The decision didn't take long this time.
Osric took the E-Rank mission that made the most sense to him right now.
{ Venomfang Snake Nest Eradication }
Monster: Venomfang Snake (F)
Objective: Kill all the Venomfang Snakes inside their nest.
Scout Report: 15-20 snakes in the area, they are venomous, extremely agile, small and usually don't attack together
Reward: 85 Copper
'The Venomfang Snake is the only F-Rank monster I haven't faced yet.'
'I heard that if it wasn't for their venom, they would be the least threatening F-Rank.'
Osric knew to be cautious of their venom and numbers but he was still confident.
'This is my chance to test both my swordsmanship and poison tolerance.'
On his way to the inn that was recommended to him, he stopped at a shop to buy an antidote just to be safe, unlike last time with the Forest Creepers.
Osric paid 30 copper for it.
While being annoyed at having spent so much money, he arrived at the inn.
It was much bigger and well kept than the one he stayed at in Lowbrook.
When he entered, Osric was surprised by how lively it was.
There were a couple dozen people sitting, eating, drinking and chatting.
A waiter approached Osric and asked if he wanted to sit at a table and buy something or rent a room.
'I guess I can try their food first.'
Osric sat down and ordered the cheapest warm meal. It cost 10 copper, which was 3 more than at the old inn.
But once he started eating, Osric was satisfied and couldn't complain.
Once he paid and was about to ask for a room, he was approached by an older gentleman.
"Are you the kid that Franklin mentioned?"
Osric was surprised.
'How did he know when Franklin is still in his office?'
"Yes I am."
"Good. I got a letter from one of his helper boys. That guy sure has a lot of people doing his errands."
'His network reaches further than I thought.'
"Come with me kid. I will show you your room. It will cost you 7 copper a night. It's one of our smallest rooms but it is clean and has what you need."
Osric paid the 7 copper and settled into his new room.
'It's the same size as the other one but much cleaner and the mattress is more comfortable.'
He then put his money pouch on the small desk at the wall.
'How much do I have left?'
2 Silver, 40 Copper.
'Damn. I had over 3 silver not too long ago.'
After thinking about how he would approach tomorrow, Osric spent the rest of the day doing light exercises and purchasing a new bag that was big, easy to carry and could be washed off blood.
It cost him 23 copper.
Osric was still happy with his decision to buy it.
He was now fully prepared for tomorrow's mission.
'Venomfang Snakes are incredibly profitable and easy to carry. As long as I am fit enough to walk well after killing them all, I should be able to fit all their corpses in my bag and sell them for a lot of money.'
Whether the system would reward him for this mission was unclear, but Osric would be satisfied either way.
__
31.12.312 (CR)
As soon as Osric woke up, he prepared everything he needed to start his mission.
After checking his iron sword and dagger, he was ready.
Osric left the inn just after sunrise.
The streets were colder than usual. The last day of the year carried a dry winter air that bit at his lungs.
He adjusted the strap of his new bag across his shoulder and walked toward the eastern gate of Ashbrook.
No hesitation.
No second thoughts.
This mission was simple.
Venomfang Snakes nested in shallow forest depressions and abandoned burrows. They preferred dense undergrowth and loose soil where they could retreat quickly.
Small.
Fast.
Venomous.
But fragile.
Osric reached the gate, showed his mission slip, and stepped outside the city walls.
The forest greeted him with stillness.
Winter had stripped most leaves from the trees, but thick brush still covered the lower ground. Frost clung to exposed roots and fallen branches.
He slowed his pace.
Venomfang Snakes relied on ambush.
They didn't charge.
They waited.
Osric moved carefully now, eyes scanning the ground instead of the trees.
Broken twigs.
Disturbed soil.
Thin drag marks.
He crouched.
There.
A narrow trail cutting through frost.
Fresh.
He followed it for several minutes until the terrain dipped slightly.
The air shifted.
He could smell something faint.
Rot.
Venom.
Decay.
Osric stopped at the edge of a shallow depression partially hidden by dead brush.
He didn't step closer.
He listened.
Nothing at first.
Then—
A soft, almost imperceptible rustling beneath the leaves.
Another.
Opposite side.
Osric's grip tightened around his sword.
'15 to 20.'
The scout report had said they usually didn't attack together.
Usually.
A thin shape slid into view from beneath the frost-covered brush.
Greenish scales.
Narrow head.
Sharp fangs.
Yellow eyes.
Its tongue flicked toward him.
Another movement to his right.
And another behind him.
Osric exhaled slowly.
'They're not alone.'
The ground itself seemed to breathe.
More rustling.
More shifting.
More bodies.
This wasn't a nest of fifteen.
It was far more.
Osric adjusted his stance.
The first snake lunged.
And the forest erupted.