Death Valley

Redridge Wastelands, east.

A slight figure sped across a barren expanse of dull yellow. Even the weeds grew sparsely here. Only Kobolds ventured into the area; even Goblins found it too desolate. An Iron Mine and a copper mine stood on opposite sides of the wasteland, keeping it from falling into complete ruin, while a few towns dotted the outskirts. The eastern Gobi Desert was not far away, but the terrain meant that even desert Trade routes passed it by.

Ugly Monkey surveyed his surroundings, then quickened his pace.

Most people used some form of transport for long journeys, but Ugly Monkey had an odd habit: wherever he went, he preferred to travel on his own two feet. As a Rogue, he believed it was the best way to stay hidden. He was small and thin, and no match for others his age in strength, but his Dexterity and endurance far surpassed theirs. He had always believed there was a trace of Halfling blood in his ancestry. That would explain why he was short and why his feet were wider and thicker than other people's.

Ugly Monkey had come here on a mission.

A skilled Rogue from Port Nyanzaru, Ugly Monkey had remarkable talent for his profession. His fighting ability had improved tremendously during the expedition to Falling Leaf City and the war against the Orcs. Though still a newly trained Rogue, he had completed every scouting assignment, claimed twenty-seven kills, and was on the verge of joining the ranks of frontline Rogues. His merits had already earned him a place in Port Nyanzaru's intelligence network, where he could have taken a more comfortable post.

But he found that work too easy.

At heart, he was still a young man hungry for adventure. He was convinced he would one day