Martin had been running most of the night, and just as he was about to fall asleep he heard a chime. He opened his eyes and in front of him was a translucent screen.
~NOTIFICATION~
[Daily Quest
Meditation, 1hr - Incomplete (0/60)
Drink Water, 1 L - Incomplete (0/1.0)
Run, 100km - Incomplete (0/100)
Push-ups, 100 - Incomplete (0/100)
Sit-ups, 100 - Incomplete (0/100)]
~ Failure to complete this quest will result in a penalty.~
"I guess I will start with the meditation," Martin said and closed his eyes. He heard footsteps approaching. In his mind, he woke up to see who it was. His body did not comply until the person gently kicked him awake. Martin woke and stared at this short man with long brunette hair. He knelt in front of Martin and stared right back at him.
"It seems he doesn't recognize me." the man said looking at two average size men.
"You promise me a growth spurt, you promise him hair on his head. In fact, you promise everyone here something. We are here to collect, I can see a scar on your chest. You did the ritual, now grant our wishes." The man said with an accent, more people surrounded Martin.
"I guess the apple always falls closer to the tree," Martin said to himself, he thought of what to say to the men. The men walked closer tightening the circle.
"Gentlemen, the ritual worked. You are not the only ones I owe favors. Right now I am going to Hawthorn Higherland for Blue Hawthorns. I will need it for some of the favors I was talking about." Martin sat up and said, he showed them his map.
"So you did not forget, you remember us?" the man said looking at his colleagues.
"Of course, I did not forget, I remember you. Eerm." Martin said tapping his forehead.
"Shole," the man said assisting the man with his name.
"No, that's not it," Martin said still tapping his head.
"Manik," the man said, this time with a smile.
"That's it, ironically I forgot the name I wanted to remember," Martin said and shook his hand. Martin did not know any of them but pretended to. He knew they would not like it he told them the truth. They would have not believed him.
He had the habit of denying a first name. People turn to test others to see if they are lying or not. Martin learned this the hard way. Everyone has at least two names. He did not know Manik's name. He expected Manik to give him a false name to test him so he ignored the first name.
"Fine, we will escort you to Hawthorn, and wait for you beneath the highlands. When you are done then you fulfill our request.
They did as they said and escorted Martin to Hawthorn. They let Martin continue the rest of the journey up the hill alone. After hours he got there.
"Welcome traveler, what brings you to our town? We have some beautiful sites if you would like to visit." a young woman said.
"This place sounds worse than it was," Martin thought and followed the woman.
As he followed the woman he remembered what the fruit seller told him. He immediately stopped talking as he followed her he saw a blue hawthorn. He pulled one from the ground and the woman turned around.
"Give it back" the woman repeated, her voice turned growly voice. It got worse the more she repeated herself. As she approached Martin he stepped back. Her iris darkened and her pupils glowed bright red.