability: 108/109 | Accuracy: 130 | Attack Distance: 25
A sleek, black crossbow crafted for speed and precision. Its reinforced limbs and finely tuned mechanism allow for rapid, deadly volleys. Each bolt fired carries the force of a predator striking its prey.
▪︎ Critical Hit Rate +18%
▪︎ HP +50
▪︎ Increases Attack Power based on 3.5% of the wielder’s Dexterity
Conditions of Use: Lvl 76+ | Strength 228+ | Stamina 152+]
[Ironfang Spear +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Spear
Melee Attack Power: 780~872 | Durability: 104/112 | Attack Speed: -4%
A sturdy spear crafted from reinforced iron and designed for precision thrusts. Its sharp, well-balanced tip ensures deep penetration, making it a reliable weapon against armored foes.
▪︎ Strength +3
▪︎ Critical Hit Damage +10%
▪︎ 15% Chance of bypassing the target’s Physical Defense
Conditions of Use: Lvl 80+ | Strength 240+ | Stamina 160+]
[Salamander’s Claw +2]
[Rank: Normal
Type: Dagger
Melee Attack Power: 59~68 | Durability: 55/62 | Attack Speed: +4%
Forged from the molten claws of a ferocious salamander, this weapon radiates intense heat. Each slash leaves a trail of fire, scorching enemies with its burning touch. The Salamander’s Claw has the unique ability to set foes ablaze, inflicting damage over time and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
▪︎ Agility +3
▪︎ Chance of triggering «Burn» Status +30%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 30+]
Casper cradled the bow in his hands, his eyes wide with awe as if it was something sacred. LR ran his fingers over the crossbow’s mechanism and its intricate carvings, while Poppy balanced the spear’s weight with growing excitement. Corey, gripping the Salamander’s Claw, flexed his fingers, feeling the sharpness of the metal.
Daisuke leaned in. “I was just using that dagger up until a few hours ago,” he whispered. “Take good care of it, alright.”
Corey’s eyes widened in surprise.
Daisuke smiled, his expression hardening as he pulled back and crossed his arms. “In Dusthaven, surviving was enough,” he said. “That’s not the case anymore.”
The four looked up at him, hanging onto his words.
“We need more than just the ability to get by,” he continued. “More than the ability to run, hide, and feed like animals. Now we need power—the power to protect ourselves and the people we deeply care about.”
The children remained silent, absorbing his words. Brek in particular tightened his fingers around the shaft of the glaive until his knuckles turned white, his thoughts lingering on April and his baby sister.
Daisuke frowned, butterscotch eyes smoldering. “I’m giving you the tools to make that happen.” He nodded at their weapons. “But weapons alone won’t make you stronger. That’s on you. You’ll need to train by strengthening both your body and mind.”
A heavy silence hung in the air. Then—
“WE’LL DO IT!” the seven boys shouted in unison, their voices filled with conviction.
The watching children cheered as they saw their other brothers receive weapons of their own. Not wanting to be outshined, Brek twirled his glaive in a flashy maneuver.
“You better all train hard if you want to keep up with me!”
The crowd gasped and clapped in amazement.
Daisuke watched wearily as the Wolfkin’s nose practically pointed at the sky. This damn attention freak, he thought playfully while comparing the Wolfin to Rexar. It’d be interesting to see both those narcissists together in one place.
His eyes narrowed.
The weapons he had given them were far higher in level than the kids themselves, particularly the crossbow and the spear. He was optimistic that the strain of wielding them would push their limits and force them to grow faster. But only time would tell.
His expression darkened as his gaze swept over the eager young warriors. “It’s imperative that you guys get stronger,” he said, his voice lowering. “Because your new elven sisters are all the way up there on the menu when it comes to the risk of being captured and enslaved. If you’re not strong enough to protect them… I’m pretty sure I don’t need to spell out what could happen.”
The excitement dulled into grim understanding.
Brek gripped his glaive tighter. Garrett’s jaw clenched. Ribbit, for once, didn’t fart or make a joke. Casper, LR, Poppy, and Corey held their weapons with more resolve.
Daisuke nodded. Good.
“By the way, Haxks,” Casper said, slinging his quiver of arrows over his shoulder. “When will we be able to see April and Mia again?”
Brek nodded, his tone serious. “Yeah, and where exactly are they? You never did mention that before.”
“They’re in a hidden village neighboring Wonderelle,” Daisuke replied, his focus momentarily shifting as he rummaged through his inventory. “They’re safe for now. As for when you’ll be able to see them again, I’m working on a way for all of us to live together, but I can’t give you an exact timeline. You’ll just have to trust me on that.”
“We do trust you,” Garrett clarified, his voice earnest. “We just wanna help, that’s all.”
Ribbit and the others nodded, sharing his sentiments.
“Then become stronger,” Daisuke simply said, pointing his nose in gesture at the weapons they now possessed. “Brek. The last time we met, you told me I won’t always be able to protect everyone. You’re absolutely right. That’s exactly why I gave you the tools to become stronger on your own.”
He paused, his gaze locking with each of them. “I’m only one guy, and I have a long way to go myself. If you want to help, then become strong enough to watch my back and fight alongside me.”
“I’ll surpass you in no time flat,” Brek promised with a confident grin, causing the others to smile sheepishly in response.
Daisuke returned the smile. “I’m looking forward to it. But in order to build muscle and have enough energy for training, you’ll need to eat plenty of protein-rich foods.”
The Slum Sprites huddled closer, their curious eyes fixed on the delicate white flowers Daisuke pulled from his seemingly endless pocket of tricks. Their leader held the blossoms gently between his fingers, their petals almost luminous in the daylight.
“These are Celestia Flowers,” he informed. “They’re pretty much the all-time favorite food of the Horned Rabbit.”
A ripple of excitement and intrigue passed through the group.
Daisuke wasted no time diving into the details, explaining the most efficient methods of capturing the swift and elusive creatures by referencing strategies outlined in the Monster Guide Handbook. He broke down each step, ensuring they understood not just how to catch them but why each method worked.
But Horned Rabbits weren’t the only creatures lurking in the wild.
Daisuke’s tone shifted as he described the other monsters they might encounter in the same habitat—their strengths, weaknesses, and habits. He painted a vivid picture of each one—particularly the dangerous Bullet Hare—ensuring the budding hunters knew what to expect and how to react.
From skittish prey to dangerous predators, he armed them with knowledge that could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a costly mistake. By the time he finished, the Slum Sprites stood a little taller, their confidence bolstered by everything they had learned.
“Well,” Daisuke said, handing the flowers to Ribbit who eyed them with a suspicious glint in his eyes, “that should cover it.”
The younger children crowded around, their faces filled with admiration. At the same time, Sister Aeliana came to a stop nearby, hands clasped, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
“Truly, Haxks, I don’t know how to thank you,” she said, her voice warm with appreciation. “You’ve done so much for them—for all of us.”
Daisuke merely nodded. Words weren’t necessary.
With that, he bid them farewell, turning away from the orphanage as the children waved enthusiastically behind him. Lumielle and Lyndoria flanked him as they set off toward Crownspire Tower, the weight of unfinished business pulling him forward.