Free Web NovelChapter 16: The Jester’s Ring
Gabriel rested, clenching his fists.
For the first time in a long while, the path ahead was clear. He needed real power over his own actions.
He had no intention of being just a pawn dragged along by quests, factions, or other people’s tragedies.
He returned to the village with his inventory full of materials obtained after hours of hunting wolves. He had lost track of time in that training field, but the results were fruitful.
A notification flashed in his mind as he walked:
[You have leveled up to Level 10!]
[New skill unlocked: Shadow Illusion]
Description: Allows you to unconsciously blend with shadows and your surroundings, making you less perceptible to eyes and senses. The effect intensifies in darkness or poorly lit environments.
Gabriel read it carefully. It was perfect for what was coming.
The first thing he did upon arriving at the village was get rid of everything unnecessary. He went from shop to shop, checking prices and haggling with NPCs and players.
He sold gray wolf pelts, fangs, wolf ears, and the equipment left by the players he had eliminated. Every transaction added up.
In the end, he accumulated a considerable amount of silver and copper coins, enough to feel comfortable for several days.
While walking, he noticed his dark cloak: damp, dirty, and worn out from combat.
It was time to update his outfit as he continued venturing into increasingly dangerous quests. Motivated, he spent the next hour upgrading his gear.
He visited the best armor shop available for beginners and chose carefully. He acquired a dark brown water-resistant upper garment, perfect for rainy nights.
Underneath, a light iron plate armor that protected his torso and shoulders without sacrificing mobility.
Reinforced leather boots with non-slip soles and better grip.
His agility ring sat firmly on his left hand.
Finally, a new balanced and sharp one-handed axe, which he hid in a special holder attached to his cloak.
When he finished, he observed his reflection carefully. He no longer looked like a disheveled beginner. He was still discreet, but now carried presence.
He almost shed a tear, forcing it back into place. He had spent most of his money, as if making a deal with Lucifer himself.
But he felt proud.
The sky had darkened completely. Torches illuminated the streets with flickering lights.
The funeral procession had ended hours ago; only traces of tears remained on the damp earth of the square. Gabriel took a deep breath, put on the Jester’s Mask, and headed toward the Abandoned Church with absolute stealth.
He avoided the main streets, moving through alleys and low rooftops.
His new skill, Shadow Illusion, helped him blend into the dark areas. But he couldn’t maintain it indefinitely.
Strangely, he noticed more activity near the church. Hooded and masked figures moved discreetly toward the main entrance.
Some wore dark robes, others more elegant attire.
When he observed the suspicious movement, his quest updated:
[Chain Quest Completed: Investigate the Abandoned Church!]
[Reward: Dark Jester’s Ring (Rare)]
________________
[New Quest: Infiltration into the Secret Order]
Objective: Infiltrate the Secret Order and discover their activities inside the Abandoned Church.
Warning: High difficulty. Possible permanent consequences.
________________
Gabriel was starting to get used to it. It was another strange quest, with very complex elements for his level.
Even so, he didn’t falter.
He acted with almost excessive confidence. He took out the Dark Jester’s Ring—a matte black band with a small eternally smiling face, and slipped it onto his finger.
He reached the exterior of the abandoned church. The stone was crumbling, reinforced with crude repairs. A tall doorman wearing a ghost mask looked him up and down.
"Ring!" he demanded in a cold, raspy voice.
Gabriel extended his hand without saying a word. The dim light made the ring gleam.
The doorman examined it for several eternal seconds, then nodded.
"Welcome, brother."
The ancient gate opened with a deep creak. Gabriel entered.
The interior was completely different from what he had imagined from outside. The surroundings were dimly lit, casting dancing shadows.
The air smelled of incense and burnt wax.
A dozen men wearing different masks waited in silence; most were animal masks, but there were also demons and skulls.
Some whispered among themselves, others remained motionless, almost in a trance.
The atmosphere was solemn, charged with a disturbing fervor.
Gabriel tried to remain unnoticeable, standing beside a pillar. No one spoke to him.
He took the opportunity to observe and memorize, mentally mapping possible exits.
His heart beat strongly, but his posture remained firm. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Suddenly, loud footsteps echoed from the back. A tall man approached wearing a black and gold serpent mask that gleamed under the moonlight. frёewebηovel.cѳm
His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic. He headed straight for Gabriel.
"What’s wrong, kid? You look a bit threatening," he said in a soft but amused voice.
"I’ve never seen you around here before."
Gabriel lifted his chin slightly and replied with cold courtesy:
"I’m new."
The man with the serpent mask stared at him for a few seconds. Then he extended his hand. Gabriel shook it with controlled strength.
The grip was firm, almost a challenge.
"Good handshake," the masked man praised.
"Most newcomers tremble. You don’t. It’s fascinating in a way... What’s your name, brother?"
"Jester," Gabriel replied without hesitation.
"Jester... interesting. Welcome to the Order, Jester. Here we don’t ask unnecessary questions. We only serve."
Before Gabriel could respond, an absolute silence fell over the room. All conversations ceased.
The braziers seemed to dim. From inside the church, a figure emerged slowly.
It was the leader for that night.
Tall, wrapped in a black robe with silver edges, he wore a mask representing an eclipsed sun: half gold, half black.
His presence was overwhelming. Everyone present slightly bowed their heads in respect. Gabriel imitated the gesture precisely.
The leader raised a hand and began to speak in a deep, resonant voice.
"Brothers... tonight the veil thins once again. The sacrifices of the weak feed the awakening... Soon, what sleeps beneath these walls will claim what belongs to it."
Gabriel felt a shiver run down his spine. The leader’s words fit perfectly with what Dan had mentioned and the forum rumors.
The veil, the rituals, and the forbidden.
While the leader continued his speech, Gabriel discreetly activated Shadow Illusion. His figure became slightly blurrier at the edges, blending better with the pillar’s gloom.
He listened attentively to every word, analyzing possible meanings and dangers.
He felt the gaze of the serpent-masked man on him.
Outside, the night was deep and silent. Inside, Gabriel had just crossed a line he might not be able to return from easily.
But he had no intention of backing down.
He had never thought of backing down.
