Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 111: Kaine & Miriam's Legacy

"Perfect timing!" Thalia greeted with a bright smile as Daisuke approached the counter. "I just got done updating your guild card—congrats on the promotion; you've definitely earned it."

"Thanks," Daisuke replied, whisking the license away in his inventory.

Thalia observed him in amazement, her cheeks flushed as she nervously met his gaze before glancing away. "Um, I heard there's a chance you might be leaving Wonderelle soon?" she murmured, fingers fidgeting with the edge of her shirt.

"Yeah... at some point."

Thalia's heart sank at his confirmation, but she maintained a composed expression. "Before you go... would you be willing to accompany me in visiting my foster parent's grave? It's not far, just on the outskirts of town. But lately, there have been reports of bandits lurking along the road to the cemetery."

"Alright," Daisuke nodded, his thoughts drifting to his own mother's grave, which he knew could use some attention and fresh flowers.

"R-Really?!" Thalia exclaimed.

"Sure, you've helped me out a lot; it's the least I can do."

"Thank you so much!"

Daisuke turned, offering a casual wave as he made his exit. From the back of his clothes, Zephyr's head popped out, his paw pointing at his own eyes before swiveling to Thalia, conveying a clear "I'm watching you" gesture.

Thalia's expression settled into a poker face. "This isn't going to be easy, is it?"

***

As they traveled, Daisuke kept the Eye of Verity active, casually scanning for hidden treasures. Meanwhile, Zephyr was busy terrorizing the local monster population, which consisted solely of low-level monsters.

An open landscape stretched endlessly, a tapestry of rolling hills and lush meadows dotted with wildflowers. A gentle breeze rippled through the tall grass, creating waves that shimmered under the warm sun.

In the distance, a crystal-clear river wound its way through the valley, reflecting the sky's brilliant blue. The tranquility was only broken by the distant calls of birds, adding a harmonious melody to the serene vista.

The evenings had become noticeably chillier, but the daytime remained pleasantly comfortable. It was the season for farmers to harvest their crops in preparation for winter. But instead of being hard at work doing just that, Daisuke and Zephyr came across an elderly man nervously clutching a scythe, seemingly on the hunt for something.

"What's the deal with that scythe?" Daisuke murmured to Zephyr. "Is he an adventurer or something?"

Zephyr cocked his head curiously.

"No, I think he's a farmer, but the nearest wheatfield is at least a mile away."

Moved by the kindness he'd experienced from the Robinsons, Daisuke felt compelled to assist the elderly man. As he approached, he raised his hands in a gesture of peace, ensuring the supposed farmer knew he meant no harm.

"Hey, gramps," Daisuke called out. "Is everything alright?"

The man's eyes darted from Zephyr to Daisuke before he raised his scythe threateningly. "M-Monsters!"

Daisuke raised his hands in a calming gesture and took a cautious step back. "Easy now," he said soothingly. "I'm not here to cause any trouble. "My name is Haxks, and I'm not a monster. This is Zephyr," he gestured at the pup. "He's harmless."

The old man obviously wasn't buying it. "Of course a monster would say that," he accused. "You're obviously some kind of bloodsucking shapeshifter wearing human skin. My skin isn't as firm as it used to be, so why waste your time on an old man?"