The Search For A Quest

Shu, Tobi, and Hannah had a rough start to their journey. It began abruptly, and they didn’t have the supplies needed to survive more than a few days.

"What's the plan? We have no supplies or equipment. Going back to the orphanage is not an option, and reaching the next village will take weeks," Tobi said, his face full of visible worry.

"No worries," Shu replied with a smirk. "I've been wanting to test this out."

Hannah and Tobi looked at him in confusion and asked simultaneously, "Test what out?"

Still grinning, Shu took in a deep breath and began to blow a red mist. The mist covered the entire area before suddenly compressing into the shape of a cloud. Shu stepped onto the cloud, which floated beneath him, and called out, "I'll be back very soon!" With a flash, he zoomed off, the speed of the red cloud breaking the sound barrier.

Though the trip on foot would have taken two weeks, Shu reached the village of Pata in just minutes. Upon arrival, he leapt down from the cloud and entered through the open gates, which welcomed traders and merchants in the afternoon.

Shu stood in awe. Pata was grand—filled with tall, majestic buildings, clean roads, and streets bustling with important-looking people. "One look around and you can tell this is a city made for rich people," Shu muttered.

Remembering his mission, Shu searched for supplies. He approached stall after stall with a polite tone: "Good afternoon, gentlemen and ladies. Do any of you have food, water, or clothing you can spare?"

Each time, he was turned away—some kicking him out and yelling not to return without payment.

Not giving up, Shu remembered a detail from his history books: Pata often offered quests in exchange for rewards. The difficulty ranged from dealing with bandits to fighting powerful demons.

He made his way to the king’s castle. Two guards in shining silver armor blocked his path.

"What is your business here?" one asked.

"I'm here to see the king. I'm a traveler in need of food, water, and clothing. I want to know if his majesty has any task I can fulfill."

The guards exchanged glances and said, "If that’s the case, you may pass." They led Shu to the throne room.

The king of Pata sat on a throne made of rubies and gold, adorned in rare linens and heavy jewelry. A full-grown lion rested beneath his feet. His warrior’s physique and piercing gaze gave him an aura of dominance.

Shu bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am a humble traveler willing to complete any quest you have in exchange for only food, water, and clothing."

The king’s voice boomed, "You shall rise."

After examining Shu, the king scoffed, "You’re nothing but a boy. You’re unfit for the task I have in mind."

Grinning, Shu replied, "Then test me. Bring forth your strongest soldiers. I shall defeat them all."

Furious, the king growled, "Your arrogance will lead to your demise. Very well, I accept your offer." He ordered the guards to summon the twelve strongest warriors in Pata and told Shu to wait in the courtyard.

A few hours later, the courtyard was filled with warriors. Of the twelve, three stood out:

Rabi—a massive man of muscle, wielding a sapphire spear. He had once slain a dragon barehanded.

Ruldoph—a towering warrior with no weapon. He had annihilated the army of the fallen kingdom of Mira and killed all the dragon sages.

Andromeda—a young woman wielding dual black katanas. She had stood alone against the Dragon Lord and an army of third-class demons during the great demon war.

Shu looked at the three and said to himself, "I actually have a fair chance of losing. This is going to be fun."

Facing the king, Shu called out, "Shall we begin, Your Highness?"

With a wave of the king’s hand, the match commenced.

Nine of the warriors charged at Shu. With superhuman speed, he dodged every strike, then countered with precise blows to their vital points. In minutes, all nine were on the ground, unconscious or groaning in pain.

The king, once furious, now watched in awe. "So the boy can utilize celestial energy. But so can my top three... this will be intriguing."

Ruldoph cracked his knuckles. "I won’t hold back," he said, rushing Shu. Their fists collided with a shockwave that shook the entire courtyard.

They traded blows—punches and kicks capable of leveling buildings. After an hour of brutal combat, they leapt apart, both panting and grinning.

Shu spoke first. "It's been fun, but it’s time to end this."

An enormous red aura engulfed him. Its intensity was suffocating—even the king and the remaining warriors struggled to breathe.

Just as Shu prepared his final move, Ruldoph raised his hand. "I give up."

Andromeda and Rabi quickly followed suit. "We don’t need to fight you to know we’re outclassed."

Shu sighed, disappointed. "I was hoping for more of a challenge."

Looking up at the king, he said, "I’ve completed my part. Now, I believe it’s time for you to uphold yours."

The king nodded. "Now that I’ve seen your strength, I trust you. I want you to head to the southern side of the village and defeat the first-class demon terrorizing us every month. He resembles a giant ox in humanoid form, with massive bull horns. His name is the Ox King."