The thing about history...

My hands... They are shaking...

My heart beats so fast, I can't think. I can't think!

My legs won't move. I'm collapsed to my knees and as I look at my shaking hands, the dread, oh... that familier dread is filling me inside.

I realize that this "secret world quest" has opened a "secret build" in my skills-tree-menu. That build locks out everything else. My only options are to use my skill points in this specific skill tree, but even those seem to be only unlocked by some sort of requirement, or an action I commit first.

"It can't be... What do I do Luna?"

I run outside of the forest, fully returned to civilization. I'm located relatively close to the academy's gate. I decide to run to the city center.

A "Quadmountia City Center" sign approaches my view. I run towards the map on the wall. "Where is the library?! Where is it??"

Seems to be a little closer to Archery school. I run there.

I reach the library. "Excuse me? Do you have any books about world quests?" I ask the lady at the desk.

-"World quests? What is that?" she replies.

"Do you have any books about the forest of this city?" I try to pry for info, fish for anything I can.

-"Treeza Forest? It's in the aisle over there, 3 books if I remember correctly".

"Thank you", I reply and run to the aisle. "NO RUNNING IN THE LIBRARY!" the librarian suddenly yells. I do run.

'History of Quadmountia and Neighbors', 'Treeza Forest - A Bio/environmental Guide', 'Leaves and Herbs - Potions for beginners'.

This is troubling, it is only remotely connected to my case. Maybe the environment book will have info about the boss monster that I slayed.

"Slime - Although varied by color, the slime is the only monster that isn't in fact elemental. They tend to be agressive to adventurers if approached, but are generally harmless.

Crystal Butterfly - The treasures of the Treeza Forest. The weakest known Butterfly monster. Not poisonous. They might drop their crystal wings on very rare occasions, since those tend to be destroyed rather easily. Can be used, however, for crafting tough tools if imbued with the right items. Element: Earth"...

I read for a while... It seems there aren't too many kinds of monsters in this forest despite its' size. Most of the book consists of the vegetation, which seems to be this forest's strong suit. Nothing about the boss monster.

"Let's try the potions' book, maybe something about the items?" I wonder, as I flip the first page, and then read for a while. I finish the book with no luck.

The dread fills me more and more as I'm becoming aware I'm running out of options. I open the history book, not expecting to find much.

I start reading and discovering a lot of irrelevant information about this city. I grew up next to a village I barely knew. I honsetly couldn't care less about this place. My loyalty lies with the people in my life, not the places I've been to.

It tells about conflicts of the past, lands switching owners and countries switching names. Some nearby areas that belong to nature have also changed names. 'Treeza', for example, wasn't the original name of the forest. This forest received its' name after an adventurer got mysteriously lost in it.

"Lost?" I wonder. Where is there to get lost in exactly? That forest is big, but it doesn't seem like there's any precedent to more dangerous monsters in it, than there are now. It seems there are some secrets to this forest nonetheless. Did he really get lost? Or did something else happened?

I get back to the librarian. "Are those the only books about the forest?" I ask.

-"Well, if you want to check, there is a small library in the village to the east of the city, 'Learslake', it is a very small village of alchemists. There is no regular transportation to that village, so you might want to check with the guild as to when will there be an exploration mission to that area. Usually adventurers get a chance to explore various places while on a quest", she explains, "Is it so important?" she adds, somewhat surprised by my radical interest.

"Will there be anything there about the history of the forest as well?" I ask, hoping that tip will lead to the whole thread.

-"I don't know. The history of this place is well known so few books were written about it, much less about specific sites in the nearby area".

"If it is so well known, then maybe you could tell me. Do you know anything about the guy who disappeared in Treeza Forest about 30 years ago? This book says the forest was renamed after him".

-"It is just a myth. How can someone disappear in such a beginner friendly forest? That name became common after the legend became well known, but there are no actual evidence to this story".

I purchase a copy of the history book and return to my dorms. I'm not sure how to show up to class. The others would want to see my damage to monsters. "What will I do about class from now on??" Suddenly, I can't focus on anything but that. I then remember that tomorrow everybody's parents are supposed to visit. "What will I do?! I can't let them know. I have to survive through tomorrow somehow. Then, I need to go to the guild and get myself on some mission to gain excess to the industrial alchemy village. There, I could ask about the forest, about the world quest, and look for more books, and hopefully find some answers".

"But first, I must survive through tomorrow" I declare.

I go to sleep, filled with regret and fears. I fall asleep fast and sleep soundly.

The next day

I wake up. Suddenly, a knock on my door. I say nothing and open the door.

-"HEY!" my parents shout together, my mother a little louder.

"We couldn't wait to visit you so we asked the school for the location of your room! Let's walk together to your class!" my mother decided for us.

We started walking to the academy as they ask me questions about my progress and my livelihood. I didn't reveal a thing. "Great as usual".

They seemed glad.

We got to class and everyone's parents were there despite there being some time left before class starts. I bet the parents are afraid of disappointing their children as well.

-"Rune! What is this book you carry in your bag? we weren't supposed to bring anything today. Didn't take you for a book worm, but I guess you might fit the persona...Oh? A history nerd?" he nitpicks as he grabs the book.

"IT'S ABOUT TREEZA!!" I accidently yell. 

"Hmm?" my father noticed my reaction.

"Treeza Forest..." I add quietly. I got too self defensive. Tai, that bastard got my instincts from my old life as a nerd - kick in.

"I just started reading about the city, I plan on going to many different places in the future! can't be too prepared".

My father joins on the conversation with my mother and the other parents. I take my book back and make sure Tai notices my enraged face. We all take our seats and class is about to begin.

"Treeza..." I think to myself.

"I NEED TO FIND THAT MAN".